Drink Beer and Bike Through Haunted Riverwest

Milwaukee County Historical Society building wrapped for safety. Photo by Carl Baehr.

There’s plenty to do in the Milwaukee area this week while still maintaining social distancing.

Each week, Urban Milwaukee is curating a list of events that are taking the necessary safety precautions provided by the CDC in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This week, celebrate Halloween with a lineup of spooky-but-socially-distanced events, such as a flashlight tour of the The Rave, a haunted bike ride or a family-friendly drive through the Milwaukee County Zoo. And farmer’s markets won’t be around much longer, so stock up on local, fresh produce while you can.

October 22-25, 27-28: Halloween Blackout at The Rave

There aren’t going to be any wild Halloween parties or shows at The Rave (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave.) this year, but the venue is making up for it with its Halloween Blackout event. Stories of how haunted the venue is have been passed around by locals in the city as well as famous touring musicians, and now you can experience the terror firsthand. The building will have most of its lights shut off and guests will explore by flashlight only, from the penthouse lounge to the abandoned pool. The event is for ages 18 and older and will require masks and social distancing. Tickets range from $30 to $40 and can be purchased here.

For the first time ever, the Milwaukee County Zoo is hosting a drive-thru Halloween event fundraiser for its animals. Guests will drive along a 1.5 mile route along the zoo’s pathways sponsored by AAA. The event is designed to be family-friendly, and takes a light approach to its Halloween theme — instead of trying to scare you. The drive-thru is open from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Carload admission is $55 per car or $50 for zoo pass members.

October 23-24: Riverside Theater Ghost Tours

The Riverside Theater (116 W. Wisconsin St.) is continuing its series of Ghost Tours this weekend. Self-proclaimed as one of the “most haunted places in Wisconsin,” The Riverside is offering guests the opportunity to learn more about the various paranormal activities that staff members, guests and professional ghost hunters alike have claimed to come in contact with. Masks are required for this event, and groups must be limited to 10 people or fewer. Tours last for an hour and will include bar service before and after the tours. There will also be an exclusive Late Night Ghost Hunt offered, starting at 11:30 p.m. that will include a seance led by a medium. For more information, visit this link.

October 24: Haunted Milwaukee History and Beer Bike Ride

Explore the haunted sites of Riverwest via bicycle on the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s History and Beer Bike Ride. The ride will begin at the Historical Center (910 N. Old World Third St.), where guests can explore the new “Better, Bigger, Brighter: 150 Years of Milwaukee Politics” exhibit. The ride will then travel up the Oak Leaf Trail to Company Brewing (735 E. Center St.), Black Husky Brewing (909 E. Locust St.) and Gathering Place Brewing Company (811 E. Vienna Ave.). Each stop will feature short, true histories of Milwaukee accompanied by historic pictures from the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s Archives. To register for the event, follow this link. The ride will begin at 11:30 a.m.

October 24-25, 27, 29: Fondy Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday until early November, the Fondy Farmers Market will be operating at 2200 W. Fond Du Lac Ave. Fresh vegetables, baked goods, wellness products and more will be sold. The event is taking precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as requiring masks and prohibiting eating on-site. Free masks are available at the information booth. SNAP benefits are accepted, and some vendors also accept WIC and Senior vouchers. The market will run from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

American Ghost Walks is putting on its newest haunted tour: a walk through the historic Brady Street area. Participants will experience real ghost stories based off of history as well as first-hand accounts of local businesses. Tours will then explore the history of each building (think spooky Plenty of Horne). Social distancing rules will be enforced. General admission for this event is $25 per ticket.

October 24: South Shore Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday until the end of October, the South Shore Farmer’s Market at South Shore Park in Bay View will be open from 8 a.m. until noon. The market is following a new social-distancing format that will allow for safe, fast and easy transactions. Pre-orders can be made from the online store Monday through Thursday.

October 25: Used Gear Drive Pop-Up at Cactus Club

If you’re a musician in Milwaukee, chances are you’ve got some music equipment lying around your house collecting dust. Cactus Club (2496 S. Wentworth Ave.) is offering a chance for you to make some space in your house while also making some extra cash or donating that money to support the venue. Music-Go-Round Milwaukee will be on site to buy used music gear from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. With Cactus Club unable to host shows, it’s a crucial time for the venue to raise any extra funds it can. The first ten sellers to arrive will receive free Cactus Club swag.

Every Sunday up until the end of October the Greenfield Farmer’s Market at Konkel Park, 5151 W. Layton Ave., will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market encourages social distancing and mask wearing. And there are one-way traffic arrows to help prevent crowded spaces. The market is accepting cash, Visa, Mastercard and SNAP benefits for payment. For more information, visit the market’s website.

October 25: Milwaukee Maker’s Market Returns

The Milwaukee Maker’s Market is kicking off its fall season at The Ivy House (906 S. Barclay St.). Shop local vendors including jewelry makers, artists, designers and more including Big White Yeti, Geryn Roche Ceramics and Milwaukee Alt. And make sure to bring some cash for the 21 and older cash bar. The event is free to attend and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.