Milwaukee Film Fest Returns!
Plus, Gallery Night & Day, Vliet Street Art Walk, Rock the Green and more.
2014 Milwaukee Film Festival Opening Night.
The Bucks are in the playoffs again and the weather is finally warming up — it’s going to be a busy weekend in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Film Fest is returning with in-person screenings for the first time since 2019. There’s a chance to get your hands on some great local art at Milwaukee’s annual Gallery Night & Day event. It’s also Earth Day this weekend, and Rock the Green is celebrating with a performance outside of the Harley-Davidson Museum.
April 21-May 5: Milwaukee Film Fest
For the first time since 2019, the Milwaukee Film Fest is back in its full format — presenting 134 features and 150 short films. All films will be screened in person at either the Oriental Theatre, Avalon Theater or Times Cinema. The festival will also feature a shorter list of programs that can be streamed virtually. For a complete program guide, click here.
Milwaukee’s original gallery hopping event is back, featuring dozens of local galleries and creatives. The event is a free, two-day experience that sees restaurants and unique boutiques throughout the Historic Third Ward, East Town, Walker’s Point and Downtown selling artwork. The event utilizes a helpful, free-to-download app that will help participants navigate the many different galleries. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Click here for more information.
April 22-23: Vliet Street Art Walk
The Artwalk on West Vliet Street is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The street will be filled between N. 60th and N. 43rd Streets with local art and murals, food trucks, vendors, live entertainment and children’s activities. Stop at the many different shops along the way, including a variety of pop-up sales. The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
April 23: Rock the Green
Rock the Green, a live entertainment nonprofit with an eco-conscious mission, is celebrating its 11th annual Earth Day event. This year, the event will take place outside of the Harley-Davidson Museum, and will feature performances from Bendigo Fletcher and V Funk. The event will run from noon to 3 p.m., and will also serve sustainable food.
April 23: Valerie Lighthart EP Release Show at Cactus Club
Local multi-talented singer, model and actor Valerie Lighthart is celebrating the release of her EP PT. III: The Banshee at Cactus Club. The EP marks the end of the singer-songwriter’s “By Moonlight” trilogy of releases. Support from the show comes from Lila Realm and Bisca Rae, two other prominent Milwaukee singer-songwriters. The show begins at 9 p.m. Attendees will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter.
Does the weekend have you feeling hungover? Milwaukee’s Best Bloody Mary contest returns to an in-person format this year, featuring the best of the best Bloody Mary samples as well as beer chasers. The event doubles as a fundraiser for the Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation, and will take place at the Italian Community Center at 631 E. Chicago St. Tickets include an appetizer and unlimited Bloody Mary sampling. General admission is $48, and VIP tickets, which grant you access to the event an hour earlier, cost $75.
April 24: Lakefront Brewery My Turn Trista Release
Lakefront Brewery has a new beer release this weekend from its My Turn series, which gives employees the chance to brew a beer of their own making. This release was created by the brewery’s Beer Hall Manager Trista, who chose to brew an Irish Pub Ale. The brewery promises a beer with an easy-drinking body and a mild toffee flavor. Join the brewery in its celebration at The Standard Tavern starting at 1 p.m.
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