Prepare for the reckoning.
I’m still trying to accept the fact that summer is over, it’s ACTUALLY fall now and I don’t quite know how I feel about it. But as much as I do miss summer already, fall has its beauty and wonderful quirks of its own. It has become a game of trying to beat those post-summer blues – and what better way to do that than to check out a bunch of indie movies, carve pumpkins, and learn about 3d printing? I’ll tell you - there’s more than you’d expect. Surprisingly, no pumpkin spice festival, but, you know, I’m actually pretty ok with that.
Milwaukee Film Festival
“Movies can be a kind of advertisement for a city, a place.”– This quote rings true, especially today, because we're kicking off The Milwaukee Film Festival! The festival is returning for its seventh year running, and they’ve pulled out all the stops. It has gained the position of fifth largest film festival in the United States, and you’ll be able to see why as you find yourself at one of the five Milwaukee theatres (Downer Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Avalon Atmospheric Theatre & Lounge, Fox Bay Cinema & Grill, and Time’s Cinema) it will be occupying. You’ll be able to unleash your inner film critic at screenings of everything from a “Beauty and the Beast” sing-a-long to riveting short films from local musicians and creatives. The variety and atmosphere is something that you cannot miss, and luckily for all of us, the duration of the festival is long enough to be able to fit at least a sliver of it into our busy lives.
Harvest Fair
Although we did just experience a harvest moon this past weekend, the Harvest Fair is taking its place at the state fairgrounds Friday through Sunday! This is a great way to kick-off those fall festivities. Bring the kids and have fun with pumpkin carving, pumpkin bowling, amusement rides, and even getting a little bit spooked at a creepy crawly zoo! Catering towards the older crowds, you’ll be able to try over 50 craft beers from Micro (who knows, they might even have a pumpkin beer for you fanatics), and obviously you’ll be able to grab delicious eats from one of the many state fair vendors. It’s free, so all you have to do is show up hungry and ready to have fun!
Maker Faire Milwaukee
The brainchild of “MAKE” Magazine, Maker Faire has been, excuse my lacking vernacular, making moves in the DIY scene. Gathering creative-minded makers from all around the country at big city hubs like Milwaukee and Madison, this is one of the coolest things to happen surrounding the DIY movement for a very long time, it is creating an awesome and vibrant community. With trades and skills ranging anywhere from 3d printing and homemade welding equipment (The Milwaukee Blacksmith crew will be there!) to caning chairs and light installments, you literally will have no trouble finding something that interests you. The participants in this faire are there to showcase their work, but you might just end up learning something about a new trade too. This event will be held in the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park on Saturday and Sunday, so you might even be able to make it a double-whammy and hit the Harvest Fair as well! If you’re a fan of cool and interesting projects this is an event that you can’t miss.
Petfest
I like cute animals, and I’m pretty sure you do too, so snap that leash on the collar of your favorite furry friend and take a walk down to the Summerfest grounds for Petfest this Saturday from 10-6! Sponsored by Fromm Family Foods, this is an entirely pet-focused event. Let your pup dodge and duck its way through lure and agility courses, a speed trial, and even explore a pet-themed market place! There will be plenty of fun for us humans to enjoy as well - with a bier garden, family-focused games and activities, live music, and much more. If you don’t have a good furry friend to bring with, don’t fret, you’re in luck. Adoption Avenue is there for you to help some great animals find their forever homes, and it’s your chance to possibly meet your new best friend. Admission is free, and all sales at the festival will go to the Wisconsin Humane Society. To quote one of my best friends, Buzz, “Woof!” - which translates to “This is bound to be a fetching event!”
Silver City International Food and Art Walk
Come experience the culture of Milwaukee’s dynamic Silver City neighborhood this Saturday. With seven different countries from around the world represented, the cuisine, art, and music will be a bountiful harvest of exquisite tastes and aesthetic beauty. Make your way down to West National Avenue between South 33rd Street and South 35th Street to celebrate some of the great cultures that Milwaukee contains.
Hero’s Haul
Do you have a group of ten friends that you think would be strong enough to pull a fire truck? Make your way to MKE Brewing on Saturday and try your luck! Even if you don’t end up being able to accomplish the pull, there’s still music, food from Nightmares and Oscars on a Roll, and (obviously) great beer for you to be entertained by. All proceeds go to fund Firefighters for Operation Warm Coats. Register your team today!
Keg Stand Up at Lakefront
Take a walk down to Lakefront Brewery this Sunday from 6:30-8:30 PM to drink and laugh! Tickets are $5 presale, $10 at the door, and free if you do a brewery tour on Sunday! Carly Malison, Matty Field, Liza Marie, and Mike Berg will be the performing comedians. Also, you get a free Lakefront tap beer with your ticket purchase, you really can’t go wrong.
Don’t let your spirits fall because it’s finally autumn, but instead get up and head to one of these many events! You have to kick off fall in the right way!
Will
g.moxie