11 Things To Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: March 24-26
Originally published on Milwaukee Magazine 3/23/231. Big Balloon Build
ALL WEEKEND | COVENANT HARBOR
Take a stroll through a different kind of “great outdoors” at this weekend’s Big Balloon Build in Lake Geneva. Dozens of talented balloon artists are building balloon-based vignettes with an outdoor theme. Tens of thousands of balloons will be used in the event, with all proceeds going to Inspiration Ministries. The all-weekend event kicks off on Friday night with a night of comedy, then rolls into a Saturday afternoon Easter-themed visit before capping things off on Sunday.
2. House of Rad One Year Anniversary Party
FRIDAY FROM 5:30-11:45 P.M. | HOUSE OF RAD
Fresh off an incredibly successful makers market, The House of Rad, a creative collective in a massive old warehouse in Riverwest, is celebrating their one-year anniversary with a party this Friday. Visitors are welcome to meet the House of Rad Artist, explore the dynamic space and enjoy a potluck in celebration. There will be live music and DJs, live screen printing, fire eating and more.
3. 50 Copies of Speed on VHS
FRIDAY AT 6 P.M. | VENNTURE BREW CO.
The folks at Vennture Brew Co. have been slowly collecting VHS copies of 1994’s Speed starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. To celebrate reaching their 50th copy, they are hosting a screening of the film in their taproom. The Vennture team shares that Ben, who instigated the collection, will be autographing copies of the film. Movie-goers can enjoy new beers on tap, popcorn, and Hard Seltzer Slushies.
4. Author Reading and Q&A – The Sinister Booksellers of Bath
FRIDAY AT 6:30 P.M. | BOSWELL BOOK COMPANY
Australian author Garth Nix is coming to Boswell this Friday for a reading of his new book, The Sinister Booksellers of Bath alongside an audience Q&A. The book is a sequel to his bestselling teen fantasy book, The Left-Handed Booksellers of London. The book has been described as a “thrilling, suspenseful romp with lots of humor and romantic tension.” Make sure to snag a copy ahead of the event.
5. Drunken Improvised Musical
FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. | COMEDY SPORTZ
What happens when an improv group hits the sauce and tries to make a musical? Find out at Friday’s Drunken Improved Musical at Comedy Sportz. Guests are welcome to purchase individual tickets, or grab friends for a “Tipsy Package,” four tickets, Jell-O shots, a six pack of beer or White Claw and a handmade thank you from the cast.
6. keshi
SATURDAY AT 8 P.M. | THE RAVE/EAGLES CLUB
Bedroom-producer turned singer-songwriter, keshi, is coming to The Rave this Saturday as a part of his “Hell & Back” spring tour. The Vietnamese-American musician is known for his use of lo-fi beats that create an atmospheric and moody backdrop to his croons. Check out keshi’s debut album GABRIEL that came out in March of 2022.
7. Kathleen Madigan
FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. | PABST THEATER
Comedy legend Kathleen Madigan is performing this Friday at the Pabst Theater as a part of her “Do You Have Any Ranch?” Tour. In addition to being a traveling comic, Madigan has been featured on dozens of comedy shows including Last Comic Standing, Celebrity Poker Showdown, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien as well as her own show, Hunting Bigfoot.
8. Maple Syrup Family Day
SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M.-4 P.M. | RICHFIELD HISTORICAL PARK
Experience the sweet and sticky world of maple tapping at Maple Syrup Family Day event at the Richfield Historical Society. There will be syrup-making demos, demos of lard rendering and antique loom weaving. A pancake and sausage breakfast will be served, and attendees are welcome to explore the site’s Pioneer Homestead and Blacksmith Shop.
9. Easter Egg Hunt
SATURDAY AT 11 A.M. | HUMBOLDT PARK
The free event includes a pancake breakfast in the pavilion, followed by a Easter Bunny photo-op and then the egg hunt itself. The 73-acre park will be covered in approximately 5,000 candy-filled eggs, with different sections of the park are designated for children at different age levels.
10. Sour Fest 2023
SATURDAY FROM NOON-7 P.M. | MOBCRAFT BEER
Fans of tart and artisanal beers are heading to MobCraft this Saturday for the fifth annual Sour Fest. There will be over 25 sour beers on tap and the MobCraft crew will be celebrating the release of the star of the show, their 2023 Sour Golden Ale. If you want to dive further into the world of sours, there will be a ticketed sampling session that features 40+ beers from breweries around the city and beyond.
11. Milwaukee Half Marathon & 5K
SUNDAY 6:30 A.M.-1 P.M. | FISERV FORUM
Come rain or shine, the Milwaukee Half Marathon & 5K is making a run for it this Sunday starting at Fiserv Forum. The race trail will take participants through the beautiful views of downtown Milwaukee, including past McKinley Park, along the riverfront and down to the Lake Michigan waterfront. Grab a pair of running shoes to take part or come down to cheer on the competitors.
