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
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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
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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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The Riverwest Co-op Annual Spaghetti Dinner at Falcon Bowl
January 25th · 5-9 pmJoin 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
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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
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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.
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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
With the match potentially headed to extra time, Robert Morris senior midfielder Anass Hadran buried a penalty kick in the 88th minute to lift the RMU men’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Milwaukee in the Horizon League Men’s Soccer Quarterfinal on Sunday afternoon.
With the win, the defending champion Colonials improve to 6-3-7 overall and advance to the Semifinal Round of the Horizon League Championship for the second straight season.
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“We try to manage the game wisely. Winning last year has given us more experience of how to handle being ahead,” Hardan said.
“We have a great group that fights every single minute. (Goalkeeper) Josh Lane had a big performance today saving Milwaukee’s PK — he’s a great goalkeeper.”
The Colonials will take on Cleveland State on Wednesday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Milwaukee came out strong and dictated possession early, firing six shots in the opening 15 minutes.
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Senior captain William Dodzi Afawubo provided the spark that shifted momentum, ripping off three shots in a two-minute stretch to help RMU settle into the match. The Colonials’ back line tightened up and didn’t allow a single Milwaukee shot attempt over the final 30 minutes of the half.
RMU closed the opening 45 with seven shots — five from Afawubo alone.
Just one minute into the second half, the Colonials broke through. Senior Fabian Overkamp cleared a ball out of midfield and into the attacking third, where Kosi Udeh corralled it through traffic. Hadran joined the counter and received a feed from Udeh outside the left corner of the 18. He then curled a highlight-reel strike into the far corner, giving RMU a 1-0 lead.
In the 55th minute, Milwaukee earned a penalty after a player was taken down in the box.
Josh Lane guessed correctly, stretching out for a full extension save to keep the Panthers off the board.
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However, moments later, Milwaukee equalized as Jack Bretzmann snuck behind the back line to level the match at 1-1. A minute later, Overkamp nearly restored the lead, but his shot rattled off the woodwork.
With the season on the line, both teams traded dangerous chances in the closing minutes. The decisive moment came in the 88th, when Riley Cotton drew a penalty in the box. Hadran stepped up to the spot and calmly slotted home the game-winner for his second of the day.
“We’re looking forward to our next match. We know it won’t be easy. We want to win again and make it back to the final.”
RMU travels to Cleveland, Ohio to face top-seeded Cleveland State in the Semifinal Round on Wednesday, November 12 at 4:00 PM ET at Krenzler Field.
The match will air live on ESPN+
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RMU MSOC MATCH NOTES
RMU outshot Milwaukee 20–18; the Panthers held a 7–6 edge in shots on goal. Afawubo recorded a career-high seven shot attempts.
Milwaukee earned five corner kicks, while RMU tallied two.
Eight Colonials played all 90 minutes: Overkamp, Hadran, Udeh, Afawubo, Jaxson Lee, Kevin Gorbell, Victor Koah, and Miguel Dominguez.
Lane finished with five saves, matching his postseason career-high (also five vs. Oakland in last year’s final).
HADRAN HEATING UP AT THE RIGHT TIME
The senior midfielder has now scored in four straight matches, totaling five goals and one assist over that span. Today marked his first career multi-goal game.
Hadran becomes just the third Colonial in program history to score multiple goals in a postseason match. The last to accomplish the feat was Jacek Przednowek, who recorded a hat trick in the 2005 NEC Final vs. Monmouth. Musa Shannon was the first, netting three in the 1996 NEC Semifinal vs. Mount St. Mary’s.
Hadran now owns six goals and four assists on the season. His goal total is tied for second in the Horizon League, and his 16 points rank fourth in the conference. In his career, he’s tallied 14 goals, 16 assists and 44 points.
POWER FORWARD
Udeh continues to be a key driver of RMU’s playoff push. The junior forward has produced a goal and two assists over the last two matches. His late-season form mirrors last year, when he scored in four straight league games to close the regular season.
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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of ‘Miracle on the Mon’ — a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).
A Nov. 8 story by the New York Times details the experiences of 40 migrants sent to a maximum security prison in El Salvador.
Their imprisonment, alongside more than 200 other men in El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, is tied to President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration and claims that the Venezuelan government sent violent gang members to invade the United States.
In March 2025, President Trump accused the men detained and expelled to prison by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of affiliating with Tren de Aragua, a dangerous Venezuelan gang.
The men told the New York Times they were teargassed, beaten, sexually assaulted, isolated and experienced suicidal ideation while living in the facility.
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Experts from the Independent Forensic Expert Group said that the men’s treatment aligned with the United Nations’ definition of torture.
Luis Chacón, a 26-year-old man from the Venezuelan town of Táchira, told the New York Times he worked as an Uber driver in Milwaukee before his arrest by ICE officers.
Chacón said he contemplated suicide at the facility. When word spread among prisoners that if someone died, they would be more likely to be freed, he considered taking his own life.
When Chacón attempted to end his life, other men intervened.
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Three of the 40 men interviewed by the New York Times faced criminal accusations beyond immigration and traffic offenses. Chacón was one of them.
Before his imprisonment, Chacón was arrested in 2024 on a domestic violence charge and, in 2025, was accused of stealing merchandise at a Walmart. The domestic violence case was dismissed and the theft charge had yet to be disputed in court.
Many men in the facility, like Chacón, were unsure why they were accused of terrorist activity, the story detailed.
In June, a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to grant the men due process, because they were deported and imprisoned without hearings.
The men’s arrests occurred in tandem with a monthslong standoff between President Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, including calls for Maduro’s ousting and military strikes against Venezuelan boats suspected of carrying drugs.
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Tamia Fowlkes is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at tfowlkes@gannett.com.
A 50-year-old was stabbed to death on the 3000 block of North 60th Street.
The Milwaukee Police Department has a suspect in custody and has started an investigation into the Nov. 7 attack, MPD Capt. Kieran Sawyer reported in a news release.
The stabbing occurred at approximately 8:54 p.m. The victim, whose name and gender were not released, died on the scene.
MPD is asking anyone with additional information to contact the police department at (414)-925-7360. To anonymously give additional information, call Crime Stoppers at (414)-224-TIPS or visit P3 Tips at p3tips.com/community/index.htm.