Milwaukee, WI
OnMilwaukee Weekend Preview: January 24-26, 2025
The weather is warming up just in time for a great weekend! There’s plenty going on, too, with Dry January events, concerts, plenty of local sports, and tons of ways to support local businesses. Here’s your Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!
FRIDAY
Milwaukee Admirals vs. Charlotte Checkers
Join the Milwaukee Admirals as they take on the Charlotte Checkers as part of a Central Division showdown. It’s also Nashville night, with a post-game concert from Chase Matthew!
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Animal Encounters at Discovery World
Turtles and snakes are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Join the Discovery World team for an adventure in their Great Lakes Future exhibit as you meet the animal ambassadors that call Discovery World home.
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The Woman In Black with Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years. Director Robin Herford’s production is a gripping study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror.
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MAM After Dark: Salsa Night at Milwaukee Art Museum
Join in on a sizzling night of Latin flair as salsa band Orquesta Ayala fills the air with irresistible rhythms made for dancing. Never tried salsa before? No worries! Mezclando will teach you the right moves to hit the dance floor in style.
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Beach Bunny at Turner Hall Ballroom
Few artists can pinpoint an emotion as clearly and honestly as Beach Bunny’s Lili Trifilio. With its openhearted themes and progressive, hook-filled take on pop rock and pop punk, Emotional Creature only further cemented Beach Bunny and Trifilio’s well-earned reputation as the leading voice of their generation.
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Brian Regan at Pabst Theater
Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Brian’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills the most beautiful venues across North America, visiting close to 100 cities each year.
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Annual Mocktail Dinner at Lupi & Iris
Whether participating in Dry January, living a sober lifestyle, or just curious about dry cocktails, “Cheers!” to a spirit-free dinner! Join Lupi & Iris for an evening celebrating n/a options. Our team has created a five-course dinner paired with perfect non-alcoholic libations.
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Tigernite, Breakup Tour, Long Line Riders, (D)Vices at X-Ray Arcade
Milwaukee glam rock darlings Tigernite are back, if only for a night to benefit Planned Parenthood. They’re joining up with Breakup Tour, Long Line Riders, and (D)Vices for a full night of music at X-Ray Arcade.
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Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press at Vivarium
Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press is a peak experience band from Chicago, IL. With a focus on bone-crushing 3-part harmonies, laser-sharp musicianship, and a top-tier light show, Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press is a live performance powerhouse.
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So Zuppy, Ghost Cuts, Courtesy at Cactus Club
So Zuppy is the solo project of producer Micah Foust. Over the past several years this he has perfected a bright and bubbly bedroom pop production merged with a distinct soft voice. In the last year or so, So Zuppy has transformed into a quietly engaging live act, with members of Overhand, Big Laugh and Obess Tact backing up Foust’s delicate but hook-laden songs.
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Oh Well, Ok, Killer High Life, Brindled, In Shining Armour at Falcon Bowl
Four bright emerging Milwaukee acts are headed to Riverwest on Friday night, when they’ll take over Falcon Bowl. Don’t miss some of the next generation of great Milwaukee bands!
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Hi Score, Arcade Mode at Linneman’s
Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Hi Score brings classic video game soundtracks to life with styles ranging from rock, jazz, fusion, and Latin to other genres.
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Music Bingo at MOTOR Bar & Grill
If you can’t get no satisfaction from your regular granny’s bingo, then this is the bar game just for you! TuneMaster’s live music bingo is coming to Motor Bar and Restaurant at Milwaukee’s Harley-Davidson campus every Friday night!
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Friday Brewery Tours at Pilot Project Brewing
Head to Pilot Project Brewing for their weekly brewery tour! Your ticket includes five 5 ounce tasters of beer and/or booch, a taster glass to take home with you, the inside scoop on the origin story of Pilot Project Brewing, and a tour of their brand new facility. Friday tours are available at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
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SATURDAY
Kelsea Ballerini at Fiserv Forum
Taking her already captivating live show to another level, the four-time GRAMMY nominee and multiple Country Music Association Award winner is bringing Kelsea Ballerini On Tour to Fiserv Forum on Saturday with openers MaRynn Taylor and Maisie Peters.
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Milwaukee Admirals vs. Charlotte Checkers
The Admirals play Charlotte in back-to-back games this weekend, and Saturday night’s alright for fighting! Saturday night is also the annual Teddy Bear Toss, so throw a stuffed animal on the ice after the first Admirals goal!
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Zero Proof: A Dry January Groove at Canni-MKE
Whether you’re committed to Dry January or just want a fun night out with friends, this is your spot to dance, chill, and enjoy a different kind of nightlife. Good tunes, great drinks, and zero proof. Let’s make it a night! No alcohol, no problem.
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Urban Seed Exchange at Wantable Cafe
Snow flurries might be flying, but spring is right around the corner. And that means it’s time to think about testing out your green thumb. Whether you’re garden-curious or experienced in horticulture, you’ll find inspiration at the Urban Seed Exchange, which takes place on Saturday.
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Partner Pick
January 25th · 5-9 pm Join us for The Riverwest Co-op Annual Spaghetti Dinner across the street at the Falcon Bowl on January 25th from 5-9 pm—an evening to break bread, enjoy live music by Trio du Monde, and be with community. This is the perfect chance to learn about the Co-op, explore volunteer opportunities, and hear about their exciting 2025 Membership Drive.
Plus, mark your calendar for the Co-op Cafe Grand Reopening starting February 1st. Open 7 days a week, 9 am – 3 pm. “We can’t wait to welcome you!”
Learn more Falcon Bowl at 801 E Clarke St, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market
The Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market provides a venue for the community to access local and regional produce, meats, bread, honey and other value-added products throughout winter and early spring. In addition, it supports local family businesses & entrepreneurs and has become a social and educational gathering space.
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Tophy at The Wicked Hop
Every Saturday night, Milwaukee’s own Tophy curates the sounds at The Wicked Hop in the Third Ward. Join at the Jackalope Lounj for a free night of dancing to all of your favorites including throwback pop, hip hop and much more.
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Sapphic Social at Pomona Cider Co.
Looking to make new connections and build lasting friendships in a welcoming and inclusive environment? Join in at Pomona Cider Tasting Room for the monthly Lesbian/Sapphic friending event! This is a perfect opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, share experiences, and enjoy some of the finest ciders in town.
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Bay Ledges at Vivarium
Bay Ledges delivers a hypnotic form of indie-pop that alters the way we experience time, inviting both a dreamlike nostalgia and heightened attention to the present moment.
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8th Anniversary Party at Explorium Brewpub
Explorium Brewpub opened their doors at Southridge Mall eight years ago, and they’re celebrating with their annual anniversary party!
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DJ Goose at Potawatomi Casino Hotel
DJ Goose has performed all over Milwaukee, and he’ll bring his skills on the turntables to Potawatomi Casino Hotel on Saturday, with a free set on the second level!
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SUNDAY
The Rock and Roll Playhouse at Turner Hall Ballroom
Are you looking to get out of the house with the kids this January?! Get ready for some Fab Four fun for the whole family! The Rock and Roll Playhouse is a concert for kids and families to share the music of their favorite artists, including The Beatles!
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Ben Schwartz & Friends at The Riverside Theater
Ben Schwartz has leading roles in Lord & Miller’s AppleTV+ miniseries “The Afterparty” as well as the second season of Greg Daniels and Steve Carell’s Netflix series “Space Force”, in which he stars opposite stars Carell and John Malkovich. Ben is also the voice of Sonic The Hedgehog in both the original and sequel films for Paramount, or you may know him as John Ralphio from “Parks and Recreation.” Catch him at The Riverside Theater!
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Sunday Yoga at Villa Terrace Arts Museum
New Year, new yoga classes! Villa Terrace will be keeping Sunday morning yoga going, with classes from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. this weekend. Feel refreshed as you stretch your way into the new week.
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Bubbles & Brunch at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
Start the weekend off right with Bubbles & Brunch at Saint Kate! Experience a local brunch that is anything but basic in their second floor restaurant, ARIA. Choose from an assortment of brunch favorites and enjoy specially crafted brunch libations, including Mimosas and Mimosa flights!
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Elevate Yoga at Canni-MKE
Ignite your senses with a gentle yoga flow and the soothing benefits of cannabis. It’s a perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore the harmony of mind and body. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, this class is designed for all levels. Grab your mat, inhale the good vibes, and exhale the stress. See you on the mat!
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Musical Vacation at Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Beat the winter blahs with the ultimate getaway to some warmer climates – through music! Experience a rodeo out West, travel to Hollywood with “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter, dance along to the Conga del Fuego Nuevo in Mexico, experience Orlando (and Arendelle) with selections from Frozen, and more on this whirlwind musical journey!
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Fox & Branch at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
For over two decades, Dave Fox and Will Branch have energized audiences in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Ireland. Their dynamic mix of old-time music, original songs, and family folk music has appealed to children and adults, giving everyone a chance to actively participate.
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Sound Waves Winter Concert Series with Roxie Beane at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Bring the whole family to hear Milwaukee musicians live on six Sunday afternoons this winter at the Sounds Waves Winter Concert Series! Listen to pleasant music while enjoying beverages available for purchase at the Audubon Center.
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The Namby Pamby, The Part Timers, Caley Conway, Maximiano at X-Ray Arcade
Indiana band The Namby Pamby and Chicago band The Part Timers are currently on tour together, and they’ll come to X-Ray Arcade on Sunday, assisted by Milwaukee acts Caley Conway and Maximiano. Join for an intimate night of indie rock.
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ALL WEEKEND LONG
Milwaukee Boat Show at Wisconsin State Fair Park
The finest displays of the newest boats retailed in the region will be on display at the one Boat Show that all boating enthusiasts know to attend. This is Wisconsin’s largest boating exposition with over 300 boats from over 80 manufacturers – motor yachts, runabouts, aluminum boats, pro-style fishing rigs, pontoon boats, ski & surf boats, cruisers…you name it!
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Juliet & Romeo at Skylight Music Theater
15th-century Verona and modern-day NYC collide in this new musical comedy! Experience a fresh take on Shakespeare’s classic when time traveling, romance and New York pizza collide.
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The Dinosaur Play at First Stage Children’s Theater
Step back in time, millions and millions of years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. There you will meet a dinosaur egg, tapping out a call for help. It’s up to you to figure out what the egg is saying and how to help it hatch. During your adventure, you will befriend a surly Triceratops, help protect a newly formed dinosaur family, and defeat the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
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“The Craic” at Stackner Cabaret
Step in to one of South Kerry’s most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. From jigs and fairy tales, to drinking songs and war stories, you’ll enjoy good cheer and great company while having some craic along the way.
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Tim Dillon at Milwaukee Improv
Tim Dillon is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, known for his no-holds-barred humor and incisive social commentary. His latest Netflix special, Tim Dillon: This Is Your Country, takes on the political and cultural chaos leading up to the 2024 election.
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Chris Fairbanks at The Laughing Tap
Standup comedian Chris Fairbanks is headlining two nights of comedy at The Laughing Tap this weekend, and you can join in on the fun! You’ve seen him on Comedy Central, Amazon Prime, Do You Need A Ride? and more.
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The Big 4-0: New Views of the Collection at Haggery Musuem of Art
The Haggerty Museum of Art at Marquette University presents an exhibition in celebration of its 40th anniversary. Curated by Dr. Kirk Nickel, Marc and Lillian Rojtman Curator of European Art, the show comprises a two-part installation of the exhibition galleries, in fall 2024 and spring 2025, and features well over 100 works of art from the Museum’s collections.
Exhibit Info
Try a new restaurant!
It’s impossible to know what 2025 will bring. But we’re certain of one thing. Regularly supporting our locally owned restaurants is among the most impactful things we can vow to do. Lori Fredrich’s list of 52 Restaurants for 2025 is here!
#52Restaurants
Milwaukee, WI
Bucks waive Pete Nance
With the Bucks having 17 rostered players, cuts were going to have to happen at some point, and Pete Nance is the first casualty. Nance was always the most obvious player to cut because of his non-guaranteed $2.5m contract, which would have become guaranteed if they kept him past Saturday. Also, Milwaukee acquired a fair few guys who play his position via the Giannis trade (Ware, Jaquez, Ament). I should mention that this technically does not proclude the Bucks from signing the big man to another deal, but it feels unlikely, given the aforementioned lack of spots.
This is something of a kick in the guts for many fans, including myself, who really thought Milwaukee had found a diamond in the rough with Nance. The number of times we would remark on Deer Diaries about how he was “always in the right spots” and “did all the little things” was… pretty large! After coming to the Bucks late in the 2024-25 season, Nance had a breakout 2025-26 campaign (although his numbers certainly don’t jump off the page), averaging 5.4 PPG and 2.7 RPG on 51.5% from the field and 42.0% from three. Assuming it isn’t with the Bucks, let’s hope he lands somewhere that gives him a real shot.
Milwaukee, WI
Leaders of ‘United for Venezuela Emergency Relief Campaign’ grateful for support
MILWAUKEE — As Venezuela continues to recover from devastating earthquakes, support from Milwaukee’s “United for Venezuela Emergency Relief Campaign” is soon heading to the disaster-stricken country.
The basement of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church is filled to the brim with donations ticketed for Venezuela, the culmunation of a week of community generosity.
From food to clothing and toys, the outpouring has been remarkable said Father Norberto Sandoval, who is from Venezuela and serves as associate pastor of Blessed Sacrament.
“This [has been] overwhelming,” said Sandoval. “I mean, if you can see [the basement], you were able to get in on Monday. Now we [are not] able to walk.”
(Spectrum News 1/Blake Dietz)
Aura Escobar, who is also from Venezuela, has been doing whatever she can to help her home country, including packing donations. She described the support from friends, coworkers, and strangers as something special to witness.
“In my Venmo, I had three thousand dollars in less than 24 hours,” Escobar said. “And I was able to buy stuff to donate. It’s been amazing. It’s very heartwarming to have so many people that care about Venezuela.”
Due to limited storage capacity and the logistical planning required to transport the supplies to those who need them most, organizers have decided to stop accepting donations after Friday afternoon.
“We have more than a thousand boxes right now. We are expecting two semi-trucks either to move [Friday] in the afternoon or tomorrow,” Sandoval said.
(Spectrum News 1/Blake Dietz)
He acknowledged that corruption in times of trauma is a long-standing concern in Venezuela. For that reason, the trucks will take the local donations to Miami, where a Venezuelan organization he fully trusts will handle the final distribution.
“We have already the person and it’s going to be [done] free. It’s going to be directly to a group of religious groups in Venezuela. So, in that way people will get the donations,” he said.
Sandoval and other organizers are putting out one final plea for volunteers to help load the semi-trucks on Friday and Saturday.
Milwaukee, WI
Do federal agents have to follow Milwaukee’s face-covering and park ordinances?
Video circulating this week shows masked federal agents in Milwaukee arresting people. City leaders say the face coverings violate a city ordinance — but whether federal agents are required to follow local ordinances is a legal question that may ultimately be decided by a federal judge.
RELATED | Father with no criminal record detained by ICE on Milwaukee’s south side, family says
Local attorney Russell Jones said the answer depends on the specific ordinance and what federal authorities are doing.
“The issue becomes whether or not the local ordinances interfere with the operations of the federal officers acting under federal law. If it does, federal law will supersede it. Right, it’s the supremacy clause of the Constitution. If it doesn’t interfere with their operations, then typically they will follow those ordinances. So that’s really the question: do the ordinances interfere with the legitimate operations of the federal agency?” Jones explained.
For the past week, masked federal agents have been seen in Wisconsin arresting people they say are in the country illegally.
Watch: Do federal agents have to follow Milwaukee’s face covering and park ordinances?
Do federal agents have to follow Milwaukee’s face covering and park ordinances?
Galo Suarez described one encounter.
“They broke our side window, and they told us that if we didn’t comply, we would face several heavy consequences,” Suarez said.
Images have also surfaced of what appear to be federal agents in Milwaukee County parks.
Federal agents wearing masks and being in county parks, according to city and county leaders, are against local ordinances.
Milwaukee’s city ordinance prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings. A Milwaukee County ordinance prohibits any law enforcement agency from using a park as a staging area without a permit.
When asked whether a resolution to the legal question was possible now, Jones said it likely falls to the courts.
“That’s a question that eventually probably some federal judge will answer,” Jones said.
Before the city’s face covering ordinance was passed, City Attorney Evan Goyke wrote in a memo that “it is legal and enforceable.”
Enforcement of the ordinance would fall to Milwaukee Police, who earlier this week said they have “requested a formal written legal opinion from the city attorney’s office regarding the ordinance’s applicability and enforceability.” TMJ4 News reached out to Goyke on this and is waiting to hear back.
ICE has already stated it “will not abide by unconstitutional bans,” noting that “ICE officers wear face coverings for one reason: to protect themselves and their families from real-world threats including agitators.”
Jones said the practical challenge of enforcing a local ordinance against federal officers adds another layer of complexity.
“Enforcing a local ordinance right is typically done with an arrest or issuing a ticket, and certainly arresting ICE officers would interfere with their operations,” Jones added. “Ultimately, a federal judge will decide if these ordinances interfere with federal operations, and if they do, they will be superseded by federal law, and if they don’t, then ICE would likely have to follow them.”
This story was reported on-air by Jenna Rae and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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