1. Catch a Bucks Game For Cheap
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Well, let’s just not talk about Saturday, shall we? It’s the thinnest of silver linings, but hey, at least it’s really Bucks season now. And this season is starting to look a lot less soul-crushing than it was shaping up to be a few weeks ago. Giannis Antetokounmpo is back from a calf injury and – no surprise – the Bucks are starting to win again. The team is a respectable 5-3 since Giannis’ return on Dec. 27, and, more importantly, the Bucks are just far more enjoyable to watch with their star on the court. I’ve been eyeing a good New Year promotion for upper-level tickets to three upcoming games at just $20.26 per, including Tuesday’s game against the Timberwolves.
2. Crochet, Knit, or Craft at Yak + Yarn
AMRITA THAKKAR, DIGITAL EDITOR
A crafter I am not, though goodness knows I’ve been trying to become one for years. Last year, I finally realized that the only way to get myself to do it is to force myself into a group setting, because can you imagine being in a room full of crafters and just sitting there? (Actually, that is how my first experience at a friend’s knitting circle was, until someone kindly showed me how to actually use a crochet hook.)
So I took up my yarn and crochet hook(s), and went off to my very first Yak + Yarn. While it can be a little intimidating to fumble your way through basic stitches while people knit beautiful sweaters and scarves, the organizers and attendees are kind, friendly folk for the most part – and almost always willing to lend a hand or some advice. Yak + Yarn isn’t limited to knitting or crocheting – you might find artists, weavers, builders, animators and more. We even had a crafting snake-owner (I was told by an organizer the snake is not usually present, if that bothers you). Yak + Yarn meets up at Midwest Sad in Walker’s Point on 1st Sundays (2 P.M.) and at the Daily Bird in Riverwest on 3rd Thursdays (7 P.M). The meetups are open to all ages, genders, crafts, and craft levels. Next meetup: The Daily Bird on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7 P.M.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Grab a Bite at Bavette La Boucherie Before They Close Forever
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
This is the last week you can experience the culinary magic that is Bavette La Boucherie (217 N. Broadway). Owner Karen Bell announced the closing plans for her Third Ward restaurant on the last day of 2025. Saturday, Jan. 17 is Bavette’s last day of service. Reservations are tough, if not impossible, to get. But those who want a last charcuterie plate, burger, pork belly banh mi or other myriad great things on the menu may have luck getting a bar seat by arriving when the restaurant opens – 11 a.m. The restaurant’s hours through Jan. 17 are 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
4. Indulge in Horchata Pancakes at Axolotl Café
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
The chilaquiles were the initial draw for my partner and me to try Axolotl Café, a buzzy new Mexican brunch spot (3001 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) that opened in Bay View two months ago. We arrived early to beat the crowd last Saturday morning, and the delicate snow falling from the bright sky made the dining room’s warm lighting that much more homey. The chilaquiles lived up to the hype: soft tortillas cooked in flavorful salsa verde, topped with mouth-watering birria and complemented with home-cooked black beans. But we had to try the much-hyped horchata pancakes, and they stole my sweet-loving heart. They were fluffy, rich and a perfect balance of sugary and cinnamon-spiced. We’re already looking forward to our next visit, and those pancakes are guaranteed to make it back to our table.
5. Explore Milwaukee’s Art Scene at Gallery Night
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
I know I’m not the most “sophisticated” guy. My idea of an upscale meal usually involves extra-large fries and a slushie. But listen, I can appreciate art! And four times every year, I have the chance to show off my appreciation ability at Gallery Night MKE. (That “showing off” mostly involves me staring at a painting or sculpture, holding an index finger to my lips and nodding pensively – works every time.)
The first Gallery Night of 2026, Jan. 16-17, opens dozens of arts destinations in the Third Ward, Walker’s Point, East Town and more for a night showcasing the vast and varied artistic pursuits going on here. Those destinations include Portrait Society Gallery, Var Gallery, Charles Allis Art Museum and many more. Besides being open late, many of these galleries also have artists on-site, discussing their work with visitors. If you’re a frequent arts patron, you probably already have plans to make the most of Gallery Night – but if you’re not, this is an ideal opportunity to dip your toe into the city’s arts scene.
