The fall calendar ushers in a new season of performing arts, fairs, festivals and holiday activities. Here are a variety of things to do in the Milwaukee area this autumn.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Near West Fest: 4-10 p.m. Sept. 12. Celebrate Near West Side Week with food trucks, music by Cache MKE and a free movie. Davidson Park, 3725 W. Juneau Ave. nearwestsidemke.org
Thiensville Blues Fest: 4-10:30 p.m. Sept. 12-13. Free admission. Live blues acts, food trucks, craft beer and marketplace vendors. Thiensville Village Park, 250 Elm St., Thiensville. downtownthiensville.com/bluesfest
Lake Geneva TacoFest: 4-9 p.m. Sept. 12, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 14. Mariachi performances, traditional Mexican dancing, piñatas, a chihuahua beauty contest, a pepper-eating contest, and a lowrider car show. Lake Geneva House of Music, N3241 County Road H, Lake Geneva.
Art Show & Sale: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 13. Featured exhibit Swirl & Dot: Drawings, and other works for sale by artist. Market Place Shopping Village, Highway 32 and Puetz Road, Oak Creek.
Delavan Scarecrow Fest: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 13. Free event with craft and vendor fair, children’s activities, sidewalk sales and food trucks. Walworth Avenue, downtown Delavan. visitdelavanwi.com/event/scarecrow-fest
North Shore Bank Shorewood Feast: noon-9 p.m. Sept. 13. Food, vendors, artisans, two entertainment stages, kids’ activities, and Harvest Dinner. Street festival held between 4200-4400 blocks of Oakland Ave., Shorewood. shorewoodwi.com/events/shorewood-feast
PULSE Health & Wellness Fest: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 13. Free community event with fitness workouts, yoga, cooking demonstrations, health and wellness programming. Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive. milwaukeeworldfestival.com/pulse
St. Gabriel Flea Market: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 13. Vendors, rummage, antiques, collectibles, food and raffles. 1200 St. Gabriel Way, Hubertus. stgabrielhubertus.org/flea-market
St. Joe’s Biergarten: 5 p.m. Sept. 13. Food, refreshments, games and live music. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 12130 W. Center St., Wauwatosa. stjoetosa.com
Pirate Fest: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 13; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 14. Music by Bounding Main and Paddygrass, vendors, artisans, children’s activities, food and beer. Old Falls Village Park, N96W15791 County Line Road, Menomonee Falls. oldfallsvillagepark.org
Town Food Truck Festival: 4:30-8 p.m. Sept. 17. Live music with Jessie Marie and the Rippers. The Corners of Brookfield, 20111 W. Blue Mound Road, Brookfield. thecornersofbrookfield.com
Hoancoming: 6 p.m. Sept. 18. Live music, a boat parade, and a drone and light show synced to the lights on the Hoan Bridge, 649 E. Erie St., with after-party at The Cooperage, 822 S. Water St. hoancoming.com
Occasional Artists Show & Sale: 5-8 p.m. Sept. 19. Local artists, cash bar. Proceeds support the museum. North Point Lighthouse Museum, 2650 N. Wahl Ave. northpointlighthouse.org/artists
Holy Hill Arts and Crafts Fair: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 20. Held on the grounds of the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill, 1525 Carmel Road, Hubertus. holyhill.com/events/holy-hill-arts-and-crafts-fair
Fall Fun Festival: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 20. Nature activities, live animals, hayrides, green exhibitors, food and music. Pringle Nature Center, 9800 160th Ave., Bristol. pringlenc.org/events
Racine Party on the Pavement: Sept. 20. Block party with music stages, food trucks, vendors and artisans, BMX stunt shows and car show. Downtown Racine. racinedowntown.com
Holy Hill Art & Farm Market: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 20-21 and Oct. 11-12. Wisconsin artists, farmers, bakers, makers and live music, with lunch available. 4958 Highway 167, Hubertus. holyhillartfarm.com/art-farm-markets
Thresheree & Harvest Festival: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 20-21. Tour historic buildings, field demonstrations of steam engine threshing, log sawing, plowing, and draft horses, with displays of antique engines, trucks, and tractors. Richfield Historical Park, 1896 Highway 164, Richfield. richfieldhistoricalsociety.org
Wine & Harvest Festival: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 20; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 21. Cedar Creek Winery beverages, food tents and trucks, live music, arts and crafts marketplace. The Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement, N70 W6340 Bridge Road, Cedarburg. cedarcreeksettlement.com
Native Heritage Celebration: 2-5 p.m. Sept. 26. Living Village with information on the culture and heritage of each of the eleven tribes in Wisconsin, including traditional smudging, youth drumming, Native entertainment, and a panel discussion. Marcus Performing Arts Center grounds, 929 N. Water St.
Harvest Fair: 5-11 p.m. Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 28. Free entertainment, local artists, lumberjack shows, pumpkin bowling and make-your-own scarecrows. State Fair Park, 640 S. 84th St. wistatefair.com/harvestfair
PopesFest: Noon-7 p.m. Sept. 27. Community festival featuring Pius XI alumni-owned food and beverage vendors, musicians, artists and makers. Parking lot of Pius XI Catholic High School, 135 N. 76th St. piusxi.org/popesfest
Foxtoberfest: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Local vendors, German dancing, music by Bierman Band, Listening Party, Prime Country, BBQ and craft beers. Foxtown Station, 6209 W. Mequon Road, Mequon. foxtownhospitalitygroup.com
Harbor Fest: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 28. Boat rides, hands-on learning, music, and activities for all ages. Harbor View Plaza, 600 E. Greenfield Ave. harbordistrict.org/harbor-fest
Falls Harvest Festival: 10 a.m. Oct. 4. Children’s activities, crafts, wagon rides, food and beverages. Mill Pond Park, W164 N9021 Water St., Menomonee Falls.
Chainsaw Carving & Art Forest Festival: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 5. Art fair, craft activities for children, and chainsaw artists create sculptures from logs, with public auction following event. Food trucks and beverages. Free event for all ages. River Bend Nature Center, 3600 North Green Bay Road, Racine.
Ozaukee County Historical Society: Autumn at the Village, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 11. Watch demonstrations of trades of old, farming exhibits, music throughout the village by members of Pickin’ Up Speed and the Tinker Boys; hay wagon rides through Hawthorne Hills Park; fall foods, apples, pumpkins are available for sale. $8 adults; $6 students/seniors; kids under 5 are free. Ozaukee County Pioneer Village, 4880 County Hwy I, Saukville. ochs.co.ozaukee.wi.us
Blacksmith Day: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 11. Blacksmith demonstrations, handcrafted items for sale, children’s activities, food and beverages, with beer and seltzers from Belshire Brewing. Richfield Historical Park, 1896 Highway 164, Richfield. richfieldhistoricalsociety.org
Applefest: 1-4 p.m. Oct. 12. New Berlin Historical Park, 19765 W. National Ave. newberlinhistoricalsociety.org
Luminary Walk: 5-8 p.m. Nov. 1. Bonfires, trails to walk, with free popcorn, maple cotton candy, and apples. Additional beverages available for purchase. Richfield Historical Park, 1896 Highway 164, Richfield. richfieldhistoricalsociety.org
Oak Creek Legion Post: Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 15. Artists and crafters, home decor, jewelry, bake sale, lunch and beverages. 9327 S. Shepard Ave., Oak Creek.
Holiday Folk Fair International: Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Music, 2-9 p.m. Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 23. Wisconsin State Fair Park, Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis. folkfair.org
Deer District Holiday Market: 4-9 p.m. Nov. 21; noon-10 p.m. Nov. 22; noon-6 p.m. Nov. 23; 4-9 p.m. Nov. 24-26, noon-9 p.m. Nov. 28, noon-10 p.m. Nov. 29, noon-6 p.m. Nov. 30. Plaza at Fiserv Forum. deerdistrict.com/event/deer-district-holiday-market
PERFORMING ARTS
Acacia Theatre: Freud’s Last Session, Oct. 24-Nov. 9. The Norvell Commons at St. Christopher’s Church, 7845 N. River Road. acaciatheatre.com
Bach Chamber Choir: Fall – Americana, Oct. 19. St. Christopher’s Church, 7845 N. River Road. bachchoirmilwaukee.com
Brookfield Congregational Church: Heather Boehm, violinist, 3 p.m. Oct. 5. 16350 Gebhardt Road, Brookfield. (262) 786-4155.
Calvary Presbyterian Church: Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics, Oct. 25. 628 N. 10th St. feverup.com
Catey Ott Dance Collective: 20th Anniversary, Oct. 4-5. Baumgartner Center for Dance, 128 N. Jackson St. my.milwaukeeballet.org
Cedarburg PAC: The Lightfoot Band, Oct. 10. The Midtown Men, Dec. 12. W68 N611 Evergreen Blvd., Cedarburg. (262) 376-6161; cedarburgpac.com
Choral Arts Society: Gospel Fusion, Oct. 18. First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave., Racine. choralartsonline.org
Cirque Italia: Cirque Italia Silver, Oct. 3-6. Under the big top of a traveling show, multiple performers tell a story of adventure from countryside to city. Southridge Mall, 5300 S. 76th St., Glendale. cirqueitalia.com/tickets
Concord Chamber Orchestra: Dancing Through Time, Oct. 18. St. Sebastian Parish, 5400 W. Washington Blvd. concordorchestra.org
The Constructivists: Bed and Breakfast of the Damned, Oct. 25-Nov. 7. Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. theconstructivists.org
Danceworks MKE: In Wake, Sept. 27. Echoes of Hope, Nov. 22-23. Danceworks Studio Theatre, 1661 N. Water St. danceworksmke.org
Early Music Now: Cabaret Baroque – Les Goûts Réunis, Oct. 25. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 914 E. Knapp St. (414) 225-3113; earlymusicnow.org
Early Music Now: Bella Voce – Handel’s Complete “Messiah,” Nov. 22. St. Joseph Chapel, 1515 S. Layton Blvd. earlymusicnow.org
Festival City Symphony: Hope, Resilience, and Copland’s American Symphony, Oct. 18. Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. festivalcitysymphony.org
Festival City Symphony: Haunted Harmonies Halloween Pajama Jamboree, Oct. 29. Marcus Performing Arts Center, Bradley Pavilion, 929 N. Water St. festivalcitysymphony.org
First Stage: Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium, Oct. 11-Nov. 2. Marcus Center Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water St. firststage.org
First Stage: The Rose of Treason, Nov. 7-16. Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St. firststage.org
Florentine Opera Company: Don Giovanni, Oct, 24, 26. Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St. florentineopera.org
Forte Theatre Company: South Pacific, Oct. 11-19. Saber Center for the Performing Arts, 8222 S. 51st St., Franklin. fortetheatrecompany.org
Frankly Music: Voices Unforgotten, Sept. 28. Ashes and Echoes, Oct. 29. Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St. franklymusic.org
Greenfield Concert Band: Oct. 24. Greenfield High School PAC, 4800 S. 60th St., Greenfield. greenfieldconcertband.org
Hartland Community Band: Christmas Concert, Dec. 7. Holy Hill Basilica Upper Church, Hubertus. hartlandcommunityband.com
Kettle Moraine Symphony: Audience’s Choice, Oct. 4. Kettle Moraine Lutheran Auditorium, 3399 Division Road, Jackson. kmsymphony.org
Kettle Moraine Symphony: Christmas Concert, Dec. 20. Silver Lining Arts Center, 1305 E. Decorah Road, West Bend. kmsymphony.org
Knightwind Ensemble: The Ghost Ship, Oct. 26. South Milwaukee PAC, 901 15th Ave., South Milwaukee. knightwind.org
Kohler Memorial Theater: Topsy Turvey, Oct. 10-11. An Evening with Tim Robbins and Tonya Mosley, Oct. 11. Jacob Collier, Nov. 1. 260 School St., Kohler. kohlerfoundation.org/tickets
Lake Country Playhouse: Anastasia The Musical, Sept. 26-Oct. 12. 221 E. Capitol Drive, Hartland. lakecountryplayhousewi.org
Lake Geneva Symphony: LGSO at the Movies!, 3 p.m. Sept. 27. Badger High School, 220 E. South St., Lake Geneva. lakegenevaorchestra.org
Lake Geneva Symphony: Brahms Double Concerto, 7 p.m. Nov. 22. Elkhorn Area High School, 482 E. Geneva St., Elkhorn. lakegenevaorchestra.org
Lakeland Players: Heathers The Musical, Oct. 3-19. Sprague Theatre, 15 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. lakeland-players.org
Latino Arts: A Journey Through Mexico from North to South, Oct. 31. Larry & Joe: Joropo Meets Bluegrass, Dec. 5. 1028 S. 9th St. latinoartsinc.org
Marcus Performing Arts Center: Bill Blagg Family Magic, Sept. 17. Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel featuring special guest Jaime Wyatt, Sept. 28. Mrs. Doubtfire, Sept. 30-Oct. 5. Il Divo by Candlelight, Oct. 7. Black Violin, Oct. 9. The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oct. 10. Piano Men: Generations, Oct. 18. Les Misérables, Oct. 28-Nov. 2. Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus LIVE!, Nov. 8. Boney James: Slow Burn Tour, Nov. 13. Wheel of Furtune LIVE!, Nov. 21. 929 N. Water St. marcuscenter.org
Marquette University: Fairview, Nov. 14-23. Helfaer Theatre, 525 N. 13th St. (414) 288-7504.
Memories Dinner Theater: From Elvis to The Beatles featuring The Neverly Brothers, Sept. 27. Blithe Spirit, Oct. 24-Nov. 2. 1077 Lake Drive, Port Washington. memoriesballroom.com
Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra: Vivaldi, Oct. 25. Hamilton Fine Arts Center, W220 N6151 Town Line Road, Sussex. mfso.net
Milwaukee Ballet: Giselle, Oct. 17-19. Marcus Center Uihlein Hall, 929 N. Water St. (414) 902-2103; milwaukeeballet.org
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre: Old Wicked Songs, Sept. 19-Oct. 5. Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway.milwaukeechambertheatre.org
Milwaukee Comedy Festival: Oct. 6-12. Headliners include Aparna Nancherla, Sean Patton, and Patton Oswalt. Various locations, visit mkecomedyfest.com
Milwaukee Concert Band: Nov. 2. Oak Creek Community Center, 8580 S. Howell Ave., Oak Creek. mkeconcertband.org
Milwaukee Repertory Theater: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Oct. 31-Dec. 21. Come From Away, Nov. 4-Dec. 14. 108 E. Wells St. milwaukeerep.com
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra: A Hero’s Life, Sept. 13-14. Batman 1989, Sept. 19-20. Disco Divas, Sept. 26-28. Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s Ninth, Oct. 3-5. Dvořák’s Seventh Symphony, Oct. 10-11.Mendelssohn’s Reformation, Oct. 17-18. Hocus Pocus, Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Wizard of Oz in Concert, Nov. 7-9. Paul Lewis Plays Grieg, Nov. 14-15. Handel’s Messiah, Nov. 21-23. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in Concert, Nov. 28-30. Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. mso.org
Morning Star Productions: Declaration!, 1:45, 2:45, and 3:45 p.m. Oct. 12. Old Falls Village Park, N96 W15791 County Line Road, Menomonee Falls. morningstarproductions.org
Next Act Theatre: Sanctuary City, Sept. 12-Oct. 5. Boswell, Nov. 19-Dec. 14. 255 S. Water St. nextact.org
Oak Creek Performing Arts and Education Center: Erica Sodos: The Magic Within Dinner Show, Oct. 11. The United States Navy Band Commodores, Nov. 9. Sea To Shining Sea : A Veterans Day Program, Nov. 10. 340 E. Puetz Road, Oak Creek. oakcreekpaec.com
Oconomowoc Arts Center: Two Of Us, Sept. 14. I Can Go On Singing, Sept. 20. Moments To Remember: Four Guyz In Dinner Jackets: Moments To Remember, Sept. 25-Oct. 5. Girls Like Us: Barbra, Bette, And Bernadette, Oct. 18-19. 641 E. Forest St., Oconomowoc. (262) 560-3172; theoac.net
Over Our Head Players: Lizzie, Sept. 26-Oct. 19. Birthday Candles, Nov. 21-Dec. 14. Sixth Street Theatre, 318 Sixth St., Racine. (262) 632-6802; overourheadplayers.org
Philomusica String Quartet: Hope and Remembrance, Oct. 27. Wisconsin Lutheran, Schwan Concert Hall, 8815 W. Wisconsin Ave. philomusicaquartet.com
Present Music:All Souls Eve, Oct. 31. Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Drive. presentmusic.org
Present Music:Thanksgiving: Of Being Numerous, Nov. 23. Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 812 N. Jackson St. presentmusic.org
Racine Theatre Guild: Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, Oct. 24-Nov. 9. 2519 Northwestern Ave., Racine. (262) 633-4218.
Renaissance Theaterworks: Switzerland, Oct. 19-Nov. 9. Next Act Theatre, 255 S. Water St. (414) 278-0765.
Schauer Arts Center: Defying Gravity, Sept. 26. Amy Bruni: Walking With Ghosts, Oct. 10. The Music of Neil Diamond, Oct. 16. ABBA-Mania: A Tribute to ABBA, Oct. 19. Disenchanted, Oct. 25. Bill Blagg Family Magic, Nov. 21. Kathy Mattea, Nov. 22. 147 N. Rural St., Hartford. (262) 670-0560; schauercenter.org
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts: Philip Daniel, Sept. 26. Superstar Productions present The Music of Queen, Sept. 30. Live from Laurel Canyon: James & Joni, Oct. 3. Elan Co. presents The Gary Davis Band Motown, Hits, Jazz, and Blues Concert, Oct. 5. World Ballet Company presents The Great Gatsby Ballet, Oct. 14. Gabrielle Cavassa, Oct. 18. The Brookfield Civic Band presents A Halloween Concert, Oct. 19. Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Oct. 24. The Supertramp Tribute Group, Oct. 25. Shaun Cassidy, The Road To Us, Nov. 6. Joshua Redman Quartet, Nov. 8. Juan Pablo Horcasitas, Nov. 14. 3270 Mitchell Park Drive, Brookfield. (262) 781-9520.
Skylight Music Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof, Oct. 3-26. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nov. 14-Dec. 28. Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. (414) 291-7800.
South Milwaukee PAC: An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Sept. 25. Grand Kyiv Ballet: Swan Lake, Oct. 2. The Rat Pack, Oct. 19. Flamenco Night, Nov. 6. Flamenco Nutcracker, Dec. 6. Brass Transit: The Musical Legacy of Chicago, Dec. 13. 901 15th Ave., South Milwaukee. southmilwaukeepac.org
Southminster Presbyterian Church: Randi Driscoll, 3 p.m. Oct. 5. 200 Richard St., Waukesha. archchangeslives.org/randiconcert
Sunset Playhouse: Broadway Showstoppers, Sept. 15-16. Shining Like the Sun, Oct. 9-10. Pippin, Oct. 16-Nov. 2. David Seebach: Illusions in the Night, Oct. 17-19. What Goes Up: Horn Bands, Oct. 20-21. 700 Wall St., Elm Grove. (262) 782-4430.
UWM Peck School of the Arts: H.M.S. Pinafore, Oct. 8-12. Scapino!, Nov. 19-23. Mainstage Theatre, 2400 E. Kenwood Blvd. (414) 229-4308.
UWM Peck School of the Arts: In Darkness, Audio Flowers Bloom, Nov. 5-9. Kenilworth Square East, 1925 E. Kenilworth Place.
UWM Peck School of the Arts: New Dancemakers, Nov. 19-22. Mitchell Hall Studio 254, 3203 N. Downer Ave. (414) 229-4308.
UWM Zelazo Center: UWM Choral & Orchestral Masterworks, Nov. 1-2. Bader Hall, 2419 E. Kenwood Blvd. (414) 229-4308.
Vanguard Productions: Lungs, Sept. 19-28. Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St. vanguardmke.com
Watertown Players Theater: Rumors, Sept. 19-28. The Market, 210 S. Water St., Watertown. (920) 306-4364.
Watertown Players Theater: A Little Women Christmas, Nov. 29-30. The Octagon House, 919 Charles St, Watertown. (920) 306-6364.
Waukesha Civic Theatre: Dad’s Season Tickets, Sept. 12-28.Laughter of the 23rd Floor, Oct. 17-Nov. 2. Disney’s Newsies, Dec. 5-21. 264 W. Main St., Waukesha. (262) 547-0708.
West Allis Players: The Stranger, Oct. 3-12. West Milwaukee Intermediate School, 5104 W. Greenfield Ave., West Milwaukee. westallisplayers.org
Wild Space Dance Company: InSite, Oct. 10-11. Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N. Hopkins St. wildspacedance.org
Wisconsin Intergenrational Orchestra: Winter Concert, Dec. 7. Zelazo Center, 2419 E. Kenwood Blvd. wiorchestra.org
Wisconsin Lutheran College: Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Oct. 18. America’s Sweethearts, Nov. 8. Christmas with Alliance Brass, Dec. 12. Center for Arts and Performances, 8815 W. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 443-8802; wlc.edu/boxoffice
Wisconsin Philharmonic: Prairie Voices, Oct. 12. An American Christmas, Dec. 12. Oconomowoc Arts Center, 641 E. Forest St., Oconomowoc. (262) 547-1858;wisphil.org
Wisconsin Philharmonic: Music of the Soul: Violins of Hope, Sept. 14. A Mostly Mozart Matinee, Nov. 5. Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 3270 Mitchell Park Drive, Brookfield. wisphil.org
Wisconsin Singer/Songwriter Series: Rachael Kilgour, Sept. 20. Patty Stevenson & Craig Siemsen, Oct. 11. Emily Hurd, Nov. 15. Unitarian Church North, 13800 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon. wsss.org
LECTURES / AUTHOR VISITS
Books & Company: Ron Rindo “Life, & Death, & Giants,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22. Erin A. Craig “A Land So Wide,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23. 1039 Summit Ave., Oconomowoc. booksco.com
Boswell Books: Eileen Flanagan “Common Ground,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15. Geo Rutherford “Spooky Lakes Coloring Book,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16. Bench Ansfield “Born in Flames,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18. Jeannée Sacken “The Women Who Stand Between,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Maureen McCue “Dancing in a Disabled World,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23. Jason Diamond “Kaplan’s Plot,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25. Daniel Kraus “Angel Down,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26. Laurie Lawlor “Many Voices: Building Erie, the Canal That Changed America,” 4 p.m. Sept. 28. Jane Hamilton “The Phoebe Variations,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30. Katherine Rundell “The Poisoned King,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1. David Haynes “Martha’s Daughter,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2. Alex Hanna “The AI Con,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6. Juneau Black “Mockingbird Court,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7. Nghi Vo “A Mouthful of Dust,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8. John Dinges “Chile in Their Hearts,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10. Matthew J Flynn “American Dawn,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14. Quan Barry “The Unveiling,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15. 2559 N. Downer Ave. boswellbooks.com
Cedarburg Cultural Center: Nick Petrie “The Drifter,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9. W62 N546 Washington Ave., Cedarburg. cedarburglibrary.org
Cudahy Family Library: Howard Aprill of Wehr Nature Center presents “Batty for Bats” presentation, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22. 3500 Library Drive, Cudahy. (414) 769-2244.
Cudahy Family Library: Tom Skinner presents “True Stories from the Salem Witch Trials,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16. Dawn Helmrich “The Blue Flower Curtain,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23. 3500 Library Drive, Cudahy. (414) 769-2244.
Discourse Coffee: Jyoti Mukharji and Auyon Mukharji “Heartland Masala,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13. 158 S. Barclay St. boswellbooks.com
North Point Lighthouse Museum: Lecture series, 7 p.m. Admission $10; senior/student $5; members, free. 2650 N. Wahl Ave. (414) 332-6754.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: Biologist Joan E. Strassmann presents “Slow Birding,” 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23. 1111 E. Brown Deer Road. schlitzaudubon.org
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center: William Kent Krueger “Apostle’s Cove,” 7 p.m. Sept. 17. 3270 Mitchell Park Drive, Brookfield. (262) 781-9520.
Shorewood Public Library: Kieran Mulvaney “Arctic Passages,” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15. Andrea Beaty “Billie Jean Peet, Athlete,” 4 p.m. Oct. 1. 3920 N. Murray Ave. boswellbooks.com
Wauwatosa Public Library: Lauren Myracle “Incredibly Penelope,” 6 p.m. Oct. 2. 7635 W North Ave. boswellbooks.com
HALLOWEEN
Racine Zoo: Jack-O’-Lantern Nights, 6 to 10 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, Oct. 2-31. Hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns and festive illuminations. 2131 N. Main St., Racine. racinezoo.org/jack-o-lantern-nights
The Hill Has Eyes: Outdoor Haunts, Sept. 26-Nov. 1. Friday and Saturday night haunted attractions are recommended for ages 13 and up; Sunday Not So Scary event recommended for ages 8 and up. 7005 S. Ballpark Drive, Franklin. hillhaseyes.com
Boo at the Zoo: Oct. 17-19, 24-26. Not-so-scary family-friendly activities, light shows, trick-or-treat trail; come in costume. Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Road. milwaukeezoo.org
HOLIDAY
Wisconsin Veterans Day Parade: 11 a.m. Nov. 8. Route starts on the corner of Harwood Avenue and State Street, Wauwatosa. wivcf.org/wivetsparade
Milwaukee County Remembers 9/11: 8 a.m. Sept. 11. Veterans Courtyard, War Memorial Center, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. warmemorialcenter.org/events
OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Argo Concert Series: 6-9 p.m. Ivanhoe Plaza, 2000 block of East Ivanhoe Place. Ben Mulwana, Sept. 26; Gold Steps, Oct. 3; Orlando Pena, Oct. 17.
Cathedral Square Market: 11:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells St. Matthew Haeffel, Sept. 14; The All-Star Supper Club Band, Sept. 21; Kyle Feerick, Sept. 28; Bo Randall, Oct. 5; Holly Haebig, Oct. 12. easttown.com/cathedral-square-market
Cudahy Family Library: 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Grand Ole Opry, 6 p.m. Sept. 13. Hosted by Greg Jones; bring a lawn chair. 3500 Library Drive, Cudahy. (414) 769-2244.
DroneArt Show:7:30 p.m. Sept. 19-20. Over 500 illuminated drones perform to soundtrack of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Veterans Park, 1010 N Lincoln Memorial Drive. thedroneartshow.com/milwaukee
Frolic At Franks: Block Party, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sept. 13. Music by The Squeezettes, Big Style Brass Band, and Spirit Shakers, games for all ages, food contests, CJW and Rustic Road Brewing Company, beverages, and Cut Stone Pizza Fire Truck. Franks Diner, 508 58th St., Kenosha.
Jazz in the Park: Another One, 6-9 p.m. Sept. 25. Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells St. easttown.com
Music on the Beerline: De La Buene, 6-8:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Beerline Plaza stage, 3350 N. Holton St.
Nixon Park: 7-9 p.m., 175 E. Park Ave., Hartland. Higbee-Higbee, Sept. 18; Jim Gaff, Sept. 25. villageofhartland.wi.gov
Riverwalk Commons Concert Series: Steve Beguhn, 6-8:30 p.m. Sept. 23. 423 N. Water St. milwaukeepublicmarket.org
Twilight Concerts at Fowler Park: Willy Porter Band, Mean Mary, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 14. Fowler Lake Park, 500 Oakwood Ave., Oconomowoc. visitoconomowoc.com
Union Park Tavern: Oktoberfest, 1-9 p.m. Sept. 20; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 21. Live music, beer garden, pig roast, and vendor market. 4520 8th Ave., Kenosha.
West Allis Summer Concert Series: Milwaukee Blues Rock Collective, 6 p.m. Sept. 18. Veterans Memorial Park, 6900 W. National Ave., West Allis. westalliswi.gov/page/community-events
HOME & GARDEN
Boerner Botanical Gardens: Gardens open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (through Oct.). The Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens (FBBG) offer a variety of year-round classes for adults and children. Whitnall Park, 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners. General Information and FBBG: (414) 525-5653; boernerbotanicalgardens.org
Doors Open Milwaukee 2025: Sept. 27-28. Visit Milwaukee’s historic sites and neighborhoods. See full list of ticketed tours and free drop-in sites at historicmilwaukee.org/doors-open.
Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum: Historic site offering walking tours and events. 2405 W. Forest Home Ave. foresthomecemetery.com
Mitchell Park Domes: The Horticultural Conservatory is open year-round, with permanent collections in the tropical and desert domes, and temporary themed displays in the Floral Show Dome. 524 S. Layton Blvd. mitchellparkdomes.com
NARI Milwaukee: Home & Remodeling Show, noon-8 p.m. Oct. 17; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 18; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 19. Home improvement and remodeling experts. Wisconsin Exposition Center, State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis. narimilwaukee.org
Pabst Mansion: Open daily, with guided, self-guided and specialty tours. Flemish Renaissance Revival-styled house built in 1892 for Captain Frederick Pabst, founder of the Pabst Brewing Company. 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 931-0808; pabstmansion.com
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: Trails are open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Environmental education for all ages. 1111 E. Brown Deer Road. schlitzaudubon.org
Urban Ecology Center-Menomonee Valley: Native Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 20. 3700 W. Pierce St. urbanecologycenter.org
Wehr Nature Center: Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nature trails, educational events and environmental programs. 9701 W. College Ave., Franklin. (414) 425-8550; wehrnaturecenter.com
FOOD & DRINK
WE Energies Cookie Book Distribution: Available for pick up on designated dates and times at many locations throughout Wisconsin. we-energies.com/recipes/cookie-book-distribution-list
The Bartolotta Restaurants: For menus and reservations, visit bartolottas.com.
Feast on the Streets: A Taste of the Badger State, 4-8 p.m. Sept. 12. $40. Restaurants feature dishes inspired by Wisconsin ingedients. Various locations in downtown Racine. racinedowntown.com
Milaeger’s Racine: Pop-Up Biergarten, Oct. 2-5. 4838 Douglas Ave., Racine. milaegers.com
Southside Dining Week: Sept. 27-Oct. 4. Kick off event from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 28 at Zocalo Food Truck Park, 636 S. 6th St. Live music and food-themed activities. For list of participating restaurants, visit southsidediningweek.com.
St. Francis Children’s Center: Pours for a Purpose – Wine, Beer & Chocolate Tasting, 5 p.m. Sept. 13. $60. 6700 N. Port Washington Road. sfccpours25.givesmart.com
Stone Bank Farm Market: Working farm and market offering seasonal foods, cooking classes and brown-bag dinners. N68 W33208 County Road K, Stone Bank. (262) 563-8010; stonebankmarket.com
MORE EVENTS
Brewery Collectibles Club of America: Brewery advertising show open to public, noon-5 p.m. Sept. 12; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 13. Browse the trade floor for decorations or special items for collection. Hilton Milwaukee City Center, 509 W. Wisconsin Ave. bcca.com
St. Barnabas Parish: Community Rummage, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 18, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20. 7109 W. Orchard St.
Valley Week: Sept. 20-27. A variety of events in the Menomonee River Valley Neighborhood. thevalleymke.org/valleyweek
Ex Fabula: StorySlams: Second Chances, 7 p.m. Sept. 25. The Sugar Maple, 441 E.Lincoln Ave. exfabula.org
North Shore Artists: Art exhibition and sale, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 27. St. Francis Children’s Center, 6700 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale.
Hales Corners Library: Book Sale, 4:30-7 p.m. Oct. 3; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 4. 5885 S. 116th St., Hales Corners. (414) 529-6150.
Waukesha West End Artists: Plein Air Art Crawl, 2-8 p.m. Oct. 4. Downtown Waukesha. waukeshaart.com
Interchange Theater: Voices from the Animal Kingdom, 3-8 p.m. Oct. 4. Performance art held during Qwertyfest typewriter festival. 628 N. 10th St. qwertyfest.com
Cudahy Family Library: Yarn Day, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Oct. 10. Craft books/patterns and yarn samples available for purchase, or bring your fiber craft to work on in community with others. 3500 Library Drive, Cudahy. (414) 769-2244.
Urban Ecology Center-Washington Park: Autumn Celebration, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 18. Nature walks, canoeing on lagoon, games, crafts, treats. 1859 N. 40th St. urbanecologycenter.org
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
Gallery Night MKE: Oct. 17-18. Discover local galleries, art and artists during free, two-day art event in downtown Milwaukee and surrounding neighborhoods. gallerynightmke.com
Almont Gallery: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Exhibits mix of artists working in a wide range of media from the Waukesha/Milwaukee area. 342 W. Main St., Waukesha. almontgallery.com
Charles Allis Art Museum: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Tudor-style mansion houses the Allis’ international art collection with works spanning from antiquity to the twentieth century. 1801 N. Prospect Ave. (414) 296-1101; charlesallis.org
David Barnett Gallery: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. European Masters, African sculptures, Haitian paintings, Latin American art, Indonesian art, and Wisconsin artists. 1024 E. State St. (414) 271-5058.
Discovery World: Open Wednesday-Sunday, hours vary due to special programming and early closures. Science museum featuring an aquarium, hands-on interactive exhibits, and immersive educational experiences. 500 N. Harbor Drive. (414) 765-9966; discoveryworld.org
East Troy Railroad Museum: Take a ride on the last remaining piece of the original interurban network that operated in Wisconsin. Historic railcars travel a 10-mile trip. Depot, 2002 Church St., East Troy, (262) 642-3263; easttroyrr.org
Grove Gallery: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Contemporary art gallery. 832 S. 5th St. gallerygrove.com
Haggerty Museum of Art: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. A teaching museum with educational opportunities for the campus and community offering free tours, lectures, workshops and performances. Marquette University campus, 1234 W. Tory Hill St. (414) 288-1669; marquette.edu/haggerty-museum
Harley-Davidson Museum:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and memorabilia on a 20-acre campus, with guided tours and special events. 400 W. Canal St. (877) 436-8738; harley-davidson.com/us/en/museum.html
Hoard Historical Museum: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Local history museum of artifacts, artwork and activities. 401 Whitewater Ave., Fort Atkinson. (920) 397-9914; hoardmuseum.org
Jewish Museum Milwaukee: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Jewish people in Wisconsin and celebrating the continuum of Jewish heritage and culture. 1360 N. Prospect Ave. (414) 390-5730; jewishmuseummilwaukee.org
Kenosha Civil War Museum: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Civil War from the perspective of the people of the Upper Middle West: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. 5400 1st Ave., Kenosha. museums.kenosha.org/civil-war-museum
Kim Storage Gallery: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, or by appointment. Contemporary art. Marshall Building, Suite 404, 207 E. Buffalo St. (414) 231-9304; kimstoragegallery.com
Latino Arts: 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Showcasing the work of Hispanic and Latin American artists. 1028 S. 9th St. latinoartsinc.org
Lily Pad Gallery West: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. 215 N. Broadway. (414) 509-5756.
Milwaukee Art Museum:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. Milwaukee’s first art gallery, founded in 1888 by Frederick Layton. 700 N. Art Museum Drive. mam.org
Milwaukee County Historical Society: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Saturday. Founded in 1935 as the repository for County records, and houses the museum, research library, offices, collections storage, and offers events and educational programs throughout the year. 910 N. King Drive. (414) 273-8288.
Milwaukee Public Museum: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday. Soon to be named the The Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin, the natural history museum houses cultural exhibitions, hosts educational programs, and showcases the natural wonders and diverse cultures found throughout Wisconsin. 800 W. Wells St. (414) 278-2728; mpm.edu
Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA): 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. View contemporary and emerging art. 205 Veterans Ave., West Bend. (262) 334-9638; wisconsinart.org
North Point Lighthouse: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. View exhibits, artifacts, and maritime history on the Great Lakes. 2650 N. Wahl Ave. (414) 332-6754; northpointlighthouse.org
Old World Wisconsin: Fall on the Farms, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (through Sept. 28). Special events and fall on the farm weekends demonstrate fall activities, harvesting of crops, meat and sausage making, canning and preserving food. Highway 67, south of Eagle. (262) 594-6301; oldworldwisconsin.org
Ploch Art Gallery: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Displays the work of regional professional artists. Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 3270 Mitchell Park Drive, Brookfield. (262) 781-9520; wilson-center.com/ploch-art-gallery
Portrait Society Gallery: Noon-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Contemporary art. 207 E. Buffalo St. (414) 870-9930; portraitsocietygallery.com
Racine Art Museum (RAM):10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Contemporary craft exhibitions. 441 Main St., Racine. (262) 638-8300; ramart.org
RAM Wustum Museum of Fine Arts:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. 2519 Northwestern Ave., Racine. (262) 636-9177; ramart.org
River Press: 1-7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Art studio, shop and gallery featuring exclusively Milwaukee-local artists. 2351 N. Humboldt Ave. riverpressmke.com
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Showcases local artists who create nature inspired art in a variety of mediums. Mezzanine Art Gallery, Visitor Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Road. (414) 352-2880; schlitzaudubon.org/visit/art-gallery
Spectrum School of Arts & Community Gallery: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, or by appointment. Exhibitions by gallery members, and invitational showcases for local artists. East Building of the DeKoven Center, 2000 Wisconsin Ave., Racine. (262) 634-4345; spectrumschoolandgallery.org
Tory Folliard Gallery: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 233 N. Milwaukee St. (414) 273-7311; toryfolliard.com
UW-Parkside: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. The Rita, 900 Wood Road, Kenosha. uwp.edu/therita/artgalleries.cfm
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum:11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Promotes local, regional and international visual and decorative arts, and community arts programming. 2220 N. Terrace Ave. (414) 271-3656; villaterrace.org
Wade House Stagecoach Inn: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday (through Nov. 2). Explore pioneer life in the northern Kettle Moraine with tour of an 1850s stagecoach inn, carriage museum, blacksmith shop, sawmill and wagon ride. W7965 Highway 23, Greenbush. (920) 526-3271; wadehouse.wisconsinhistory.org
Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Museum and education center, with exhibitions of works demonstrating traditional to contemporary techniques. N50 W5050 Portland Road, Cedarburg. (262) 546-0300; wiquiltmuseum.com
Please submit your event three weeks before the event or registration deadline to jsenter@journalsentinel.com, with “Attention Entertainment calendar” in the subject line.
This story was updated to add new information.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Outdoor festivals, music, arts and more things to do in the Milwaukee area in fall 2025
Reporting by Elaine Rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
