9 Things To Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: March 10-12
Originally published in Milwaukee Magazine 3/9/231. RENT
ALL WEEKEND | WAUKESHA CIVIC THEATRE
Johnathan Larson’s famed play RENT opens this weekend at the Waukesha Civic Theatre. The story follows a group of broke artists, all with their own struggles and conflicts, as they try to make it in New York City. The story grapples with the fallout of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, death, queerness, addiction, violence, poverty and love – and all the many changes that can happen in 525,600 minutes. The show runs through March 26.
2. Celebrating Larry Basky: A Lifetime of Paintings and Prints from Wisconsin to Maine and Beyond
FRIDAY FROM 5-7 P.M. | PLYMOUTH ARTS CENTER
The Plymouth Arts Center is celebrating the life and art of painter and printmaker Larry Basky, two years after his death on March 19, 2021. The retrospective will highlight works throughout the Plymouth resident’s 50 year career. His several nature-focused prints highlight the beauty of midwestern winters, as well as the eye catching landscapes of the other cities he lived and visited. The exhibit opens with a celebration this Friday and runs through Apr. 28. All of the work will be on sale through a silent auction with proceeds going to the ALS Association of Wisconsin, Aurora at Home Hospice and the Plymouth Arts Center.
3. X-Ray Arcade Four Year Anniversary & Grand Re-Opening
FRIDAY AT 7 P.M. | X-RAY ARCADE
Cudahy’s favorite all-ages venue and arcade, X-Ray Arcade, is celebrating their fourth birthday and the end of a remodel with a party this Friday. The free, all-ages (21+ after 11 p.m.) will feature drink specials, food, games and regular guests DJs Ken Dirtnap, Mike Gamm, Wendy Norton, Ryan King, Corey Baumann, Martin Defatte, Dillon Hallen and Brad Dumville.
4. William Shatner Live – Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M. | PABST THEATER GROUP
The famous Captain James Tiberius Kirk is coming to the Cream City for a screening of fan-favorite Star Trek film, The Wrath of Khan. After the screening, Shatner will take stage to share stories of the filming of the original series, talk about the behind-the-scenes production and answer audience questions about Star Trek, T.J. Hooker and other iconic roles. V.I.P tickets are available if you want a meet-and-greet with Shatner after the show.
5. Kat Williams
FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. | MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATER
Comedian Kat Williams is becoming a Milwaukee regular. He’s back in the brew town, this time at the Miller High Life Theater, for his “2023 And Me Tour.” The standup has a 20+ year career, touring clubs across the country and gaining mass recognition. He has appeared on just about every major comic house and has his own HBO special directed by Spike Lee. Williams has built a unique brand that has developed from his character Money Mike in “Friday After Next.”
6. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
SATURDAY AT NOON | DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE
No matter the weather, the 55th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set to travel down Wisconsin Avenue and through Downtown Milwaukee. Don your favorite green clothing, add a shamrock and enjoy a green beer while watching over 100 different parade units, including Irish dance groups, pipe and drum corps and more. The parade is free and will be followed by events across the city.
7. Mystic Knot 2023 Release Party
SATURDAY FROM NOON-5 P.M. | THIRD SPACE BREWING
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Third Space Brewing is releasing their Mystic Knot beer, a barrel-aged Irish-style coffee stout. This year, the brewers took on an extra challenge to create three new variation: Mystic Caliente is inspired by the sweet and spicy sip of a Mexican Hot Chocolate, the Mystic Dude, an homage to The Big Lebowski and the classic white Russian as well as Mystic Double Shot Run, aged in both bourbon and rum barrels and steeped in espresso. Local Celtic band Derek Byrne and the Paddygrass will be performing alongside Irish dances and food options from Roll MKE.
8. Blitz Berlin: Goth Dance Party
SATURDAY AT 10 P.M. | CACTUS CLUB
Shake off some steam at the Goth Dance Party at Cactus Club. DJ Frank Straka and DJ collective Goth Barge will be playing tracks of “synth-heavy” genres like synthpop, post punk, industrial, goth, electro and more. The event is free and open to dancers 18 and up.
9. Dropkick Murphys
SATURDAY AT 8 P.M. | UW-MILWAUKEE PANTHER ARENA
The American Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys is returning to Milwaukee to celebrate Saint Paddy. This visit is a unique one – it takes place right after the Admirals-Roadrunners hockey game at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. The concert is free to attend with a ticket to the game. Want to get closer to the band? A separate on-ice pass is available.
