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Milwaukee has so much to offer in just about every corner of the city, especially when the spring begins. If you've felt cooped up in the house, there's plenty to get you out and about, with Brewers season back in effect, plus big concerts, comedy, the Midwest Gaming Classic and more! Make your plans for the weekend with the Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!
FRIDAY
Explosions In The Sky at Turner Hall Ballroom
Explosions in the Sky is an iconic instrumental rock band from Texas that has become the gold standard for bold, emotional, cinematic music and are known for their incendiary live concerts. They’ve slowly grown from playing DIY spaces and opening for Fugazi to having headlined Radio City Music Hall, Royal Albert Hall, the Greek Theatre, and the Sydney Opera House.
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Thank Cod It's Fryday! (Updated for Lent)
The Lenten season is upon us, and if you're looking for a good fish fry, our dining editor Lori Fredrich has you covered. Find your next favorite here!
Thank Cod It's Fryrday
Cafe Con Arte: Her Colorful World at Latino Arts, Inc.
Latino Arts managing Artistic Director, Jacobo Lovo, will guide you on a gallery tour and discussion surrounding a current art exhibit! Enjoy learning more about the art, the inspiration and symbolism behind it, and the unique techniques utilized in each exhibition featured in the Latino Arts Gallery.
Family Friday Fish Fry at The New Fashioned: Wizards & Wands
Regular Fish Fry Fridays? Vanished. Fish Fry Friday with Wizards & Wands? Spellbinding. Enjoy a delicious fish fry for purchase while immersing yourself in a world of magic and surprises. Dive into the action with free HyperBowling, Dartball, and Deck Curling.
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Matt Alano-Martin and Kristin Lytie at The Laughing Tap
It's a double headliner night at The Laughintg Tap! Join as Matt Alano-Martin and Kristin Lytie take the stage for a night full of laughs.
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Partner Pick
April 4 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center Ladies of Hip Hop (LOHH) is an all-female intergenerational dance collective that creates dance works illuminating the strength, power, and diversity of women in Hip Hop. Under the direction of founder Michele Byrd-McPhee, LOHH interweaves the embodied experiences of women, creating a communal fabric that paints a picture of a more global women experience. Through their work, LOHH is reclaiming and transforming spaces, not only in the realm of dance but also within the broader cultural landscape. Get tickets Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee
Miller Brewery Beer Pairing Dinner
Enjoy an exclusive dining experience in the Historic Miller Inn and Caves on Friday from 6-8 p.m. The first beer pairing dinner was hosted in 1952 by Frederick Miller’s grandson, Frederick C. Miller. Your four-course dinner will be provided by culinary artists from Saz's Hospitality Group. Beer pairings will be facilitated by a Miller Brewery beer expert.
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April Fool's Comedy & Magic Show at Brumder Mansion
Come and have some laughs while being baffled this April Fool's Weekend at The Brumder Mansion with Comedians & Magicians Two Brothers One Mind. This special event promises an unforgettable experience, blending the mesmerizing art of magic with the infectious joy of stand-up comedy. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night, a fun outing with friends, or just an escape from the every day, this show offers something for everyone.
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Hot Like Mars, Greyhound, Undercover Organism at Vivarium
Hot Like Mars puts on a masterclass of musical patience, excellence, and enthusiasm, carefully curating their sounds into an explosive array of musical prowess. If the backbone of Motown and gospel met the psychedelic experience of the jam world, Hot Like Mars would emerge from the ashes to deliver the funk to all those fortunate enough to bear witness.
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Garrett Waite, The Stephen Hull Experience at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Deliberately shunning category and genre, Garrett's music features memorable melodies, psychedelic textures, and virtuosic improvisations. Not quite rock, not quite jazz, his compositions harken back to the fusion explorations of Return to Forever as well as songwiters like Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell, with a forward-looking approach drawing on alternative and psychedelic rock acts like Radiohead and Khruangbin.
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The French Connection: A Tribute to Daft Punk and Air at The Cooperage
The French Connection isa tribute show by the Madison-based band Steez that honors French electronic artists like Daft Punk, Justice, and Air. The French Connection is a high-energy, danceable show that celebrates the music of French electronic artists. 2 sets from the live band and a set from Lukewarm aka Wiscojazz.
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Glitzy, Rainbow Cobra, Oh Well, Ok at Linneman's
Milwaukee-based indie rockers Glitzy are celebrating the release of their new EP, "Sorted Out," and they'll do so with a release show at Linneman's in Riverwest. Don't miss an exciting night of up-and-coming music!
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Music Bingo at MOTOR Bar & Grill
If you can't get no satisfaction from your regular granny's bingo, then this is the bar game just for you! TuneMaster's live music bingo is coming to Motor Bar and Restaurant at Milwaukee's Harley-Davidson campus every Friday night!
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1984 with special guests Subspace at X-Ray Arcade
1984 brings you the best in Darkwave, Goth, Post Punk & Industrial dance music. Join Mosh Wah and Sage Schwarmm for a dance party unlike any other.
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Friday Brewery Tours at Pilot Project Brewing
Head to Pilot Project Brewing for their weekly brewery tour! Your ticket includes five 5 ounce tasters of beer and/or booch, a taster glass to take home with you, the inside scoop on the origin story of Pilot Project Brewing, and a tour of their brand new facility. Friday tours are available at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
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Guilded Cages, Apex Aura, Blue Moon Assault, Que So What at Falcon Hall
Falcon Bowl in Riverwest continues to be an emerging venue showcasing what's next in Milwaukee music. Head over on Friday night to see a quartet of young bands paving their way through the city's music landscape.
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SATURDAY
Oddities and Curiosities Expo at Baird Center
his unique expo features a diverse array of vendors, artists, and small businesses offering items such as taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror and Halloween-inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, creepy clothing, odd jewelry, animal skulls and bones, funeral collectibles, and much more. All items are legal to own and sustainably sourced, ensuring an ethical shopping experience.
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Emmylou Harris at Riverside Theater
A 14-time Grammy winner and Billboard Century Award recipient, Emmylou Harris’ contribution as a singer and songwriter spans 40 years. She has recorded more than 25 albums and has lent her talents to countless fellow artists’ recordings. In recognition ofher remarkable career, Harris was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 2018.
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Donot Stop Half Marathon
Question: Is it supposed to be "do not stop" or "donut stop"? Answer: Yes! Like Running or Walking? Love Donuts? This race is for you! Join us for the annual DoNot Stop Half Marathon, 5k/10k! A donut-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.
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Drew Lynch at Pabst Theater
Comedian and actor Drew Lynch captured the hearts of America with his Golden Buzzer performance on Season 10 of America’s Got Talent (NBC), where he finished in second place. Since then, Drew has amassed millions of followers on social media while touring the world nonstop to sold-out audiences.
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Basia Bulat at Vivarium
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Basia Bulat doesn’t live in a château. The property at the heart of the songwriter’s new studio album is at once her apartment, her jam-space, and the inside of her head. Basia’s Palaceis a place festooned with love and memory, and bad wiring; it’s a paradise that comes alive in the wee hours of the night–a time that’s suited to video games and Leonard Cohen records, when you sit in all that richness and take in all the mess we inherit.
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Local Laughs at The Laughing Tap
Celebrate Milwaukee's comedy scene! Local Laughs features some of the city's best comics including Eric Smith, AJ Grill, Connor O'Hara, and Alecia Altstaeter.
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Partner Pick
Le Freak Roller Boogie
Milwaukee’s favorite underground dance party is taking the groove to the rink! Le Freak has been bringing high-energy disco, house, and funk vibes to the city for over a decade, earning a cult following. Take the bus from Boone & Crockett to the roller rink for a wild party on four wheels!
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UHBC Anniversary Celebrewtion
It's not quite block party season, so Urban Harvest Brewing Company are blowing out the windows as they celebrate their 9th Anniversary. In what has become an Anniversary tradition, they'll be releasing PriBock, a special Maibock. Hopsitively, a Hazy IPA will be joining the party. The Gutt Truck returns to South 5th to provide a mouth-watering menu.
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Spring Market from Re:Craft and Relic
Enjoy 160+ artists, makers, creators, designers, vintage curators and pop-up boutiques, plus food trucks and live music!
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Love Is A Game at Marcus Performing Arts Center
The evening opens with a new creation set to Bon Iver’s acclaimed debut album, “For Emma, Forever Ago.” This poignant work delves into themes of isolation, loneliness, and pain, mirroring the album’s origins. Crafted during a harsh Wisconsin winter in a cabin north of Eau Claire, Justin Vernon’s deeply personal compositions recount a transformative chapter in his life, bringing a sense of raw authenticity to the stage.
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Spring Wine Tasting at The Landing at Hoyt Park
What better way to celebrate springtime in Wisconsin than sampling a glorious bounty of patio-friendly wines? You're invited to join for a casual, walk-around wine tasting in The Landing at Hoyt Park’s historic Grand Hall.
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Tophy at The Wicked Hop
Every Saturday night, Milwaukee's own Tophy curates the sounds at The Wicked Hop in the Third Ward. Join at the Jackalope Lounj for a free night of dancing to all of your favorites including throwback pop, hip hop and much more.
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Los Primos del Este, Los del North Texas, Lobos de Texas, Los Pericos del Arroyo at The Rave
An ever-expanding demand for regional Mexican music will take over The Rave on Saturday, when four bands will play the Downtown venue.
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Lil Skies, DJ Rello at The Rave
Lil Skies is known for his significant contributions to the hip-hop, trap, emo rap, and pop rap genres, Lil Skies started this journey at a young age, and after signing and leaving Atlantic Records, has gone on to develop his own internet sensation.
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Subhumans, FEA, Big Laugh at Cactus Club
Subhumans, the anarcho-punk leaders of the 1980s, are known for cutting their straight-edge message with wry humor. The U.K. collective continues trekking around the world still radiating off of 2019’s ‘Crisis Point’ LP. They'll be joined by FEA and Milwaukee's own Big Laugh.
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Scorched Waves, Gold Steps, The Keystones, Lake Drive at Falcon Hall
If it wasn't a phase for you, four Milwaukee bands are ready to take you back to the golden era of the Warped Tour. Head to Falcon Hall for a quartet of pop-punk bands that are ready to break out in their own right.
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Harlow, Convoy, The Taxmen, Lainey Lou at Cactus Club
A late-night indie rock show sees Minneapolis band Harlow take the stage at Cactus Club. A pair of Milwaukee's own will also welcome the band to Bay View.
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Infekt at Miramar Theatre
DJ and producers Infekt and Automhate are on Infekt's "Veggie Games Tour," and that includes heading to the Miramar Theatre on the East Side for a night that features six DJs hitting the turntables to keep the music pumping all night long.
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SUNDAY
ZZ Top at Riverside Theater
“That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” has been at it for well over a half-century, delivering rock, blues and boogie on the road and in the studio to millions of devoted fans. With iconography as distinctive as their sound, ZZ TOP is virtually synonymous with beards, hotrod cars, spinning guitars and that magic keychain, all of which transcend geography and language.
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Tank and the Bangas at Turner Hall Ballroom
Tank and the Bangas explore the most tender and true parts of life’s journey. Unique and with a vibrance that could only come from New Orleans, the lead vocalist, Tank has stretched her vocals over quirky raps, poetry, and rich melodies.
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Sweet Home Milwaukee 5k
Join on Sunday for the 12th annual Sweet Home Milwaukee 5k. An inclusive 5k race designed for all ages and abilities. Whether you're a local, a transplant, or a Brew City enthusiast, you're warmly welcomed. Let's celebrate our hometown + breathtaking Lakefront views.
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Partner Pick
July 10-13 The Harley-Davidson Homecoming® festival is a four-day celebration of music, moto-culture, and our hometown, Milwaukee. In 2025, we're turning up the excitement with unforgettable experiences at four iconic venues and an incredible lineup of music and entertainment. Don't miss legendary country performances by Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Jr., and more along Milwaukee's lakefront this summer. Buy tickets now
Anodyne Wedding Expo at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Join on Sunday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. as Anodyne Coffee Roasters highlight some of their Favorite Wedding Vendors. There's a Tote Bag with goodies and a complimentary glass of champagne while supplies last at the door when you RSVP.
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Special Needs Swim at The Ingleside Hotel
The Springs Water Park will offer a special swim from 4-7 p.m. on select Sundays for children and adults with special needs for just $8.50 per person. This rate is applicable for special needs individuals and up to four others (parent, siblings and/or therapist).
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Collective Outdoor Wellness Series - Hike and Meditation at Collective Flow
In the Collective Outdoor Wellness series, Forward Outdoor will do what they do best; take the community on a guided outdoor adventure (hiking), and combine it with Collective Flow’s wellness offerings (yoga, meditation, or breathwork).
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Evolve Mindful Market at The Ivy House
Evolve is a mindful market presents talented vendors with personalized approaches and a diverse range of disciplines in one place to empower you with education and inspiration for self-exploration.
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Discus, Operations, DylanWesch at Cactus Club
Indie rockers Discus from Chicago are coming up to Milwaukee. They'll be joined by Milwaukee's own Operations, as well as Chicago-based electronic act DylanWesch. End your weekend in the best way possible in Bay View.
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Mutts Gone Nuts at South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center
Imagine some of the world’s most talented 4-legged performers in a funny, comedy dog spectacular that is leaving audiences everywhere howling for more! The all-star lineup includes a 2-time World Champion Frisbee dog, a hilarious six-pound Pomeranian Pikachu mix, and a host of previously discarded dogs that will dance, prance, flip, and skip their way right into your heart.
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Keg Stand Up at Lakefront Brewery
Experience Lakefront Brewery like never before – as a comedy club. Once a month on Sunday evenings, the Beer Hall is transformed to give you an intimate show full of fresh laughs and fresh beer. The area’s top stand up comics are performing live at one of the biggest craft breweries in the state.
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STE Martaen Vegan Pop-Up at X-Ray Arcade
Your favorite vegan pop-up returns to your favorite all ages venue/bar/arcade for another epic brunch. Pre-order now or come hang out and order at the bar day-of. All your faves available for dine in or take out, and all first-come first-served!
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Mermaid Echo at Discovery World
This show connects kids with aquatic ecology in a creative way. Enjoy a spectacular performance! Watch Echo swim with underwater friends while you learn about freshwater and the creatures that call the water home.
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LA LOM at Vivarium
The Los Angeles League of Musicians, LA LOM, are an instrumental trio formed in Los Angeles in 2021. They blend the sounds of Cumbia Sonidera, 60’s soul ballads and classic romantic boleros that emanate from radios, backyard parties and dance clubs of Los Angeles with the twang of Peruvian Chicha and Bakersfield Country.
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Wishbone Breakers, Obsess Tact, Poor Ridley at Falcon Nest
Discover some great new music in an intimate setting at Falcon Bowl in Riverwest. Join on Sunday night when three bands take the stage.
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Nona Invie, Lucky Cloud, Ellie Jackson at Cactus Club
Nona Invie is a singer/composer based in Minneapolis that has worked with a range of musical projects, including Folk Americana band Dark Dark Dark, electronic trio RONiiA and the choral ensemble Anonymous Choir. Their solo work layers acoustic piano with synth instruments, creating an ethereal landscape to get lost in.
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ALL WEEKEND LONG
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinatti Reds
Welcome to baseball season! The Brewers kicked off their season on the road, and with a home opener on Monday, but they'll welcome the Cincinatti Reds to American Family Field for four games this weekend.
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Midwest Gaming Classic at Baird Center
The Midwest Gaming Classic is a 350,000+ square foot trade show featuring over 10,000 games on free play, along with over 200 vendors and over 100 industry guests! We’re the largest and longest-running all-encompassing gaming event.
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Art In Bloom at Milwaukee Art Museum
This weekend features the Milwaukee Art Museum’s celebration of spring and discover floral interpretations of favorite artworks in the galleries. This four-day event is overflowing with flowers, music, refreshments, shopping, art making, and even more special floral programs.
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Sister Act at Skylight Music Theater
Rejoice with joyful noise as Deloris Van Cartier inspires a community-in-need in more ways than anyone realizes. Sister Act will lift spirits, heal hearts, and bring copious amounts of laughter with this hit-film-turned-hit-musical.
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Partner Pick
Buyer & Cellar at Renaissance Theaterworks
Alex, an out-of-work actor, lands a bizarre gig -working in the make-believe shopping arcade located in the cellar of Barbra Streisand’s Malibu estate. He spends his days alone dusting the inventory, until one day the Lady Herself comes downstairs ready to play pretend. What follows feels like bonding in the basement but Alex longs to be invited upstairs. "Buyer & Cellar" is an irresistible comedy about the price of fame, the cost of living, and the oddest of odd jobs.
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Choices of Consequence: Denmark and the Holocaust at Milwaukee Jewish Museum
Explore "Choices of Consequence: Denmark and the Holocaust" at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee from February 14 to May 25. This exhibit, featuring powerful photos, artifacts, and personal stories, highlights how ordinary Danes saved 95% of Danish Jews through courage and resistance.
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Finding Nemo at Marcus Performing Arts Center
The beloved 2003 Pixar movie comes to life on stage, with new music by the award-winning songwriting team behind Frozen. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean.
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Kelsey Cook at Milwaukee Improv
With her quick wit and sharp observations, Kelsey Cook is a stand-up comedian who feels like your best friend. Kelsey can turn her most embarrassing moments into relatable conversation, as she tours clubs nationally and connects with her growing audience online. Kelsey’s one-hour special “The Hustler” was released on YouTube in 2023
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Parallel Play: The Art of Science
Parallel Play was created as an integral component of Marquette’s Biology class, Creative Problem Solving. This cross-disciplinary course teaches STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students to embrace divergent thinking as a path to innovative problem solving. Through art-based activities and small group interactions with artists and STEM faculty, the class emphasizes the similarities between the creative processes of scientists and artists.
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Try a new restaurant!
Regularly supporting our locally owned restaurants is among the most impactful things we can vow to do. Lori Fredrich's list of 52 Restaurants for 2025 is here!
#52Restaurants
