MILWAUKEE — Looking for the best things to do in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin this weekend? From colorful Día de los Muertos celebrations and glowing Chinese lanterns to Halloween adventures, Broadway musicals, intimate theater and the Jonas Brothers, here are Sandy Maxx’s top picks for October 30 through November 1.
Cultural Celebrations
Día de los Muertos Community Celebration
Saturday, October 31, Walker’s Point Center for the Arts, Milwaukee
Celebrate Día de los Muertos through Mexican art, culture and traditions honoring loved ones who have died. Walker’s Point Center for the Arts invites visitors to explore 16 community ofrendas, create corn husk flowers, try printmaking, enjoy poetry and participate in family art activities. The free celebration is part of the center’s 34th annual Día de los Muertos exhibition, on display through December 4.
Milwaukee Art Museum Community Ofrenda and Mariposas
Saturday, October 31, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee
Butterflies, marigolds and memories come together for a free Día de los Muertos experience at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Visit the community ofrenda honoring ancestors, create butterfly-inspired art during the Mariposas activity and add the name of someone special to a tissue-paper marigold in a colorful tribute to loved ones.
Latino Family Expo and Festival
Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., South Division High School, Milwaukee
Celebrate Latino culture and community with live music, traditional dance, cultural exhibits and a Día de los Muertos display. Families can enjoy indoor trick-or-treating and a piñata party, while adults explore health, employment, housing and other community resources during this family-friendly celebration.
China Lights
Friday-Sunday, October 30-November 1, Boerner Botanical Gardens, Hales Corners
It’s the final weekend to experience one of southeastern Wisconsin’s most spectacular nighttime attractions! China Lights transforms Boerner Botanical Gardens into a glowing wonderland featuring 40 enormous handcrafted lantern displays inspired by Chinese art, animals and folklore. Live cultural entertainment, folk art and acrobatic performances add to this colorful celebration of creativity and tradition.
Halloween Events
Hallowings
Friday-Sunday, October 30-November 1, Gazebo Park and Historic Downtown Greendale, Greendale
Historic Downtown Greendale glows with hundreds of illuminated pumpkins, spooky kites, music, food and family Halloween fun during Hallowings. Try pumpkin bowling and gourd golf, watch Pumpkin Chunkin’ Saturday at 11 a.m. at JC Park, and return Sunday for the 2:30 p.m. Halloween Parade and 3:15 p.m. Costume Contest. Special attractions include professional pumpkin carvers, Egnitor the Wizard and a replica of the famous Ghostbusters Ecto-1 car. Admission is free.
Scarecrow Lane
Saturday, October 31, Retzer Nature Center, Waukesha
Retzer Nature Center’s Scarecrow Lane features creative, handmade scarecrows displayed in a beautiful natural setting. It’s a family-friendly way to celebrate the season without the frights of a haunted house, with nature trails and outdoor scenery adding to the autumn experience.
Wauwatosa Harvest Fest
Saturday, October 31, Noon-5 p.m., Hart Park, Wauwatosa
Celebrate Halloween afternoon with a family-friendly fall festival at Hart Park. Children can enjoy a free Kids Zone, trick-or-treating and face painting, while horse rides, food trucks, local vendors and live entertainment make this a fun outdoor destination for families.
Halloween Hunt
Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m.-Noon, Downtown West Allis, West Allis
Little ghosts and goblins can get an early start on Halloween during the Downtown West Allis Halloween Hunt. More than 20 businesses and organizations welcome trick-or-treaters ages 12 and younger for a walkable morning of candy collecting and community fun.
Two Brothers One Mind Adult Halloween Comedy, Magic and Burlesque Show
Friday and Saturday, October 30-31, Brumder Mansion, Milwaukee
Comedy, magic, burlesque and a historic mansion with a haunted reputation! Milwaukee’s Two Brothers One Mind present an adults-only Halloween variety show combining illusions, laughter and theatrical performances inside the atmospheric Brumder Mansion. The Gothic surroundings make this an especially unusual Halloween night out.
A Very Spooktacular Halloween Show
Saturday, October 31, Interchange Theater, Milwaukee
Halloween gets humorous and unpredictable with an evening of live improv comedy at Interchange Theater. Performers create scenes and surprises inspired by audience suggestions, with costumes and Halloween energy adding to the unscripted fun.
On Stage
Doctor Faustus Lights the Lights
Friday-Sunday, October 30-November 1, Calvary Presbyterian Church, Milwaukee
Wisconsin Classic Stage presents an unusual theatrical experience inspired by experimental writer Gertrude Stein. Doctor Faustus Lights the Lights blends opera, poetry, theater, live music and visual art inside a historic Milwaukee church. The intimate production takes place in continuous light, without blackouts or intermission, creating an immersive experience unlike conventional theater.
Footloose
Saturday and Sunday, October 31-November 1, Ellen and Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater at Milwaukee Rep, Milwaukee
Last weekend to see the Milwaukee Rep’s production of the beloved 1980s story of music, rebellion and the power of dance to the stage. Follow Ren McCormack as he challenges a small town’s ban on dancing, with a soundtrack featuring “Footloose,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and “Almost Paradise.”
Instructions for a Séance
Saturday and Sunday, October 31-November 1, Herro-Franke Studio Theater at Milwaukee Rep, Milwaukee
Halloween weekend is a fitting time to summon the spirit of Harry Houdini! Writer-performer Katie Bender combines storytelling, illusion and personal reflection in an intimate one-woman theatrical experience exploring magic, grief, memory and the mysteries of spiritualism. Houdini’s childhood connection to Milwaukee adds a local twist to this fascinating production.
Witch
Through Sunday, November 22, American Players Theatre, Spring Green
The Devil comes calling in this darkly funny theatrical exploration of temptation, faith and the price of getting what you want. Witch combines supernatural intrigue, sharp humor and contemporary questions about human nature, making it a particularly timely choice for Halloween weekend and a scenic fall trip to Spring Green.
Go Dog Go! / Ve Perro ¡Ve!
Saturday and Sunday, October 31-November 1, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, Milwaukee
Final weekend to see First Stage bring the beloved children’s book Go, Dog. Go! to life in a colorful, bilingual theatrical adventure. Performed in English and Spanish, this playful production features imaginative dogs, music and stories of friendship and community, making it a welcoming introduction to live theater for young audiences.
Clyde’s
Saturday and Sunday, October 31-November 1, Waukesha Civic Theatre, Waukesha
Can the perfect sandwich change someone’s life? In Clyde’s, a group of formerly incarcerated employees working in a truck-stop sandwich shop discover unexpected opportunities for friendship, creativity and second chances. This contemporary play combines sharp humor, workplace drama and heartfelt storytelling.
Live Music
Jonas Brothers: The Burning Up Tour All Over Again
Sunday, November 1, Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
Get ready to burn up with the Jonas Brothers as their Burning Up Tour All Over Again arrives at Fiserv Forum. The pop trio celebrates their career with fan favorites spanning their early Disney Channel years through their more recent hits, bringing nostalgia, sing-alongs and a major arena concert to Milwaukee to close out the weekend. Also, based on their Instagram posts, keep an eye out for them at Holler House, Bay View Bowl, Falcon Bowl or another of our local historic bowling centers.
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.
