1. Emmylou Harris
APRIL 5 | RIVERSIDE THEATER
The scope of this country icon’s solo career is only matched by the number of her collaborations over the decades. Expect a setlist just as wide-ranging.
2. Re:Craft and Relic
APRIL 5-6 | MKE COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX
Over 160 vendors selling home decor, knitwear, jewelry and more make this indoor market one of the largest in the state. You’ll also find bites and live music.
Architects, interior designers, renovation experts and landscapers – we want to see your best work!
3. Annual Sheepshead Tournament
APRIL 5 | NICOLET HIGH SCHOOL
Always come out ahead in family games of sheepshead? Compete in this three-round tournament of the Wisconsin card game – possibly the largest of its kind. The top player wins $100 and a plaque.
4. Groove to LA LOM
APRIL 6 | VIVARIUM
Their name stands for Los Angeles League of Musicians, but this instrumental three-piece pulls influence from all over the Americas. Notes of cumbia, bolero, surf rock and jazz are all present, but the band’s effortless blend is uniquely their own.
Note: This event is now sold-out.
5. PEEPS Art Exhibition
APRIL 9-26 | RACINE ART MUSEUM
Incorporating the marshmallow candy is the only requirement for artists in this open-call exhibition, resulting in creative, playful works like the Leaning Tower of Peeps-a.
6. Sleeping Beauty
APRIL 11-13 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Milwaukee Ballet artistic director Michael Pink gives his own pirouette to the timeless Tchaikovsky ballet about a princess cursed to a deep slumber.
7. Milwaukee Tattoo Festival
APRIL 11-13 | BAIRD CENTER
If you’re looking for a tat (or two), this festival offers hundreds of artists to choose from. Guests can enter their ink in contests and shop tools and merch.
8. Ada Limón
APRIL 15 | UWM STUDENT UNION Union
U.S. Poet Laureate and MacArthur Grant winner Ada Limón spent her laureateship collecting works from poets about the shifting natural world. She comes to Milwaukee to give a lecture followed by a Q&A.
9. A Room Shaped Story
APRIL 18-19 | BROADWAY THEATRE CENTER
Usually dancers move around the space, not the other way around. But this show from Wild Space Dance Company takes place in a dynamic single room with moving walls that respond to and reframe the choreography.
10. Milwaukee Zine Fest
APRIL 19 | MILWAUKEE CENTRAL LIBRARY
Small, imaginative magazines by more than 100 creatives make up The Bindery’s annual DIY market. Look through your favorites and give the format your own try with workshops on letterpress printing, flipbook construction and more print arts.
11. Ebb & Flow’s Frog Art Exhibition
APRIL 22-MAY 5 | EBB & FLOW DESIGN CO.
Calling all frog fanatics! Riverwest décor store Ebb & Flow teamed up with local designer Christina Persika to curate an amphibious display of frog-inspired artwork. The exhibition honors the birthday of the store’s mascot – a frog Beanie Baby named Legs.
12. Circle Mirror Transformation
APRIL 23-MAY 18 | NEXT ACT THEATRE
Four strangers at a crossroads join an acting class at a Vermont community center. As their exercises and improv games become more involved and tiresome, secrets are revealed and bonds are formed.
13. Topdog/Underdog
APRIL 25-MAY 11 | MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE
In this interpersonal drama, a fixation on street cons keeps brothers Lincoln and Booth at odds with each other and tied to the past. Among the play’s accolades are a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony for Best Revival of a Play.
14. Independent Bookstore Day
APRIL 26 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
This 12th annual event celebrates the community spirit of indie bookstores through exclusive releases, discounts, merch and more. Local bookworms can enjoy the day at Boswell Book Co., Lion’s Tooth, Niche Book Bar and more.
15. Billy Joel and Sting
APRIL 26 | AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD
Turn back the clock to the early ’80s for this double bill of pop masters. Expect smash hits like Joel’s “Piano Man” and Sting’s “Roxanne.”
Note: This event is now postponed.
16. Annual Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup
APRIL 26 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
For 30 years, this local environmental nonprofit has gathered thousands of volunteers to pick up trash from the city’s rivers and parks. Give your time and energy and receive a free T-shirt – along with bags and gloves to get you started.
17. Immortal Girlfriend
APRIL 26 | CACTUS CLUB
Brothers and synthwave wizards Will and Kevin Bush cap their first national tour with a hometown show at the Cactus Club. You’ll find intense washes of brooding synths, propulsive drums and loads of reverb. If you’re unfamiliar with their music, stream their 2024 EP Sojourner.
18. Michelada Fest
APRIL 26 | ZÓCALO FOOD PARK
This inaugural fest is dedicated to the signature Mexican beer cocktail – a salt-rimmed drink made with lime juice, spices and oftentimes tomato juice. Sample from Milwaukee bars and restaurants as they compete for the top prize. FILM
19. Stop Making Sense with Jerry Harrison
APRIL 27 | PABST THEATER
The Pabst Theater is the place this year for the city’s classic dance party. Along with screening the recent 4K restoration of the Talking Heads concert film, band member and Milwaukee native Jerry Harrison will give introductory remarks and a post-film Q&A.
