1. MONDO LUCHA!
SEPT. 6 | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
This sweaty, sexy variety show of lucha libre wrestling and world-class originated in Mexico but has been a beloved Milwaukee tradition since 2008. Expect flashy spectacles, musical guests and more spandex than your mom’s favorite Jazzercise tape.
2. TosaFest
SEPT. 6-7 | DOWNTOWN WAUWATOSA
Swing by Tosa Village for some old-fashioned neighborly fun. The festival’s known for drawing great local musical acts across three stages. When you’re not rocking out, stop by one of the five beer gardens, then visit KidsFest, the food court and the vendor market.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Romance Con
SEPT. 6-7 | BAIRD CENTER
This is for bookish romantics. The two-day convention is a celebration of the genre and the readers that always say, “Just one more chapter.” There will be more than 100 authors in attendance for book signings, panel discussions and community-focused meetups
4. Xtreme Xperience
SEPT. 6-8 | MILWAUKEE MILE
Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches and more will zip around the oldest operating motor speedway in the world, and yes, you can get in one of them. About $80 buys you a ride-along experience, and for $250 you get three laps behind the wheel.
5. Trimborn Farm Harvest of Arts & Crafts
SEPT. 7-8 | TRIMBORN FARM
Thousands of people head to Greendale to peruse the work of artisans who set up shop at this former farm – it’s one of the season’s most popular markets. Save time by parking at Southridge Mall and taking the free shuttle.
6. Lawn Bowling’s National Championships
SEPT. 7-13 | LAKE PARK LAWN BOWLING CLUB
Hit the greens to see some elite lawn bowling at this outdoor competition. Men’s and women’s champions will be crowned for both singles and pairs.
7. Autumn Harvest Festival
WEEKENDS SEPT. 7-OCT. 27 | THE ELEGANT FARMER
At this annual fest, you can pick your own fruit in the apple orchard or pumpkin patch, then hop on for a tractor, pony or train ride. Elegant Farmer is known for delicious seasonal treats, so stop by the market after for a caramel apple or cider donut.
8. Shelby Van Pelt
SEPT. 8 | WATERFORD UNION HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Remarkably Bright Creatures tells the story of an aquarium janitor and her giant Pacific octopus friend. It’s Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel and a huge hit. She’ll stop by Waterford for a talk hosted by the local bookstore, Reads by the River.
9. Avril Lavigne
SEPT. 9 | AMERICAN FAMILY AMPHITHEATER
This concert is part of Avril Lavigne’s “Greatest Hits Tour,” so brush up on all her smash songs like “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi” and “Girlfriend” before you go. Plus, she’s bringing special guests Simple Plan and girlfriends.
10. Deer Tick
SEPT. 10 | VIVARIUM
With foot-stomping acoustics, sweeping vocals and a folksy alternative sound, Providence-bred four-piece Deer Tick lends itself to live performances. Expect some high-energy jam sessions with these talented musicians.
11. Milwaukee Night Market
SEPT. 11 | WEST WISCONSIN AVE
Squeeze in one last summer night in the heart of downtown at the last night market of the season. The event is a celebration of all the people and things that make Milwaukee great with tons of art, music, food and vendors.
12. 414Film
SEPT. 12 | ZÓCALO FOOD PARK
From the creators of 414Flea comes 414Film, a community-driven showcase celebrating the art of filmmaking. This is the first year for the screening, which gives priority to local filmmakers. Come hungry for Zócalo’s many options for great grub.
13. “Woven Images”
SEPT. 13-28 | KENILWORTH SQUARE EAST 3RD FLOOR GALLERY
Check out the latest hand-woven works from UWM’s Department of Art & Design. All the pieces in the showcase come from the fibers course, which teaches weaving, cloth construction, quilting, stitching basketry and more.
14. Taco Fest
SEPT. 14 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Head to the Summerfest grounds for this fiesta. Twelve taco vendors build the menu, so get ready to start comparing and find your favorite — you’ll be voting at the end. A standard ticket ($25) gets you four tacos, but VIP options up the taco count and bring margaritas into the fold.
15. Saz’s Shuttle to Lambeau
SEPT. 15 | SAZ’S STATE HOUSE
Love going to Lambeau but hate the hassle of traffic and parking? This popular shuttle steps in as your designated driver. The first home game of the season is against the Indianapolis Colts, so don your cheesehead and get ready to shout, “Go Pack Go.”
16. Fromm Petfest
SEPT. 21 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
The lakefront will transform into a paradise for pets for this event. Festivities include a costume contest, dock diving and an agility course. Most of the attractions are for pups, but cats get their own “Kitty City” located in the Summerfest store.
17. Art:Forward Gala
SEPT. 21 | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Milwaukee Art Museum is hosting a gala celebrating the work of Robert Longo. He’s an artist, filmmaker, photographer and musician who is best known for his ambitiously scaled hyper-realistic charcoal drawings. A collection of his work will be on display at MAM next month.
18. Foraging with Tavis Lynch
SEPT. 21 | GWENYN HILL FARM
Autumn is a lovely time to hike the Gwenyn Hills, and it’s also peak mushroom season. Local mycology expert Tavis Lynch literally wrote the book on mushroom cultivation, and he’ll be teaching the basics of wild edible mushroom identification before hitting the hills to forage.
19. Gold Over America Tour
SEPT. 28 | FISERV FORUM
See the most decorated gymnast in history tumble, twist and perform gravity-defying tricks at this high-flying show of athleticism. Simone Biles will team up with fellow gymnasts for a “pop concert-style spectacle” at Fiserv Forum.
20. Harvest Fair
SEPT. 27-29 | WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK
The lumberjack shows are a fan-favorite attraction at this family-friendly fall fair. Other activities include build-your-own scarecrows, pumpkin bowling and pony rides.
