1. ‘Still and All’
CLOSES NOV. 8 | THE SUBURBAN
An iPhone case of duct tape crafted by late-night legend David Letterman is at the center of this art exhibition, which also includes an uncanny bust of the host. The exhibition is open by appointment only.
2. Trinket Swap + Market
NOV. 2 | STORY HILL FIREHOUSE
One person’s trinket is another’s treasure. Exchange figurines, crystals and other tiny items at this meet-up. Local vendors will also be selling vintage clothing and handmade goods.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Jeff Tweedy
NOV. 5 | PABST THEATER
The Wilco frontman’s new solo album, Twilight Override, is a monsoon of introspective music about joy, darkness and keeping on. He’ll unfurl these songs with support from Liam Kazar.
4. ‘Looking Forward: New Gifts of Art’
NOV. 7-FEB. 15 | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
While the Milwaukee Art Museum celebrates its longstanding core works, this exhibition heralds the newest arrivals of its collection, including recent and promised gifts representing a wider range of artistic voices.
5. re:Craft & Relic Holiday Market
NOV. 8-9 | MILWAUKEE COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX, FRANKLIN
’Tis already the season for holiday shopping. This massive seasonal market, promising over 160 makers, vintage curators, boutiques and more, will help you get a head start.
6. Maker Faire
NOV. 8-9 | DISCOVERY WORLD
Love tinkering, tooling, experimenting and creating? An internationally based family-friendly expo gives attendees the chance to meet fellow makers and share their contraptions.
7. Speed-PuzzlePalooza
NOV. 8 | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY, MITCHELL STREET BRANCH
Put your jigsaw puzzle skills to the test in this low-stakes competition. Groups of up to four are given two hours, 500 pieces, and free tea and hot chocolate to keep them going. Competitors and non-competitors alike are also welcome to bring their gently used puzzles and join a jigsaw swap.
8. Murder Girl
NOV. 14-30 | BROADWAY THEATRE CENTER
Tagged as a “Northwoods Supper Club Holiday Whodunit,” this comedy from Wisconsin playwright Heidi Armbruster (Scarecrow) unravels a mystery that appears when a supper club waitress drops a bombshell.
9. Dav Pilkey
NOV. 16 | RIVERSIDE THEATER
Your little ones might’ve read Dog Man, Captain Underpants, or one of the other many comic-style children’s books by Dav Pilkey. This event includes a visual presentation, a live-drawing session, a comic-creation station and plenty of giveaways.
10. Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
NOV. 20-JAN. 1 | DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE
There’s nothing like Downtown strung with dazzling holiday lights. Check out the sights at Cathedral Square and Pere Marquette parks and Zeidler Union Square, and take a tally of the giant artistic ornaments you see on your way.
11. Handel’s Messiah
NOV. 21-23 | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER
Few choral moments are as iconic as Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus, and fewer have directed it as much as guest conductor Nicholas McGegan. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s holiday classic returns for the Symphony Chorus’ 50th anniversary.
12. Wheel of Fortune Live
NOV. 21 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Here’s your chance to give the long-running game show a spin. While it’s not the real wheel, the touring show replicates the TV experience, with audience members randomly selected to compete for trips and cash prizes.
13. Holiday Folk Fair International
NOV. 21-23 | STATE FAIR PARK EXPO CENTER
Dozens of cultures from around the globe come together to share food, art and tradition at this 82nd annual festival. This year’s theme is traditional music, featuring performances that emphasize cultural identity.
14. Echoes of Hope
NOV. 22-23 | DANCEWORKS MKE
As part of the Violins of Hope residency, dancers at Danceworks MKE will perform new works that “embody stories of humanity through the lens of the Holocaust,” with the Wisconsin Intergenerational Orchestra.
15. Domes’ Holiday Show
NOV. 22-JAN. 4 | MITCHELL PARK DOMES
The leaves outside may be gone, but the Floral Dome is still awash in color this most wonderful time of the year. Expect a decked-out tree, holiday decorations and plenty of poinsettias.
16. MOWA Members’ Show
NOV. 22-JAN. 11 | MUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART
Catch a glimpse of your creative compatriots at this annual exhibition showcasing over 200 works by Wisconsin artists. Sculptures, paintings, photographs, drawings and more will be displayed salon style.
17. Turkey Trot
NOV. 27 | DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE
For some, it’s not Thanksgiving without running a few miles first. If that’s you, this Downtown 5K and 8K will do the trick, with a Cranky Al’s doughnut waiting at the finish line.
18. Scream Out Bingo Loco
NOV. 2 | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
It’s like bingo, but a rave. In addition to the titular game and bold prizes, the night promises dance battles, lip-syncs, booze, flashing lights and confetti drops.
