Your average Milwaukee weekend offers a little someting for everyone. This weekend, though, there’s so much to do, with sports, concerts, plays, professional wrestling, and even a unique LGBTQ+ beauty pageant competition. Here’s your Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!

FRIDAY

Little Big Town & Sugarland at Fiserv Forum
Celebrating its 25th anniversary as one of country music’s most successful groups, multi-platinum GRAMMY® Award-winning four-piece Little Big Town are joined by Sugarland for the “Take Me Home” tour at Fiserv Forum!
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Diwali Celebration at UWM Planitarium
Celebrate one of India’s biggest festivals with music, lights, and stargazing. This event is open to the public. The program will include an indoor stargazing session of the night sky followed by the opportunity to ask questions. Not recommended for children under 4. 
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Barrel & Bees Dinner at Milwaukee ChopHouse
Enjoy a special 6-course menu infused with fresh local honey from Hilton Milwaukee’s rooftop bees, paired with a variety of barrel-aged specialty cocktails, wine, and beer. Select Bourbons, as well as honey from MJD Apiary will be available for purchase after dinner.
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Bunk Bed, Known Moons, Sex Scenes, Buena Cara at Linneman’s
Indie rockers Bunk Bed are celebrating the release of their new album, “Roughousing.” Through energetic and sweaty live shows to absurdist DIY music videos, Bunk Bed strives to take over the world. They’ll be joined by Milwaukee projects Known Moons, Sex Scenes, and Buena Cara in Riverwest.
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Marie and Rosetta at Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Before Little Richard, Johnny Cash, and Jimi Hendrix, Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s groundbreaking blend of gospel music, swing rhythms and fierce electric guitar made her an unconventional music superstar in the 1930s and 40s. Acclaimed writer George Brant unearths the unsung roots of the fearless “Godmother of Rock ’n’ Roll” and her wide-eyed protégée Marie Knight, as they begin their revolutionary ascent to become one of the most influential teams in music history.
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King Diamond at Riverside Theater
King Diamond is quite possibly the most recognizable and prolific personality ever in heavy metal. Revered by icons as big as Metallica and Pantera to inspiring new upstarts, the man and the band has left an indelible mark on history, and now again, the future of heavy metal.
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Microwave at Turner Hall Ballroom
“Let’s Start Degeneracy,” the long-awaited new album from Microwave, came out this past April. The band features a sound that is enormous, but gentle, exploring life and death, happiness and freedom, the real and unreal on the album. Experience that all live at Turner Hall Ballroom.
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Robot Witch, Local Legends, Convoy at The Cooperage
Robot Witch was formed in 2019 in Milwaukee by Matt Lubus. The experienced songwriter merged his love for psychedelic, punk, guitar rock and electronic music to form the group’s identity. Check out the band as they headline an all-Milwaukee lineup of music.
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Living In Oblivion: Dark 80’s and 90’s Dance Party at X-Ray Arcade
Join DJ Synthia and special guest Dance Commandr on Friday at X-Ray Arcade for a Dark ‘80s & ‘90s edition of Living In Oblivion! They’ve got a night of the best darkwave classics and deep cuts lined up that will be sure to keep you dancing all night long. If you like your music on the darker side, you will not want to miss this video dance party!
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Thank Cod It’s Fryday!
Thank cod it’s Fryday! Celebrate all things weekend, fun, and relaxation with this Milwaukee tradition! Find your favorite restaurant to grab a fish fry – or find a new favorite – with dining editor Lori Fredrich’s fish fry guide right here:
Thank Cod It’s Fryday!

SATURDAY

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Milwaukee Admirals vs. Chicago Wolves
Saturday night is hockey night in Milwaukee! The Milwaukee Admrials will take on a division rival in the Chicago Wolves. Saturday’s game is also a salute to the military, with a special t-shirt giveaway.
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Dane Cook at Riverside Theater
Comedy trailblazer and actor, Dane Cook, is known for his legendary stand-up comedy specials, unparalleled stage presence, and outrageous observational humor. Having had his catalogue of content streamed over a billions times worldwide Cook is in a league of his own.
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City and Colour at Pabst Theater
Tragedy has a way of bringing out the best in songwriters. That’s certainly the case for Dallas Green on The Love Still Held Me Near, his seventh studio album under the moniker City and Colour. He’ll be in town on Saturday night.
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Metro Market and Hundred Acre Local Launch Party
Metro Market and Hundred Acre are hosting a local launch party on Saturday, and you’re invited! Shoppers will be able to taste Hundred Acre products with menu inspiration including local and signature items – including Belgioioso Fresh Mozzarella Pearls, Blini with Crème Fraiche and Yurrita Tuna and Dietz and Watson’s version of a Caprese Sandwich. There will also be live entertainment from DJ Shawna.
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Randall King, Clayton Mullen at The Rave
A West Texas native and self-described “old soul,” Warner Music Nashville’s Randall King has never wavered in his honky-tonk allegiance – in fact, he’s worn it like a badge of honor, growing with pride into a leading voice for today’s traditional country.
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Suds and Bubbles Makers Market at MobCraft Brewing
Come enjoy Suds and Bubbles while you leverage the spirit of the season to get your holiday shopping done by loading up on locally made goods of all kinds! Food and beverages are available for purchase as well as special tasting pairings just for this free event!
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Sabor Latino at POP
Join POP every second Saturday for Sabor Latino, a night of Latin flavor and flare. This month features DJ Sammy T! Say hi to shot boy Edgar, and enjoy snacks from the kitchen, which is open all night.
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Holiday Market 2024 by re:Craft and Relic
The Holiday Market by re:Craft and Relic is the largest market in Southeastern Wisconsin with over 160 booths, live music, food trucks and mobile boutiques. Head to Milwaukee County Sports Complex for the event.
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Polish Center of Wisconsin’s Holiday Bazaar
The Polish Center of Wisconsin will have its Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, featuring crafts, handmade items, traditional Polish gifts and more!
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SUNDAY

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics
The Bucks are back in action on Sunday for a marquee matchup against the Boston Celtics. This is one that is not to be missed, as two powerhouses from the Eastern Conference face one another.
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World Harmonies: An Afternoon of Music 
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Piano Department Chair and MUMC pianist Juan Pablo Horcasitas and MSO Principal Violist Robert Levine will perform selections from the USA, Poland, Austria, and Mexico at this free concert in Mequon.
Event Info

Mr., Miss, & Mx. Trans USA Pageant at Turner Hall Ballroom
A national competition unlike any other and the largest of its kind worldwide, Trans USA 2024 will feature nearly 100 representatives from across the country vying for three of the most prestigious titles in LGBTQ+ pageantry today. In addition to live entertainment from some of the best performance artists in the industry, attendees of all ages are invited to cheer on our delegates from each state/territory as they compete in on-stage categories including State Costume, Formal Wear, Swimsuit, and Q&A.
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Brawl in the Beer Hall at Lakefront Brewery
Ring the bell! It’s time for a full-scale professional wrestling show centered inside the Lakeftont Beer Hall from the creators of Warrior Wrestling, one of the nation’s premier independent pro wrestling promotions. Witness the historic cream city brick building like it’s never been seen before, with appearances from Mustafa Ali, Jordynne Grace, Kylie Rae and more.
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Tray Wellington at The Cooperage
Banjo player Tray Wellington’s approach to the quintessential American instrument is all about looking forward. An International Bluegrass Music Association Award winner, Wellington is critically acclaimed not only for his technical prowess, but also for leveraging his unique point of view to craft a one-of-a-kind voice on the instrument.
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Mizzy, Carson D. Bell & The End Times, Boyclothes, I H8 It Here at Cactus Club
Nashville and Milwaukee acts will converge on Cactus Club on Sunday, with a multi-genre show that looks towards the future of music.
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Cursive, Gladie at X-Ray Arcade
Very few bands manage to last decades, and for the ones that do, it’s often easy to settle down and get a little too comfortable. But there’s nothing comfortable about “Devourer,” the explosive new album from Cursive. The band will headline at Cudahy’s X-Ray Arcade on Sunday night.
Event Info

ALL WEEKEND LONG

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Veterans Day Celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum
 Veterans and active-duty military receive free admission to the H-D Museum, along with one adult guest and up to four children November 9, 10, and 11. In addition, on Monday, November 11, Veterans and active-duty military receive a 10% discount at the Harley-Davidson® Shop on a wide range of merchandise, perfect for picking up some exclusive gear or souvenirs. 
Event Info

“dis/connect” by Danceworks Performance MKE
Siblings and artists, Gina Laurenzi (Danceworks co-artistic director) and Dustin Laurenzi (Chicago musician and composer) amplify the Danceworks space creating a world of a wondrous nature. Performers cross between two studio spaces, inciting playful happenings and curious incidents allowing space for imagination to flourish through an experience of sound and color.
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TJ Miller at Milwaukee Improv
TJ Miller has been diligently working to make people laugh for over two and a half years because life is tragic and the best thing he can do is make you giggle and perhaps pee. He is famous in Norway. A skilled improviser, no show is ever the same.
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Laura Peek at The Laughing Tap
You’ve seen comedian Laura Peek on Vulture, as well as appearances at the Just For Laughs festival. Now you can catch her live for a weekend of standup at The Laughing Tap!
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Affirmation/Transformation: Fandom Created at the Haggerty Museum of Art
Cheeseheads, Swifties, Beatlemaniacs, Trekkies, Whovians, Potterheads, Beyhive, the Cenation, ARMY. People are fans of all sorts of things. But what makes someone a fan? Is there a difference between enjoying something and being a fan of that thing? This exhibit explores that 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!
Now’s a great time to support Milwaukee restaurants! And how convenient: Our own Lori Fredrich has compiled a list of 52 Restaurants to try in the Milwaukee area. Pick a number from 1-52, and visit that restaurant this weekend!
#52Restaurants

The first real test of the season for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee was also a lesson for the Panthers.

Milwaukee got punched in the mouth from the jump in their first game against a NCAA Division I opponent and never fully recovered defensively in an 87-67 loss to Northern Iowa on the road Thursday night in Cedar Falls, Iowa. 

The backcourt duo of Themus Fulks (18 points) and AJ McKee (16) led the way  for Milwaukee, which dropped to 1-1 on the young season, while Jamichael Stillwell finished one rebound shy of a double-double. 

Here’s what we learned from a challenging evening for Milwaukee. 

Defense gets a run for its money

There was a bit of a step up in competition from Monday night’s opener against D-III Lawrence when Milwaukee stepped onto the floor at the McLeod Center. 

UNI, picked to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference, put on a clinic of offensive efficiency. 

BOX SCORE: Northern Illinois 87, UWM 68

Led by lights-out shooting from Tytan Anderson and Trey Campbell, the host Panthers shot 60.4% from the floor, pouring it on from the very outset of the game through the final buzzer.

UNI shot 65.4% in the first half to jump out to a 45-34 lead, a deficit that could have even been much worse for the visitors after they trailed 23-5 halfway through the period. 

A Campbell three in transition ballooned UNI’s lead to a game-high 20 points at 76-56, then moments later a fastbreak alley-oop by Wauwatosa East graduate Leon Bond III put an exclamation on the performance. 

UNI shot 12 of 24 from three-point range, the product of some unexpected shot-making and defensive lapses by Milwaukee.

“I thought it was both,” Panthers head coach Bart Lundy said. “We weren’t connected and were not as focused on defense as we’d liked to have been. Give them credit. They have guys that don’t always make shots like that made a lot of shots tonight. They’re too good a team to beat when you get into a hole like that.”

Wisconsin products sting Milwaukee

A trio of native Wisconsinites played a role in giving Milwaukee fits. 

The effort was led by Bond, a high-flying junior who initially began his collegiate career at Virginia as a three-star prospect. The wing went 4 for 6 from the field and hit two threes to finish with 11 points and four rebounds. 

“He’s a good player,” Lundy said of Bond. “He changes a lot for them defensively with his athleticism.”

Freshman Will Hornseth from De Pere, played only 11 minutes but gave Milwaukee fits in the first half in particular on his way to finishing with 11 points on 4-for-4 shooting.

DeForest’s Max Weisbord rounded out the stat sheet with two points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal.

On the margins

There wasn’t a whole lot to write home about for Milwaukee, which was only 6 ½ point underdogs coming in and felt it should at the very least compete with UNI.

But for Panthers fans looking for a silver lining there was at least something: They continued to play well in areas on the margins in which they often struggled last season. 

Milwaukee, all things considered, dominated on the glass. Despite missing 20 more shots from the field than UNI, it won the rebound battle, 34-31. This was thanks to grabbing 14 offensive rebounds off of 39 misses while allowing only five. 

Lundy’s team also finished with more turnovers forced (13) than committed (9). 

These were two particularly frustrating areas the past two years for the Panthers, who have opened this season at the very least pleased with the turnaround so far.

“We’re rebounding it well,” Lundy said. “We have to get those assist numbers. Part of that is shot making but part of that is making plays for others. I don’t think it’s going to be a consistent problem but it was a problem tonight. We’ve just got a more physical group with size that goes after the ball. Guys are boxing out more. It’s a team effort.”

MILWAUKEE — “I have people come up to me on the street and say, ‘Good for you for getting out in the world.’ Like that’s not normal. I’m just a person.”

Ebony Lewis is just a Milwaukee East Sider who loves art, theater, and her dog. She especially loves to paint. However, she can’t paint with her hands. She uses her feet.

“Feel what you’re feeling through your painting,” Lewis said.

She was born with arthrogryposis. It’s a muscle disorder. All of her limbs are clubbed. Her arm movement is minimal, so she uses her feet to text, heat up coffee, and write things down.

“Honestly, anything you do with your hands, I can do with my feet.”

But that has also brought challenges both growing up and now as she navigates life as a 20-year-old seeking independence.

Since elementary school, she has been involved with school plays. At Tosa East High School, she was a stage manager for many of the productions. After graduating, she wanted to earn her bachelor’s degree at a film school. She tried attending a university in Chicago, but there weren’t many adaptive options. Then she looked at schools in Los Angeles, but there weren’t affordable caregivers, so she stayed in Milwaukee. However, that presented its own set of challenges.

Watch Ebony Lewis’ inspiring story…

How a Milwaukee artist navigates life using just her feet

“I had my roommates move out on me because they said they couldn’t handle the level of care I needed, which wasn’t them taking care of me. It was caregivers coming in, but they didn’t like that,” Lewis said.

Now, she lives in a one-bedroom apartment on Milwaukee’s East Side. While she has a license, she is forced to rely on help getting around because she can’t find funding sources for a modified vehicle to drive.

“It’s just kind of been one slap in the face after another of me just trying to live my life and society not allowing it,” Lewis said.

To handle all the stress, she took up painting as a way to express herself. She paints landscapes, her dog, and anything else that comes to mind.

In addition to her painting, she’s also advocating for herself and her community.

James Groh

“I want (life) to be more adaptable for us. I don’t want us to have to fight constantly to just live,” she said. “People view us as things that need to be helped and fixed and not as actual humans. And we’re all placed in the same bubble. It’s taken a lot to show people what I can do, and a lot of people have tried to stop me from just being a normal person. They want to keep you in this box, and you’ll try to change their mindset, but they’re so stuck on it, you know. It’s very hard.”

She also wants people to recognize that not all disabilities are the same.

“Because I have abilities other people don’t. Other people can do things I can’t do,” she said.

Lewis’ goals are to eventually attend film school, get more disabled people involved in filmmaking, and live a normal life.

“I’m very determined. I want to do what I want to do, and I don’t care if people tell me I can’t. I don’t care if I can’t. I’m going to try to figure this out. I’m very go-go-go. Nothing stops me.”

Given Ebony Lewis’ attitude, it won’t be surprising when she accomplishes all her goals.

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