1. The Milwaukee Comedy Festival
THROUGH SUNDAY | MULTIPLE VENUES
Stop by one of the venues this weekend for some laughs, giggles and rubber chickens? This weekend is the tail- end of the 10-day event, topping off with Lara Bietz’s performance at the Lakefront Brewery on Sunday night. Visit the festivals’ website or Facebook page if you are interested in attending or purchasing advance tickets.
2. Watch the Brewers
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD AND THE DEER DISTRICT
The Brewers’ first two games of the playoffs are this weekend at home. If you don’t already have seats for the action at American Family Field, consider heading to the Deer District where there will be watch parties throughout the playoffs.
3. PridetoberFest
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Grab your dancing shoes and head to the Summerfest grounds for a weekend of drag shows, live music, fireworks and more. This new festival is a “scaled-back” version of the annual PrideFest that was canceled this summer. There are dozens of performances scheduled, so for more information about the party head to pridefest.com.
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4. The Covered Bridge Studio Tour
FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | CEDARBURG MEQUON AND PORT WASHINGTON (MAP)
This is a unique self-guided tour to connect with accomplished local artists, painters jewelists and photographers in the Milwaukee Area. The artists are members of the Cedarburg Artists Guild. The tour is completely free and is a great way to see how art is created behind the scenes.
5. Midwest Video Poetry Festival
FRIDAY AT 7 P.M. AND SATURDAY AT 8:30 P.M. | THE WOODLAND PATTERN BOOK CENTER
There will be videos, poems, translations and animations from artists in the midwest and beyond. You can join in-person or virtually. If you plan to attend at Woodland Pattern Book Center, register in advance, here.
6. Makin’ Cake Written and Performed by Dasha Kelly Hamilton
FRIDAY AT 7 P.M. | MILWAUKEE REP’S STIEMKE STUDIO
Wisconsin’s Poet Laureate is performing at the Milwaukee Rep as part of her national tour. The show is called Makin’ Cake, during which she cuts into a cake, revealing what its history and ingredients can teach us about race, class and equity in America. The show is here for one night only and tickets are $20.
7. Rigoletto at The Florentine Opera
FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M. AND SUNDAY AT 2:30 P.M. | 930 E. BURLEIGH ST.
Verdi’s masterpiece, featuring beloved pieces such as “La donna e mobile,” is showing at The Florentine Opera this weekend only. This performance marks the debut of the Florentine’s artistic advisor Francesco Milioto, previously of the Chicago Lyric Opera and the Santa Fe Opera, who will be conducting. Follow the tragic story of the hunchbacked jester Rigoletto and his daughter Gilda, who is cruelly seduced by a cold-hearted Duke.
8. Crusherfest 2021
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M. AND SUNDAY | 1101 MILWAUKEE AVE., SOUTH MILWAUKEE
Da Crusher was a local wrestler who made it big with his signature crush move over a 40-year career. Da Crusher always called Milwaukee home, no matter where his career took him. Now festivities celebrate his life and gather around a statue erected in his honor. Live wrestling, beer, brats, polka bands and famous wrestler signings are just some of the highlights. View the whole Crusherfest activity plan here.
9. Autumn Celebrations at Washington Park
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M.-2 P.M. | URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER AT WASHINGTON PARK
This Autumn Celebration includes activities for the adventurer and the fall-fun lover. There will be canoeing, biking, hiking, face painting, pumpkin carving and more. The goal is to support local businesses, eat good food and connect with nature. Registration is not required and walk-ins are welcome.
10. Barktober K9 Family Fest
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-4 P.M. | FOX RIVER PARK IN WAUKESHA
Families and their pups are invited to an event to raise support for the American Warrior Initiative’s mission to provide service dogs for local veterans. A $25 donation per family gets you access to a scavenger hung, pumpkin decorating, a bounce house, face painting, food trucks and more.
