11 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: Feb 24-26
1. DEGENERATE!
ALL WEEKEND | JEWISH MUSEUM MILWAUKEE
DEGENERATE! is opening at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee this weekend. The exhibit features European artworks that were deemed “degenerate” and confiscated by Nazis throughout their regime. The exhibit will show visitors how the Nazi’s cleansing of German culture – including the removal of modern art – contributed to the public indoctrination of Nazism.
2. Neil DeGrasse Tyson
FRIDAY AT 5 P.M. | THE RIVERSIDE THEATER
Neil DeGrasse Tyson is returning to Milwaukee this weekend for another astrophysical criticism of modern cinema. Tyson will be reviewing 30 films ranging from My Cousin Vinny to Shrek to discuss what they got wrong (and what they got right) about space, science and physics. Tickets to “An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies, the Sequel” are available online.
3. The Rural Alberta Advantage
FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. | SHANK HALL
The mid-aughts Canadian indie band The Rural Alberta Advantage is coming to Shank Hall as a part of their 2023 tour. In January, the trio released their latest single Plague Dogs. The band is known for writing songs with a strong sense of place, with titles like Frank, AB, Edmonton and The Dethbridge in Lethbridge. Check out the 2009 hit Don’t Haunt This Place, from their album “Hometowns.”
4. Luenell
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | MILWAUKEE IMPROV
The iconic “Original Bad Girl of Comedy” is coming to the cream city for a two night double set at Milwaukee Improv. Luenell has a 30-year career in comedy– touring live and performing on screen, including roles in Borat, Block Party, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and dozens of other titles. The veteran comic is also a regular performer at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas.
5. Pierce Street Artisan & Makers Market
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M.-5 P.M. | ANTIQUES ON PIERCE
Milwaukee’s many makers are headed to Antiques on Pierce for their biannual Pierce Street Artisan & Makers Market. According to the vintage shop, this event highlights the locally owned, hand-crafting small businesses throughout the midwest. Shoppers can browse a variety of wares including home decor, jewelry, clothing, pet supplies, specialty foods, art and more.
6. Italians, Poles & Parishes
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-1 P.M. | MILWAUKEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Ever wonder how Milwaukee’s tight ethnic neighborhoods developed? John McGivern, Father Tim Kitzke, Frank Alioto and Pat Suminski are coming together to discuss the evolution of Milwaukee’s East Side including areas like Brady Street, the Lower East Side and beyond.
7. Blac Market
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-5 P.M. | NŌ STUDIOS
Nō Studios is hosting a Black-owned creator market in collaboration with Refresh Curated Goods and Jungle Gems, two Milwaukee-based vintage curators and sellers. The market will host 20+ Black-owned shops selling a variety of goods. Food and drink will be available on site. No ticket necessary – this is a free event!
8. Winter Luau
SATURDAY FROM 1-5 P.M. | CENTRAL STANDARD DISTILLERY
If you’re a foodie mourning the loss of Iron Gate BBQ, Chef Aaron Patin will be back in the game at this weekend’s Winter Luau at Central Standard Distillery. The parking lot will transform into a pig-roast party, and a ticket will get you a plate of BBQ pulled pork, two home style sides and cornbread as well as one complimentary drink at the bar. Proceeds from the event will go to the Milwaukee Police Foundation.
9. Urban Candlelight Hike
SATURDAY FROM 5:30-8 P.M. | THREE BRIDGES PARK
Menomonee Valley’s Hank Aaron State Trail will be aglow with hundreds of candles and campfires, guiding nighttime hikers through the walking path. Afterward, there will be food trucks at Fireside Plaza, and participants can relax with a warm drink from Newline Cafe.
10. Baconfest
SUNDAY AT 11 A.M. | POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO
Over a dozen restaurants are bringing home the bacon during this Sunday’s 11th annual Baconfest. Guests can enjoy samplings of several avant-garde bacon dishes. Previous Baconfests have featured bacon nachos, bacon popcorn, bacon chocolate chip cookies, bacon cannolis and more. The first ticket session is 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and the second is from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
11. Milwaukee’s Best Bloody
SUNDAY FROM 11:30 A.M.-3 P.M. | ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER
Do you think your favorite bar has what it takes to win Milwaukee’s best bloody mary? The Italian Community Center’s 11th annual “Milwaukee’s Best Bloody” event challenges over a dozen area bars compete for best bloody in several categories including most original, most like a meal and more. Tickets include unlimited bloody sampling and appetizers, with proceeds supporting the Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation.
