1. Thief Wine’s Spring Grand Tasting
FRIDAY FROM 6-8:30 P.M. | THIEF WINE SHOP & BAR
This annual spring walk-around wine tasting features over 100 distinct fine wines from around the world. You can test your palette with the wines and light hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are available now.
2. Poetry Reading
FRIDAY FROM 7-8:30 P.M. | WOODLAND PATTERN
Listen to works from Sam Wright Fairbanks, Rena Medow, CJ Scruton and Léon Pradeau at this local poetry reading. Read more about the poets and get tickets here.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Adult Skate Night
FRIDAY FROM 7-11 P.M. | STORY HILL FIREHOUSE
Dust off your skates for this adults-only skate night. There will be a full cash bar too, in case you need liquid courage to hit the ground rolling! Tickets are available online.
4. The Wildwoods
FRIDAY FROM 7:30-9:30 P.M. | SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
In an intimate performance, this folk and Americana group blends their inspirations – Watchhouse, Nickel Creek, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings – and influences to create their unique sound of intricate chord structures and emotional textures. Tickets are available now.
5. Waukesha’s Farmers Market
SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M.-NOON | 125 W. ST. PAUL AVE.
It’s that time of year! Head over to Waukesha’s Farmers Market to take your pick of the over 70 vendors of in-season fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses and other homemade goodies.
6. Free Range Art: Spring Show
SATURDAY & SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-4 P.M. | THE FREE RANGE ART SHOW FARM
This small fine art and craft show is held at a turn-of-the-century Wisconsin farm. Find your next décor piece or go-to jewelry from the show’s hand-selected artists. This event is free.
7. Inaugural Festival of Flowers
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-3 P.M. | RIVERWALK COMMONS
The Milwaukee Public Market is welcoming the warmer change of season with the debut of the Festival of Flowers. This free event features an afternoon of live music, seasonal food, drinks and a curated flower market of local growers and artisans. There will be free, family-friendly activites, too, like face- and pot-panting. The first 1,000 visitors get a free seed packet from Wild Ones.
8. Get Down & Derby Party
SATURDAY AT 1 P.M. | ON TAP BAR & RESTAURANT
This free Kentucky Derby party features an all-day DJ, drink specials, prizes, a best-dressed contest and over a dozen large-screen televisions inside and outside to watch the race. On Tap also offers an upgraded experience, which includes reserved non-patio seating, a complimentary charcuterie and crudité display, a bottle of champagne and a gift bag. Registration for this event is required.
9. Kentucky Derby Viewing
SATURDAY AT 4 P.M. | THE PFISTER HOTEL
Enjoy the horse race in the Pfister’s timeless lobby lounge if that’s more your speed. Sip on a mint julep, don a derby hat or soak in the elegant atmosphere at this derby viewing.
RELATED: WHERE TO WATCH THE KENTUCKY DERBY IN MILWAUKEE
10. Queer Prom
SATURDAY FROM 7:30-11:59 P.M. | SOUTH SECOND
Wear what makes you feel fabulous at this queer prom! Dance the night away, see spectacular drag performances, get a flash tattoo or have your photo taken in a professional photo booth. General admission includes food from Saz’s and admission to the LaCage after-party. A portion of the night’s proceeds support the Milwaukee Trans and Queer Depot.
11. Dog Man: The Musical
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
See the hilarious chronicles of Dog Man, a crime-fighting, furniture-chewing, good boy with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman. Can he defeat Flippy the cyborg fish and catch Petey the evil cat? Find out at the Marcus Performing Arts Center this weekend! Tickets are available online.
12. Falcon Flea
SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-5 P.M. | FALCON BOWL
This free market features over 30 local and regional art, vintage and handmade goods at Riverwest’s Falcon Bowl.
13. Touch of Honey Market + Music
SUNDAY FROM NOON-4 P.M. | STILL & OAK LOUNGE
Shop to the tunes of The WhiskeyBelles, sip on a specialty cocktail, snack on some food from Kegel’s Inn or just hit the dance floor. This free market’s got it all!
14. Wisconsin Bridal & Wedding Expo
SUNDAY FROM 1-5 P.M. | BAIRD CENTER
Whether you’re planning a wedding or want to get a taste of your own (literally), this bridal and wedding expo is interactive and inspiring! See beautiful dresses, sample food, sniff some flowers and dance to some tunes. Admission is free with online registration or $10 at the door.
15. Wire Wrap Workshop for Beginners
SUNDAY FROM 3-4:30 P.M. | ANGELIC ROOTS – NORTH END
Learn how to adorn a crystal in wire at this beginner’s wire wrap workshop and protect yourself from the bad vibes! Reserve your spot online.
