Even though autumn technically ended a few weeks ago, it’s finally beginning to set in: winter is actually here. The holidays are over and it’s already snowed a few times. And there’s still, like, 10 more weeks of this ahead! With that in mind, we thought you might appreciate a listing of local festivals, conventions, outdoor block parties, and family-friendly events taking place in and around Milwaukee this winter. Get out there and face cabin fever head-on at some of these events. We’ve got this, Milwaukee!
Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18
Goblin King Masquerade Ball @ Turner Hall
Awkward Nerd Events will once again transform Turner Hall Ballroom into a magical world of fantasy. There will be themed cocktails and mocktails, a custom curated drag show, photo ops, and more during this two-night event. Formal attire or cosplay is required.
Saturday, January 25
4th Annual Bluegrass Winter Heater @ The Cooperage
Though it’s happening in the dead of winter, the Bluegrass Winter Heater will make The Cooperage all warm and toasty with tunes from a phenomenal foursome of great bluegrass bands. The fourth annual affair will feature performances by Valley Fox, Maygen & The Birdwatcher, Joseph Huber, and a headlining set from The MilBillies from—you guessed it!—Milwaukee. Jordan Kroeger (of Chicken Wire Empire) will emcee and Ernest Brusubardis IV (also of Chicken Wire Empire) will be on-site as an “artist at large.”
Lynden Winter Carnival @ Lynden Sculpture Garden
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 27, Lynden Sculpture Garden will host a day of outdoor activities for the whole family. Lynden Winter Carnival will include “art-making, scavenger hunts, tree-walks, workshops, and whatever other winter activities—ice skating, painting the pond, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing—the weather permits.”
Ice Bear Fest @ Third Space Brewing
Third Space Brewing’s Ice Bear Fest returns! From noon to 5 p.m., the Menomonee Valley brewery will host “an epic ’80s Après ski party” in its beer garden to celebrate its tasty seasonal Baltic porter. In addition to the abundance of Ice Bear on hand, the winter affair will feature DJs and a live band playing ’80s jams, food trucks, shotskis, and various other Third Space brews.
Saturday, February 1
Mitten Fest @ Burnhearts
After a one-year relocation to Boone & Crockett last February, Mitten Fest will return to its rightful home outside of Burnhearts in Bay View. The music lineup was just released, so save the date for a full day of live music, rare beer releases, local food and retail vendors, and charity.
Great Lakes Pet Expo @ Wisconsin State Fair Park
While there are a bunch of expos, tournaments, and trade shows scheduled to take place at Wisconsin State Fair Park this winter, the Great Lakes Pet Expo is the best of the bunch. (No offense, Milwaukee Boat Show!) The 20th installment will bring thousands of animal lovers to Wisconsin State Fair Park to explore 143,000 square feet worth of “pet loving shopping and services, entertainment, educational experiences, and some of Wisconsin’s cutest adoptables.” Get out of the house, bring the whole family, and support Wisconsin’s homeless companion animals.
Friday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23
Flat Out Friday @ Fiserv Forum and Mama Tried @ The Rave / Eagles Ballroom
If you’re somehow unfamiliar, Flat Out Friday features motorcycle racers riding on top of a track that’s slathered in Dr. Pepper syrup and it’s awesome! This event is just one part of the Mama Tried festivities that are slated to happen at various local spots in mid-February. The Mama Tried Motorcycle Show itself will take place at The Rave February 21-23.
Saturday, February 22
Milwaukee Comic Con @ Wisconsin State Fair Park
Behold! Dozens of comics, collectibles, characters, and more will be on hand at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds on February 22 during the Milwaukee Comic Convention.
Sunday, February 23
Bacon Fest MKE @ Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
On Sunday, February 23, The Hog and Potawatomi Hotel & Casino will host another installment of Bacon Fest MKE. The 13th annual celebration of pork products will feature an abundance of vendors serving up their finest swine to a hungry horde of bacon aficionados. Come to Potawatomi on February 23 and pig out.
Friday, March 7 through Sunday, March 9
Anime Milwaukee @ Hilton Milwaukee City Center Hotel
What started as a college anime club meeting has blossomed into a massive three-day convention that annually brings hundreds of folks to the Hilton in Downtown Milwaukee and Baird Center to celebrate “anime, manga, Asian culture, music and gaming.”Anime Milwaukee will make its return March 7-9.
Saturday, March 8
Food & Froth @ Milwaukee Public Museum
Experience Milwaukee Public Museum as you never have before at the 25th annual Food & Froth. This after-hours event—and museum fundraiser—allows attendees the rare opportunity to explore the exhibit floors while enjoying locally-sourced food and beer from more than 60 area vendors. There’s also live music on the first floor.
