1. China Lights
ALL WEEKEND | BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS
The China Lights are back once again, and this year it’s celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Beyond the lanterns, there will also be live music and performances, as well as food for purchase. Get tickets here.
2. Prelude to a Kiss: A Musical
ALL WEEKEND | SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
It’s opening weekend for the world premiere of this musical based on a hit romantic comedy. The story follows a couple that is approached by a guest at their wedding, testing the boundaries of their true love. The show runs through Oct. 19. Get tickets here.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Near West Fest
FRIDAY FROM 4-10 P.M. | DAVIDSON PARK, 3725 W. JUNEAU AVE.
Free admission at this new event gives you the chance to enjoy food trucks, live music, a screening of The Little Mermaid at dusk, a taste of Molson Coors’ Near West Side 10 Year Beer and more. Find more information on the Near West Side’s website.
4. Stories of Strength – Honoring Black Milwaukeeans
SATURDAY FROM 10-11:30 A.M. | FOREST HOME CEMETERY
Explore historic Forest Home Cemetery while learning about the rich history of Black Milwaukeeans buried there who helped shape this city. A guide will take you on the 1.5-mile walk tour, where you’ll learn about people like Ardie and Wilbur Halyward, who co-founded Columbia Savings & Loan to finance loans for Black Families, or Matilda and Louis Hughes, the couple behind St. Mark AME Church.
5. Milwaukee Comic Con
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M.-4:30 P.M. | WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK EXPO HALL
Get geeky at this annual celebration of all things comics. There will be over 350 tables of artists, creators, vendors and more to to check out. Plus, admission is free for kids 12 and under!
6. Taco & Margs Crawl
SATURDAY AT NOON OR 2 P.M. | BEGINS AT BROTHERS BAR & GRILL
Try a variety of tacos while you sip margs at bars throughout Milwaukee’s downtown. A general admission ticket gets you taco and margarita specials, while a VIP ticket gets you free tacos at over four venues, margarita tastings and an early entry at noon. Get tickets here.
7. Shorewood Feast
SATURDAY FROM NOON-9 P.M. | 4200-4400 BLOCKS OF OAKLAND AVENUE
This is the fifth year of this Shorewood tradition, and the family-friendly food-lovers event will have food vendors, artisans and live music, including a performance from Best of Milwaukee Readers’ Choice winner Trapper Schoepp. Plus, there will be a kid zone with face painting, a rockwall, balloon creations and more.
8. Milwaukee Minifest
SATURDAY FROM 5:30-11:45 P.M. | SHANK HALL
Shank Hall is turning into a festival ground this weekend for this cavalcade of local and touring musicians, visual artists and more. Performing acts include Betsy Ade & The Well-Known Strangers, Michael Murphy and Nick Kitchen.
9. High Fashion Showcase
SATURDAY FROM 5:30-11 P.M. | WANTABLE CAFE
Enjoy Milwaukee Fashion Week in style with this night showcasing distinct looks from local designers. This cafe will turn into a runway, with looks on display from designers including Cassandra Stutzman, Mishka and more.
10. Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival
SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-8 P.M. | PARADE: 20th AND OKLAHOMA; FESTIVAL: UMOS Center
This year, Milwaukee’s Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival is celebrating 50 years! Kick off the day with the parade at 10 a.m., which runs east on Oklahoma, then north on Sixth Street before ending at the UMOS Center on Chase Avenue. The festival starts there and goes through 8 p.m. – you’ll find a carnival, live music, food vendors and more.
11. Fashion Fest MKE
SUNDAY FROM 12-6 P.M. | BAYSHORE
This free festival celebrates the fashion industry in Milwaukee. Bayshore will be full of fashion vendors showing off their designs alongside food trucks and a kid’s area. The fest will also include two fashion shows – one at 2 p.m. and one at 4 p.m.
12. Bridal & Wedding Expo
SUNDAY FROM 1:30-5 P.M. | BAIRD CENTER
Are you tying the knot soon? This expo will help you find what you need for the big day. The event will bring local venues, bands, gownmakers and other wedding pros to the Baird Center for you to check out.
