MILWAUKEE — Looking for the best things to do in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin this weekend? From model trains and Dolly Parton’s music performed by a symphony orchestra to world-class ballet, Wisconsin singer-songwriters, comedy and unique art experiences, here are Sandy Maxx’s top picks for November 6 through November 8.
Live Music
Community Concert Series: Local Songwriter Showcase
Friday, November 6, 7 p.m., West Performing Arts Center, New Berlin
Enjoy music performed by four Wisconsin-connected singer-songwriters as Myles Wangerin, JJ Eckl, Ryan McIntyre and Lisa Ridgely take the stage for an intimate concert. The performance launches the 2026-27 Community Concert Series.
Play Your Part
Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m.-6:20 p.m., Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, Brookfield
Some of southeastern Wisconsin’s most talented young musicians take center stage during a free day of performances by Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra ensembles. Enjoy everything from classical music by the Metropolitan Symphony, Senior Symphony, Sinfonia and Philharmonia to Caribbean rhythms from the Calypso and Soca Steel Bands and jazz from the Bronzeville Jazz Ensemble. Admission and parking are free, with no registration required.
Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony
Friday-Sunday, November 6-8, Bradley Symphony Center, Milwaukee
Dolly Parton’s legendary songwriting gets the symphonic treatment in a musical celebration of one of country music’s most beloved artists. Hear familiar Dolly favorites performed with a full orchestra while discovering the stories and inspiration behind the songs that have made her an American music icon.
Better Than Ezra with Brett Newski
Saturday, November 7, The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
Alternative rock favorites Better Than Ezra bring their melodic, guitar-driven sound to Milwaukee with Wisconsin singer-songwriter Brett Newski opening the show. Expect longtime fan favorites and newer music from the band, whose distinctive sound helped define 1990s alternative rock. Newski adds a hometown connection with his energetic songwriting and performances.
Family Experiences
Family Free Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Saturday, November 7, Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee
Enjoy a family adventure at the Milwaukee County Zoo without paying admission! Visit animals from around the world and explore the zoo’s exhibits during this special free-admission day. Parking and regular attraction fees still apply.
Trainfest 2026
Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Baird Center, Milwaukee
All aboard for America’s largest operating model railroad show! Trainfest fills Milwaukee’s Baird Center with over 50 operating model train displays, detailed miniature landscapes and railroad exhibits. Meet manufacturers, browse model train supplies and collectibles, and discover hands-on activities for the whole family. Young visitors can even enjoy a free train ride during this two-day celebration of model railroading.
Art and Culture
Northern Lights
Friday, November 6, 7 p.m., UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium, Milwaukee
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the aurora borealis without traveling north! UWM’s Manfred Olson Planetarium explores the science behind the northern lights, explaining how solar activity creates colorful displays in Earth’s atmosphere. Immersive visuals projected across the planetarium dome bring this natural phenomenon to life.
Feed Your Soul
Friday, November 6, House of RAD, Milwaukee
Art meets philanthropy during Feed Your Soul, a creative celebration featuring work from approximately 80 Milwaukee-area artists. Browse original artwork, experience installations and live art-making, and participate in an energetic art auction. Proceeds support Community Advocates and its work helping Milwaukee residents facing homelessness and domestic violence.
The Great Junk Hunt
Friday and Saturday, November 6-7, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis
Treasure hunters, vintage lovers and creative shoppers can explore a huge marketplace filled with antiques, repurposed furniture, collectibles, handmade goods and seasonal decorations. The Great Junk Hunt brings together vendors and makers offering one-of-a-kind finds, with food, drinks and imaginative displays adding to the shopping experience.
Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books
Friday and Saturday, November 6-7, Carroll University, Waukesha
Book lovers and aspiring writers can celebrate the written word during the 17th annual Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books. Meet more than 50 authors, browse books for sale and attend readings, panel discussions, signings and writing workshops. Friday’s programming includes writing contest awards and a keynote from Wisconsin native Edward Underhill, author of The In-Between Bookstore, The House of Now and Then and young adult novels.
Keys to Kenosha
Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Various historic and cultural sites, Kenosha
Go behind doors that aren’t always open to the public during this free, self-guided architectural and cultural adventure. Keys to Kenosha invites visitors to explore more than 50 historic buildings, landmarks and hidden gems, including courthouses, churches, arts centers, libraries and even the Jockey factory. Create your own route and discover the stories behind Kenosha’s architecture and community history.
Theater and Dance
Instructions for a Séance
Closing Weekend, Thursday-Sunday, November 5-8, Herro-Franke Studio Theater at Milwaukee Rep, Milwaukee
It’s your last chance to experience this intimate theatrical encounter with the mysterious world of Harry Houdini. Writer-performer Katie Bender blends personal storytelling, magic, memoir and a séance attempting to summon the legendary escape artist’s spirit. The one-person production explores grief, memory and belief, with Houdini’s childhood ties to Milwaukee adding a hometown connection.
Doctor Faustus Lights the Lights
Closing Weekend, Friday-Sunday, November 6-8, Calvary Presbyterian Church, Milwaukee
Wisconsin Classic Stage closes its immersive production of experimental writer Gertrude Stein’s Doctor Faustus Lights the Lights. Presented inside Milwaukee’s historic Big Red Church, the unusual operetta combines theater, opera, poetry, live music and visual art. The entire performance unfolds in continuous light, without blackouts or intermission, creating an intimate experience unlike conventional theater.
JP Coletta’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Piano Man
Opening Weekend, Friday-Sunday, November 6-8, Stackner Cabaret at Milwaukee Rep, Milwaukee
Get ready for a high-energy musical journey through rock and roll history as pianist and vocalist JP Coletta opens Milwaukee Rep’s new cabaret production. Hear iconic songs spanning generations and musical styles, brought to life through dynamic piano playing and vocals. The intimate Stackner Cabaret setting offers food and drinks alongside the entertainment.
Mirror Mirror
Friday-Sunday, November 6-8, Uihlein Hall at Marcus Performing Arts Center, Milwaukee
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? Milwaukee Ballet opens its season with Michael Pink’s dark and dramatic reimagining of Snow White. Mirror Mirror explores the complicated relationship between Snow White and her stepmother Claudia before the infamous poisoned apple. Expect imaginative choreography, striking theatrical storytelling and a fractured fairy tale filled with jealousy, beauty, power and the eternal battle between good and evil.
Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights
Sunday, November 8, 4 p.m., The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
Tchaikovsky’s timeless Swan Lake receives a visually dramatic presentation in this one-night-only performance. The production combines the beloved ballet’s romantic storytelling and iconic orchestral music with immersive lighting and visual effects, offering a fresh way to experience one of the world’s most recognizable classical works.
Macbeth
Opening Weekend, Friday, November 6 through Saturday, November 14, Pius XI High School, Milwaukee
Something wicked this way comes! Students at Milwaukee’s Pius XI High School take on Shakespeare’s legendary tragedy of ambition, prophecy and betrayal. Follow Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as their pursuit of power leads to devastating consequences in one of theater’s most enduring stories.
Great White Throne
Closing Weekend, Thursday-Sunday, November 5-8, Theatre at 255 South Water Street, Milwaukee
Renaissance Theaterworks closes its world-premiere production of Great White Throne, a dark comedy exploring faith, power and the pressures of public life. The story follows a pastor’s wife confronting the expectations and contradictions surrounding religious leadership, blending provocative questions with sharp humor.
Comedy
Napoleon Dynamite Live! 20th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, November 6, The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
Vote for Pedro! The cult comedy Napoleon Dynamite comes to Milwaukee for a special anniversary celebration featuring a full screening of the movie followed by a live conversation with stars Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez and Jon Gries. Hear behind-the-scenes stories and memories during an interactive, moderated discussion.
Mary Mack
Friday-Sunday, November 6-8, The Laughing Tap, Milwaukee
Mary Mack brings her quirky, sharp observational humor to Milwaukee for a weekend of stand-up comedy. Known for her distinctive delivery and wonderfully offbeat storytelling, Mack draws inspiration from her northern Wisconsin upbringing, family, marriage and the everyday absurdities of Midwestern life.
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.
