The Weekend Preview is brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Get there this weekend!
Don't miss out on the action. Subscribe to get the OnMilwaukee Weekend Preview before everyone else. Delivered every Thursday.
It's a weekend to celebrate everything that makes Milwaukee special! While we're celebrating Milwaukee Day with the Biggest 414 Day Party at the Harley-Davidson Museum on Monday, there's plenty to do this weekend to get things started. From standup comedy to the Bucks and Admirals in action, or finding your next favorite band in concert, you can make your plans for the weekend with the Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!
FRIDAY
Jim Gaffigan at the Riverside Theater
Jim Gaffigan is a seven-time Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, two-time New York Times best-selling author, three-time Emmy-winning top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling recording artist. He is known around the world for his unique brand of humor, which largely revolves around his observations on life. His 11th special, The Skinny, is out now on Hulu.
More Info
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
Partner Pick
Spring Gallery Night
Gallery Night MKE – Milwaukee’s original gallery hop event – unites the city through art. Experience the vast creative culture in MKE while you discover local galleries, art, and artists.
Event Info
Play Date with Art: Blooming Market at Milwaukee Art Museum
It’s never too early to learn to love art! Construct a colorful basketful of paper fruits and vegetables that are perfect for imaginative play. Then, join in the sing-alongs at 10:15 and 10:50 a.m. This monthly program is designed especially for visitors ages five and under (with an adult).
Event Info
Matt Matthews at Pabst Theater
Matt Mathews is a stand-up comedian, social media star, multi-award-winning boudoir photographer, and the host of the hit podcast Real Talk with Matt Mathews. Widely known and celebrated for his relatability and situational humor, Matt discusses a variety of topics and personal experiences, including his daily life of living on a farm and growing up as a gay man in Alabama.
Event Info
Banda El Recodo, Banda Machos, Banda Los Recoditos, Banda Maguey at The Rave
The '90s Banda Tour will bring four all-star regional Mexican acts to one stage at The Rave on Friday night! Check out appearances from Banda El Recodo, Banda Machos, Banda Los Recoditos, and Banda Maguey!
Event Info
While She Sleeps, Bury Tomorrow, Vended at The Rave
British metalcore band While She Sleeps are set to headline their way across North America this spring. Bury Tomorrow and Vended will also be on the bill. Turn things up!
Event Info
Tres Souls at Latino Arts, Inc.
Latino Arts is thrilled to have Tres Souls back at Latino Arts for a special Spring performance! For the last decade Rocio Mendoza, Roberto Carlos, and Jesus Martinez have serenaded audiences in LA and beyond, with their own interpretations of Bolero music.
Event Info
Michael Glabicki and Dirk Miller of Rusted Root at Vivarium
It was 30+ years ago that Michael Glabicki dropped out of college to start a band. At that time he had no idea what he was going to do or how to get there. Glabicki spent two years learning how to write songs and create a vision. Rusted Root was then born. On Friday, he'll come to the East Side as a solo act.
Event Info
Mount Eerie & Alan Sparhawk at Turner Hall Ballroom
Singer/songwriters Mount Eerie and Alan Sparhawk will take the stage at Turner Hall Ballroom on Friday night. Both prolific, skilled musicians will captivate you with their delivery onstage and profound songwriting.
Event Info
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!
Event Info
Danny Diamond and Brian Mille at Celtic MKE
Minnesota-based duo Danny Diamond (formerly of Slow Moving Clouds, Swan Lake/Loch na hEala, and Mórga) & Brian Miller (Bua, The Lost Forty) bring together two of the top Irish folk/traditional musicians in the US. Their soulful and compelling live performances run the gamut from romantic waltzes to tearaway reels, punctuated by impeccable arrangements of newly unearthed traditional songs.
Event Info
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.
Event Info
Cloakroom, Overhand, So Zuppy at Cactus Club
Indiana band Cloakroom released their last album “Dissolution Wave” into the world on January 28th, 2022, commemorating their 10th anniversary as a band. The trio spent the months that followed embarking on a number of tours, growing together as a cohesive unit and pushing the boundaries of what could be accomplished in a short amount of time together. They'll be joined by Milwaukee bands Overhand and So Zuppy at Cactus Club.
Event Info
Peppers and Pineapples, WURK, Spare Change Trio at Falcon Hall
It's a night full of music at Falcon Hall in Riverwest, with the high-energy, genre-blending sounds of Peppers and Pineapples, the funky beats of Wurk, and the smooth grooves of Spare Change Trio.
Event Info
Corky Siegel at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Corky Siegel is known internationally as one of the worlds great blues harmonica players, blues pianist, singer-songwriter, creator of Chamber Blues and the sole pioneer/composer of award-winning revolutionary works that weave blues and classical forms together.
Event Info
Bongripper, Exploders, Nicholas Elert at X-Ray Arcade
Bongripper is an instrumental doom metal band from Chicago, Illinois, known for their incredibly heavy and atmospheric sound. They formed in 2006 and have since become cult favorites in the underground metal scene. Their style blends ultra-sludgy doom with a sense of crushing heaviness, often stretching songs to epic lengths.
Event Info
SATURDAY
We Them One's Comedy Tour hosted by Mike Epps at Fiserv Forum
With comedy heavyweights featured on the bill, this tour promises to be a game-changer, with Mike Epps hosting the night. Epps, known for his roles in "Friday," “Sparkle,” “Jumping the Broom” and the hilarious Netflix situation comedy, "The Upshaws," Epps guarantees a night of relentless laughter, delivering his signature style to the audience all night!
Get more info
Milwaukee Admirals vs. Chicago Wolves
The Milwaukee Admirals' regular season is winding down, and as the team makes a push for the Calder Cup playoffs, they'll have to face a bitter rival in the Chicago Wolves in the first of two games at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena this weekend.
Event Info
Partner Pick
The Power of Music at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center
Award-winning Midwest Vocal Express and Forward Harmony barbershop choruses team up with the 2019 world champion quartet Signature and young singers from Arrowhead (Hartland, WI) and Burlington (WI) High Schools for an unforgettable evening of high-energy entertainment.
Event Info
Metro Market Artist Showcase at Metro Market State Street
Experience the fusion of art, spirit and creativity at our next Artist Showcase event. Discover a specially selected collection of artwork from Greenwood Park Gallery curated by Fred Robinson. Explore the intentional craftsmanship of Melissa Blue Muhammad’s healing jewelry. And witness Zakia Wells create a live painting.
Event Info
Science Lab Saturday: Explore Green Architecture at Discovery World
Explore innovative solutions like green roofs, rainwater collection, and solar power to make your home eco-friendly. Learn how expert architects design buildings that not only benefit people but also protect our planet. Get inspired by cutting-edge ideas and apply your newfound knowledge to create your very own sustainable structure.
Event Info
414 Day Celebration at 3rd Street Market Hall
Head to 3rd Street Market Hall on Saturday for 414 Day, a celebration of all things local, culture, and community at 3rd Street Market Hall! This event will bring together Milwaukee vendors, creators, and businesses, featuring a mix of exclusive drops, live music, great food, and good vibes all in one place.
Event Info
Partner Pick
Ex Fabula StoryStretch Workshop
Looking to sharpen your storytelling skills? This workshop is for you!
Stretch your storytelling muscles with this guided, interactive training covering the nuance of the craft; led by our experienced coaches! Refine, shape, and share your stories with confidence. Space is limited.
Event Info
Spanish Dreams and Dances at Bradley Symphony Center
Festival City Symphony ends its Saturday Classics season with a performance to delight the senses, featuring the vibrant flavors, colors, and dances of Spain. Emmanuel Chabrier’s España Rhapsody will open the concert, capturing the essence of Spanish vitality. Maurice Ravel’s Alborada del Gracioso will follow with its playful melodies, and Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol will dazzle the audience with its vivid portrayal of Spanish folk themes.
Event Info
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.
Event Info
Wheatus, Rematch, Breakup Tour at X-Ray Arcade
Teenage years may be fleeting, but it seems ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ is for life, as Wheatus’ debut single popped up yet again in 2022, making itself known in a way never seen before in the form of a TikTok trend. So it’s been a busy couple of years for Wheatus. They continue to spend as much time as possible on the road, both for headline shows and as a support act.
Event Info
Phat Phunktion, Mama Digdown's Brass Band at Vivarium
Get ready for a funky double header at Vivarium with Phat Phunktion and Mama Digdown's Brass Band on the East Side on Saturday night!
Event Info
Rivers Run Deep: 50th Anniversary of the Lao and Hmong Refugee Diaspora at Cactus Club
SapSap is proud to present “Rivers Run Deep,” a commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of Laotians arriving in the United States. This milestone will be celebrated alongside the Lao New Year festivities. The event will focus on the profound cultural contributions of the Laotian and Hmong communities, particularly within Milwaukee.
Event Info
Sensual Daydreams Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Oriental Theatre
It's the longest running screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in the world! Doors open at 11. Costumes are encouraged! Carry-in food, drinks, and props are not allowed. Merch will be available for purchase prior to the performance including survival kits, t-shirts, and even some limited edition items!
Event Info
Tom Neilson at Linneman's
An evening of music, satire, and social commentary with Tom Neilson, a Massachusetts singer-songwriter and activist, to benefit Veterans for Peace Milwaukee. Neilson provides a voice for those who believe in the power of folk music to effect change.
Event Info
SUNDAY
Milwaukee Admirals vs. Rockford Ice Hogs
The Admirals host their final Sunday home game before the playoffs on Sunday, when they'll take on the Rockford Ice Hogs. It's also Roscoe's Birthday!
Event Info
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Detroit Pistons
The Bucks are back in action on Sunday, and they'll take on the Detroit Pistons in the final home game of the 2024-25 season. The Bucks have already clinched a playoff spot, but you can cheer them on as they wrap up the season!
Event Info
QWERTYfest Zine Release and Type-In at Cork Wine Bar
QWERTYFEST MKE, the 3-day festival celebrating the invention of the typewriter in Milwaukee 150+ years ago, will host a type-in and zine release of The Qwerty Quarterly #8 on Sunday at Cork Wine Bar, 1039 S. 5th St., from 3 to 5 p.m. Type, shop, drink, snack. Free!
Event Info
Milwaukee Makers Market at Discovery World
Milwaukee Makers Market is a celebration of the city’s creators and our local community. Find 45+ small businesses and an incredible plethora of artisanal, hand-crafted, local products.
Event Info
414 Day Market at Zocalo Food Park
414Flea is a community-driven market celebrating local creatives, small businesses, and artists. Their events featuring over 40 unique vendors, food trucks, and a live DJ, creating an energetic atmosphere for all. Focusing on affordability, quality, and fostering connection, our markets provide a welcoming space for people to shop, mingle, and experience the best of local culture.
Event Info
414 Day Kickback at Elevate MKE
The 3rd Annual 414 Day Kickback is back, bringing all the energy, culture, and hometown pride to the city. Throw on your flyest MKE fit and pull up for an afternoon of good vibes, dope people, and nonstop fun. We’re talking beats by DJ Nu Stylez, games, and drinks to keep the party going.
Event Info
Kid Boogie Down at The Cooperage
The Kid Boogie Down brings its family friendly fun to The Cooperage for a very special Easter edition! Founded in Milwaukee in January 2017, Kid Boogie Down began as a full sensory family-friendly dance party experience. Primarily designed as an indoor dance party with lights, lasers, music videos and bubbles to combat winter blues, Kid Boogie Down is something enjoyable not just for kids, but for people of all ages.
Event Info
Milwaukee's Best Bloody at State Fair Park
The Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation’s (GLHF) 13th annual Milwaukee’s Best Bloody will be held Sunday at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Attendees can sample the best Bloody Marys the Milwaukee area has to offer. Bars and restaurants enjoy the opportunity to give back in a fun, unique way while showcasing their signature mixes and garnish.
Event Info
Sam Morrill: The Errors Tour at Pabst Theater
Sam Morril is one of the fastest-rising stand-up comics in New York City and one of the best joke writers in the scene today. He was a regular on Comedy Central’s This Week at the Comedy Cellar, where he appeared frequently when not touring cities across the nation.
Event Info
Special Needs Swim at 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).
Event Info
Gaines & Wagoner, The New Stellanovas at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Chris Wagoner and Mary Gaines have been in-demand private instructors, session musicians and performers in the Midwest for over three decades with tours spanning the US and Europe. Together and separately, they are founding members of several of Wisconsin’s favorite musical groups, past and present.
Event Info
The Criticals, The Keystones, Alley Eyes at Cactus Club
Nashville-based indie rockers The Criticals are making their way to Bay View, and they'll bring the energy on a Sunday night. Their welcoming party will be Milwaukee bands The Keystones and Alley Eyes. Don't miss it!
Event Info
Giallo, Blood Stained Concrete, World I Hate, Sex Scenes, Instrusive Thought at X-Ray Arcade
Minneapolis hardcore band Giallo are coming to Milwaukee alongside Los Angeles punks Blood Stained Concrete. See them Sunday at X-Ray Arcade, when they play alongside Milwaukee bands World I Hate, Sex Scenes, and Chicago's Intrusive Thought.
Event Info
ALL WEEKEND LONG
Milwaukee Tattoo Festival at Baird Center
Experience a tattoo festival unlike any tattoo event you have ever attended. The Milwaukee Tattoo Festival offers a selection of over 200 of the best artists from all over the world right here in Milwaukee for three days of tattooing, art making, merch selling, and much more.
More info
Espejos: Clean at Milwaukee Repertory Theater
The lives of two women with vastly different life experiences intersect at a resort in Cancún. Adriana manages the housekeeping staff and a world away from the home she left. Sarah, the sister of the bride and the self-declared disaster of the family is just trying to keep it together at this destination wedding. A torrential downpour forces the women together, and through a series of misunderstandings breaks open the secrets both women have taught themselves to ignore. A bilingual play with Spanish and English supertitles, “Espejos: Clean” is a potent look at isolation and the power of being seen.
Event Info
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.
Event Info
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.
Event Info
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.
Event Info
Al Madrigal at Milwaukee Improv
He’s performed stand-up multiple times on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Conan. His first one hour special, "Why Is The Rabbit Crying?" premiered on Comedy Central and was named one of the top 10 comedy specials of that year by both Westword and The Village Voice.
Event Info
Daniel Van Kirk at The Laughing Tap
You've seen and heard Daniel Van Kirk on Bob's Burgers, Comedy Central, Apple TV and more! Now you can see his standup in person this weekend at The Laughing Tap.
Event Info
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.
Event Info
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
