1. ‘Visual Legacies’
THROUGH MAY 24 | HAGGERTY MUSEUM OF ART
Celebrate Black History Month by viewing Black history at this exhibition. From the 1930s to the ’70s, Ellie Lee Weems photographed portraits and scenes of an African American community in Jacksonville, Florida, creating a fascinating document of daily life.
2. ‘December 7, 1941-February 22, 2025’
THROUGH FEB. 22 | HAWTHORN CONTEMPORARY
Kevin Miyazaki’s exhibition at Hawthorn Contemporary is personal. The art in multiple mediums is an homage to his grandfather, who was sent to a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Miyazaki, who is also a frequent MilMag contributor, creates space for viewers to confront the darker sides of American history during the war.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
3. re: Craft & Relic Winter Market
FEB. 1-2 | MKE COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX
More than 160 booths set up shop for this winter market with vendors from across the Midwest. Art, knitwear, hand-poured candles, home decor, apparel, furniture and more are among the mix of curated collections. There will also be live music, food trucks and a happy hour both days.
4. The Snowbirds Book Talk
FEB. 4 | BOSWELL BOOK CO.
Do you ever fantasize about fleeing Wisconsin winters for Palm Springs? That’s what the protagonists of The Snowbirds by Wisco author Christina Clancy do. The couple join a quirky condo community – and then one of them goes missing. Clancy will discuss the new novel at Boswell.
5. Winter Quilt Show
FEB. 8 | WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR PARK
It’s the coziest art exhibition of the year! Pieced, appliqued and embellished quilts will be on display at this textile extravaganza.
6. Hand Embroidery Workshop
FEB. 12 | MEQUON PUBLIC MARKET
Take your first steps toward learning how to embroider in this beginner-friendly, Valentine’s-themed workshop. Materials are included in the $45 ticket price, and you can take home your basic embroidery supplies.
7. Hippo Campus
FEB. 12 | THE RIVERSIDE THEATRE
This indie rock band from St. Paul is fresh off the release of their latest album, Flood. The band will bring its emotional ballads and playful bops to the Riverside for this high-energy show.
8. Disney on Ice
FEB. 13-17 | FISERV FORUM
Mickey and Minnie Mouse host this evening of entertainment, and they’ll be joined by other beloved Disney characters like Moana, Elsa, Belle and more. The performance showcases acrobatic ice skating with the tunes from popular Disney soundtracks.
9. Candlelight Concert
FEB. 14 | ST. JAMES 1868
Spend Valentine’s Day in the stunning, candle-lit St. James 1868 venue. The Listeso String Quartet will perform a mix of romantic classics like “La Vie En Rose,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “My Heart Will Go On” and more.
10. Cedarburg’s Winter Festival
FEB. 15-16 | DOWNTOWN CEDARBURG
Barrel racing, ice carving, music and more make this blustery extravaganza worth braving the cold temperatures. One of the highlights of this annual festival is the “bed races,” in which costumed racers glide repurposed beds across an ice rink.
11. Dirty Dancing
FEB. 16 | UIHLEIN HALL
It’s the summer of 1963, and Baby just met Johnny in this beloved ’80s flick. See the digitally remastered film on the big screen while a live band performs the movie’s soundtrack in concert at the Marcus Center.
12. Maple Tapping Workshop
FEB. 16 AND 22 | WEHR NATURE CENTER
Yes, there will be pancakes – but first you’ll learn how to harvest syrup from experts. The sugar makers will show you how to identify a suitable tree, the tools and tricks of drilling and tapping, how to safely boil sap, and the process of storing syrup. Then pour some on a stack of pancakes and enjoy!
13. Solas
FEB. 20 | VIVARIUM
The Boston Globe describes this American band as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced.” Solas is on its 30th anniversary tour and will be bringing its love for the traditional sound of Ireland to the stage of one of Milwaukee’s newest music venues.
14. ‘C’eci est une Pipe: A Pipeline from X Through Z’
FEB. 21-MARCH 30 | REAL TINSEL
Ten artists – five from Gen X and five from Gen Z – will fill this fine art gallery with installations representing the two generations, such as vinyl albums made by prompting AI with generational stereotypes. There will also be two panel discussions examining what it means to be a member of each generation.
16. Comic Con
FEB. 22 | WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK
Wisconsin’s biggest comic book convention brings writers, illustrators, collectibles and more to the exhibition hall. Looking to cosplay? Consider entering the contest.
17. Mama Tried
FEB. 22-23 | EAGLES BALLROOM
Bikers come from across the region for this invitational. Check out the hundreds of motorcycles on display throughout the weekend. And on Feb. 21, a day before Mama Tried, the organizers host Flat Out Friday bike races in Fiserv Forum.
18. Milwaukee Auto Show
FEB. 22-MARCH 2 | BAIRD CENTER
Luxury sports cars, restored classics, tricked-out customs and more are on display at this annual auto show. Get behind the wheel of the car of your dreams without the pressure of a sales rep hounding you.
19. Baconfest
FEB. 23 | POTAWATOMI CASINO HOTEL
Bacon, as you might imagine, is the main attraction at this tasting tour. There will be bacon sliced, wrapped, sprinkled, stuffed and much more in dozens of dishes, including bacon rice crispy treats.
