1. Watch USA-Bosnia at Moran’s Block Party
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
You can stay at home to watch the U.S. team take on Bosnia in its first match of the World Cup’s knockout round on Wednesday night, but … c’mon. There’s a better way, and it’s living and dying with every kick with throngs of fans at a block party in South Milwaukee. Moran’s Pub has gone all out during the first two weeks of group play, and it’s going big again for Wednesday’s big match, shutting down its block of Milwaukee Avenue for a big screen for all the USA fans. The party begins at 4 p.m., and USA-Bosnia kicks off at 7. Remember to mix in some water with the beers, my friends! 912 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee
2. Try the Smashburger at Draft & Co.
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
The smashburger at Draft & Co. (441 W. Wisconsin Ave.) lives up to the hype – a juicy, loose patty with the characteristic lacy, crisp edges spilling out of the soft, squishy bun. I’m not afraid to admit I used a knife and fork to eat it (lame, right? I just used too many napkins in on the fries and cheese curds – which were both crisp, hot and good, by the way.) This place serves several different topping creations. Mine was the Draft Smash – American cheese, caramelized onions and the tangy, creamy Draft sauce. The bar has a very summery vibe, too, with retractable glass walls, so that even when you’re seated inside, you feel like you’re outside.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
3. Watch Lakefront Fireworks on the Fourth
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
I have many fond memories of fireworks shows from my childhood – cowering in fear from the explosive noises, staring in abject terror at the drunken revelers surround me on the beach, praying that the strange horrors of the night would not emerge from the surrounding dark to end us all. Beyond that, I really enjoyed the Fourth tradition!
Sadly, for the past two years, Milwaukee County hasn’t put on its annual lakefront fireworks show due to lack of sponsorship. (Although there are still plenty of shows at local parks.) Last year, the County hosted its first drone lights show for the Fourth, and it’ll be repeating the smoke-and-boom-free fireworks alternative this year. But if you’re looking for good ol’ fashioned ooh/ahh works of fire on the lakefront, you have a different option this weekend. Summerfest will be putting on a fireworks show on the Fourth at 9:30 p.m. Thankfully, now an adult, I can enjoy it without cowering in fear – although the strange horrors of the night remain a constant threat.
4. Listen to Lorna Dune’s Sequential Dreaming
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
Heading into a momentous, sure-to-be-rocking holiday weekend, you might expect my local music recommendation to be a kick-ass party anthem. Think again! I’m looking inward and turning pensive. Sequential Dreaming by Milwaukee sound designer and music producer Lorna Dune is an ambient techno petri dish teeming with life if you look closely enough. “Synaptic Circuits” folds layers of arpeggios on top of one another in a luminous haze. “Perseids” channels early Aphex Twin with immutable hi-hats and interweaving synths that are simultaneously calm and busy. You could turn it on as background music, sure, but if you allow yourself to tune out and let the sounds blanket your brain waves, you might find peace during this hectic weekend.
