MILWAUKEE — Looking for the best things to do in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin this weekend? From citywide architecture tours and contemporary art to live music, theater, documentary films, motorsports and plenty of Oktoberfest celebrations, here are Sandy Maxx’s top picks for September 24 through September 27.
Architecture
Doors Open Milwaukee
Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, citywide locations, Milwaukee
You get free access to explore nearly 200 historic buildings, theaters, museums, churches, businesses and other hidden architectural gems. Create your own self guided tour of Milwaukee area landmarks and spaces not usually open to the public.
Arts
In/Between
Now through September 27, Racine County locations, Racine
The Racine Art Museum presents a new multi-arts festival featuring exhibitions, installations, performances, talks, workshops, wellness activities and social events. Saturday night features the Craft & Draft: A Night of Makers event at the RAM Wustum location.
Bay View Gallery Night
Friday, September 25, Bay View neighborhood, Milwaukee
Stroll Bay View galleries, restaurants, shops and neighborhood spaces become temporary art destinations. Meet local artists, hear live music, enjoy food and drinks, and explore one of Milwaukee’s most creative neighborhoods.
Live Music
They Might Be Giants
Thursday and Friday, September 24 and 25, The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee & Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, The Barrymore Theatre, Madison
Quirky, cool and incredibly prolific songwriters John and John of They Might Be Giants perform two nights in Milwaukee, then two nights in Madison – with all shows poised to sell out. Each evening features a different first set, followed by music from across the band’s catalog, including deep cuts, familiar favorites and improvisation.
Riverwest Jazz Fest
Friday, September 25, Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts, Bar Centro, Diaspora and Club Timbuktu in the Riverwest neighborhood, Milwaukee
Riverwest Jazz Fest brings Milwaukee musicians together at several local venues for a free night of jazz and creative music beginning at 6 p.m. The lineup includes Milwaukee Jazz Institute student ensembles and the Ben Dameron Quartet.
Luke Bryan
Saturday, September 26, Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy
Country superstar and American Idol judge Luke Bryan brings his live show to Alpine Valley Music Theatre. Squeeze out one more summer outdoor vibe while singing along to his biggest hits like “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”.
512: The Selena Experience: Still Dreaming of You Tour
Saturday, September 26, South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, South Milwaukee
This family friendly tribute show celebrates the music and legacy of Selena. Lead singer Evelyn Molina performs Selena’s greatest hits in a high energy production.
On Stage
Lend Me a Tenor
Closing weekend through Sunday, September 27, Sunset Playhouse, Elm Grove
Sunset Playhouse closes its run of this fast moving comedy about mistaken identities and backstage chaos at an opera house. The farce follows an unconscious tenor, a frantic assistant and two people wearing identical costumes.
Gypsy: A Musical Fable
September 25 through October 18, Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee
Skylight Music Theatre opens its new season with one of Broadway’s most celebrated musicals. Gypsy follows an ambitious stage mother and her daughters as vaudeville begins to fade, with a live orchestra and a large cast bringing the story to life.
Footloose
September 23 through November 1, Ellen and Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Rep brings the popular 1980s film to the stage with high energy choreography and familiar songs from the hit soundtrack. The story follows a teenager who challenges a small town’s ban on dancing and rock music.
Mamma Mia!
September 22 through 27, Marcus Performing Arts Center, Milwaukee
Mamma Mia! features the timeless music of ABBA alongside a story about family, friendship, romance and identity. The feel good musical includes favorites such as “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All.”
On Screen
Dialogues Documentary Festival
September 24 through 27, Downer and Oriental Theatres, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Film presents four days of over 30 documentaries exploring artists, communities, current issues and some strange-but-true stories. Many screenings include filmmaker conversations, expert panels or audience talkbacks.
Full Throttle Experiences
Wide Open Wisconsin: Full Throttle Fest
September 25 through 27, Washington County Fair Park, West Bend
Wide Open Wisconsin features motocross freestyle shows, snowmobile grass drag racing and vintage snowmobiles, motorcycle stunt shows and remote control truck demonstrations. Expect high-energy fun with live music, food, camping and over 120 powersports vendors.
Throttle Breaking Fest
Sunday, September 27, Harley Davidson Museum, Milwaukee
Uniquely Wisconsin
Warrens Cranberry Festival
September 25 through 27, festival grounds, Warrens
The Warrens Cranberry Festival celebrates Wisconsin’s cranberry growing heritage with marsh walking tours, a Sunday parade, the Biggest Berry Contest, a cranberry pancake breakfast, live entertainment and a fire department fish fry. Visitors can also explore hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, flea market booths, farmers market vendors and food booths.
Oh So Many Oktoberfests
Ninth Annual Oktoberfest of Greater Racine
September 24 through 27, Franksville Craft Beer Garden, Franksville
Enjoy live music, more than 30 craft beers, food trucks, spanferkel, stein hoisting, Hammerschlagen and family activities. Admission is free.
Oktoberfest U.S.A.
September 24 through 27, Oktoberfest grounds, La Crosse
La Crosse’s annual celebration features the Torchlight Parade, Tapping of the Golden Keg, Lederhosen Games, the Maple Leaf Parade, live music, food, carnival rides and fireworks. Sunday includes family activities and free admission.
Milwaukee’s Original Oktoberfest
September 25 through 27, Old Heidelberg Park and Bavarian Bierhaus, Glendale
The Bavarian Bierhaus brings German food, beer, polka music and traditional Oktoberfest activities to Glendale. The three day celebration includes free admission on Sunday.
Waukesha Oktoberfest
Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26, Frame Park, Waukesha
Waukesha Oktoberfest features German music, food, stein holding competitions, Hammerschlagen, children’s activities, a best dressed contest and a laser light show. Admission is free.
German Hunsrucker Oktoberfest
Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, Dheinsville Historic Park, Germantown
This traditional German celebration includes music, dancing, food, beer and family activities. Saturday features a Dachshund Dash, while Sunday includes a car show. Admission and parking are free.
Appleton Oktoberfest
September 25 through 27, downtown Appleton, Appleton
Appleton’s Oktoberfest combines German food, live music, beer and street festival energy with long standing community traditions. It is one of Wisconsin’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations outside the Milwaukee area.
MADACC Barktoberfest
Saturday, September 26, Estabrook Park in Milwaukee
MADACC Barktoberfest offers fall festival fun for pet lovers while supporting animal welfare. The dog friendly event includes adoptable animals and activities for people who want to include their four legged family members. Enjoy a fun run, local vendors, dog themed activities, t-shirt tie-dying, pint glass painting, and more.
Keep up with culture and creativity in Wisconsin and around the world with “What’s On Tap with Sandy Maxx” weekdays at 6 p.m. on WTMJ.
