WMSE’s Annual Chili Cookoff

14th annual Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser. Photo taken March 6th, 2016 by Michael Horne.

It’s time to warm up with a bowl (or many bowls, in this case) of chili one last time before the weather starts heating up. WMSE’s Rockabilly Chili Cookoff is back, featuring over 30 Milwaukee restaurants competing for the title of best chili. If you’re a fan of comic books, board games or video games, check out the Milwaukee Comic Con, which is putting on its biggest event yet. And if chili isn’t your thing (or if you just want to double down on food sampling events this weekend), the Shepherd Express’ Stein & Dine event will have attendees sampling beer and food from some of the state’s best breweries and restaurants.

April 8: The 9th Annual Milwaukee Blues Festival

The Milwaukee Blues Festival is back for its ninth edition, appearing once again at the Miller High Life Theatre. The festival is a celebration of legendary blues names such as Sir Charles Jones, Bobby Rush, Willie Clayton, Pokey Bear, and Lenny Williams. Tickets for the event range from $59 to $125, and can be purchased here. The festival will begin at 8 p.m.

WWE is putting the SmackDown on Milwaukee once again, featuring a Women’s Champion event that will pit Ronda Rousey against Charlotte Flair. The matches will take place at the Fiserv Forum, and will feature performers such as Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre and more. Tickets to the event start at $20, and can be purchased here. The SmackDown begins at 6:45 p.m. on Friday.

April 8-9: Charlie Berens at the Riverside Theater

Known for his “Manitowoc Minute” parody series that quickly turned into a whole brand, comedian Charlie Berens will perform at the Riverside Theater as part of his “Midwest Survival Guide” tour. That tour is in support of Berens’ new book, The Midwest Survival Guide: How We Talk, Love, Work, Drink, and Eat … Everything With Ranch. The show will run twice on both April 8 and 9, with 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. shows on Friday and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows on Saturday. Click here for information on tickets.

April 9: Milwaukee Comic Con

Nerds rejoice! The Milwaukee Comic Con is back, and its bigger than ever. Wisconsin State Fair Park will fill with comic books, local art, retro video games and anything pop-culture-related in-between. This year’s event boasts over 300 tables of geek-related goodies, and will feature special appearances by artists and voice actors. Admission to the event is $8, and tickets can be purchased here. Milwaukee Comic Con will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Shepherd Express is bringing back its annual Stein & Dine event — where Wisconsin’s breweries, restaurants, distilleries and wineries will offer samples of food and drink to the backdrop of live entertainment. In years past, the event has featured over 60 vendors, and this year is promised to be the biggest to-date. All guests receive a complimentary Stein & Dine sampling glass, and VIP ticket holders will receive a $10 food voucher. General Admission ticket holders receive a $5 food voucher. Tickets start at $49, and can be purchased here.

April 10: WMSE’s 20th Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser 

It’s once again time for restaurants, pop-ups and caterers from all over Milwaukee to compete for the title of best chili. The event will see chili-makers competing in a number of categories, such as best meat, best heat, best veggie and most unique. The event is presented by Lakefront Brewery and will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MSOE Kern Center. Advance tickets are $15 and day-of tickets are $20. Each ticket includes four chili samples. Tickets are available here.