9 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: Jan. 6-8
Originally published on Milwaukee Magazine 1/5/22Check out a “Dry January” beverage festival, a masquerade ball and more.
1. Johnny Beehner at The Laughing Tap
ALL WEEKEND | THE LAUGHING TAP
Madison-based Johnny Beehner is recording a stand-up special this weekend at The Laughing Tap. Beehner is known for his sets that focus on the absurdity of day-to-day family life. He has had several media appearances including “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Laughs,” “Gotham Comedy Live” and “Trial By Laughter.”
2. Heathers The Musical
ALL WEEKEND | WAUKESHA CIVIC THEATRE
Heathers The Musical is taking the stage starting this weekend at the Waukesha Civic Theatre. The play follows three of Westerberg High’s most popular and envied mean girls– Heather Chandler, Heather Duke and Heather McNamara. The misfit Veronica Sawyer gets in with the Heathers all while planning their demise with her brooding boyfriend, J.D. The play runs from Jan. 6-15 and you can get your tickets online.
3. The Great American Dog Show
ALL WEEKEND | RENAISSANCE SCHAUMBURG CONVENTION CENTER
Dog lovers from across the Midwest are heading to Schaumburg, Illinois (just under an hour and a half drive from Milwaukee) for the Great American Dog Show this weekend. Dogs from over 200 breeds will be participating in judged competitions including agility, obedience and variety show tricks. Beyond the competition, guests can enjoy face paintings, live demos from veterinarians and the dog grooming expo. Visitors can attend the whole weekend or take a look at the schedule to attend their favorite breeds’ competition.
4. Soul Speed, Cosmic Endeavors and Fightin’ Bob
FRIDAY AT 9:30 P.M. | COMPANY BREWING
Milwaukee bands Soul Speed, Cosmic Endeavors and Fightin’ Bob are sharing the stage this Friday at Company Brewing for a night of musical mashups. Go for the soul/funk/prog tunes and stay for the newly tapped “Thousandfold,” a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout.
5. N/A Day: A “Dry January” Beverage Festival
SATURDAY FROM NOON-4 P.M. | THE COOPERAGE
The “Dry January” Beverage Festival is a great way to become acquainted with the best N/A brews from local and national brands. A ticket ($20 pre-order or $30 at the door) gets you unlimited samples of drinks from Lagunitas, Athletic Brewing Co., Stella Artois, Lakefront Brewery and several other vendors. WMSE DJ Christreater will be spinning records, and guests can buy favorite libations to take home.
6. Cross Country Skiing For Beginners
SATURDAY FROM 1-3 P.M. | HUBBARD PARK
Is “getting outdoors more” on your 2023 New Year’s resolution list? Learn how to cross country ski along the Milwaukee River this weekend. The folks at the Urban Ecology Center are providing the ski boots, skis, poles and instruction for this two-hour course. Once you’re comfortable with the sport, you can rent equipment from the UEC to have your own snowy-season adventures.
7. Goblin King Masquerade Ball
SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
Immerse yourself in the fantastical world of the cult movie Labyrinth at this Saturday’s Goblin King Masquerade Ball. Party-goers can enjoy live performances from the Goblin King Players, exclusive photo-ops and on-theme cocktails and mocktails. Make sure to don your very best garb – guests with casual clothing will not be admitted.
8. Love Tempo
SATURDAY AT 9 P.M. | PROMISES BAR
Love Tempo’s DJ Brian Small and David Arnevik are spinning all your favorite disco, boogie, Italo-disco, and ‘80s R&B hits this weekend at the Walker’s Point bar, Promises. The free set starts at nine and runs until bar close so party goers can quite literally dance the night way.
9. Tarot & Tea
SUNDAY AT 6 P.M. | MATERIA MAGICKA COOPERATIVE
Milwaukee’s newest Magickal Cooperative is starting the new year with a tarot class hosted by Tres Ojos. All skill levels are welcome to develop their tarot-reading skills through collaborative feedback and exercises. Guests are also welcome to enjoy some tea and shop the metaphysical supply store.
