Shrekfest is coming to Milwaukee this year! If you’ve been living alone in a bog and you’re unfamiliar with Shrekfest, the event was founded by an online comedy company called 3GI way back in 2014 and hosted at Warner Park on Madison’s north side since then. After a few fruitful (and onion-full?) years of off-kilter fun in the state’s capital city, the “celebration of self-love and counterculture” that’s largely based around the Shrek film franchise will now take place at Humboldt Park in Bay View on Saturday, September 3.
Beyond the festival itself (which we’ll get into more later), Shrekfest’s new region will play host to a bunch of Shrek related events in early September. From pre-parties, post-parties, screenings, raves, and more, here’s a handy guide to help you navigate the ogre-whelming number of Shrek-related events happening in Milwaukee next weekend.
Friday, September 2
Shrekfest Kickoff Party @ X-Ray Arcade
Get ready for Saturday’s festivities with a Shrekfest Eve kickoff party at X-Ray Arcade. From 7-11 p.m., the Cudahy arcade/venue will host “a live performance from Shrek-themed indie duo Ogre Patrol, a Shrek-friendly DJ set from County Conservation District, Shrek-themed food and drink specials, games, and more!” The all-ages event is free to attend.
Saturday, September 3
Shrekfest @ Humboldt Park
So what can you expect to experience at Milwaukee’s inaugural Shrekfest? Well, organizers promise “a variety of experiences, from games to live music to a movie screening at the end of the night.” Like previous installments, you’re sure to encounter a lot of creative cosplay—both Shrek-based and otherwise—as well as Smash Mouth karaoke, contests (including a “Shrek roar” contest, a costume contest, and an onion-eating contest), an arts and crafts area, and a screening of the iconic feature film. The free festival fun starts at 3 p.m. and wraps up around 9:30 p.m.
Shrekfest After Party @ Indeed Brewing
After Shrekfest is though, Indeed Brewing’s Walker’s Point taproom will host the official Shrekfest After Party, which aims to keep the celebration going with Shrek board games, video games, and “all the beer you can pay for.” There’s no cover to attend this 21+ event.
Shrek Rave @ The Rave / Eagles Club
If the official Shrekfest After Party is too low-energy for you, perhaps the seemingly-unaffiliated “Shrek Rave” at The Rave / Eagles Club is more your style. To quote the brief and to-the-point event description from this nationally-touring Shrek party venture: “It’s dumb. Just come have fun!” Early bird tickets are currently on sale for $15. This all-ages event is scheduled to start at 9 p.m.
September 2-5
Shrek screenings @ Marcus Theater locations
Fittingly, as all of these Shrek-related events are happening in the Milwaukee area in early September, folks will have an opportunity to watch the Oscar-nominated 2001 film that inspired it all. Between Friday, September 2 and Monday, September 5, a wide range of Marcus theater locations in Milwaukee and its surrounding suburbs will be offering morning and early afternoon screenings of Shrek. Check online listings for Shrek showtimes at a Marcus location near you.