Community Calendar

The United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026. To understand how our nation came to be, we invite you to think about how immigrants have shaped the United States, starting right here in Milwaukee.
Indigenous Peoples were the first to live on this land. Later, waves of immigrants arrived, changing the community and creating the Milwaukee we know today. Examining immigration in Milwaukee offers a window into the larger American story.
For over 180 years, immigrants have shaped Milwaukee’s economy, neighborhoods, and culture. Waves of German, Polish, Italian, and Irish newcomers built businesses to grow the city in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their skills and labor established Milwaukee as a center of industry and craftsmanship.
As new generations arrive from Latin America, Asia, Southwest Asia and North Africa (also referred to as the Middle East), and Africa, they bring traditions, languages, and foods that continue to redefine what it means to be American. Milwaukee’s diversity can be seen in its restaurants, festivals, and neighborhoods. Here, the legacies of past and present immigrants come together to shape the future.

Family histories, myth, and memories not only survive migration and cultural transplantation; they persist at the foundations of identity. Warren King’s sophisticated sculptures explore his family’s origins in Shaoxing, China, their journey to the suburbs of Wisconsin, and how he understands this displacement in light of his own Western upbringing. King’s sculptures often combine thematic and aesthetic elements from Chinese and Western traditions, masterfully working cardboard into near life-size figures and wall pieces that recall traditional lacquerware and woodcarving. This exhibition originated at the James Watrous Gallery in Madison, Wisconsin, where it was co-curated by Jody Clowes and Warren King, and is presented in collaboration with the Organization of Chinese Americans-Wisconsin.

Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.

SEPTEMBER 2 — Home Sweet Habitat: Explore wildlife habitats from the perspective of the animals that live there.

SEPTEMBER 16 — The Incredible Water Journey: Find out where water comes from and where it goes – some surprises are in store!

OCTOBER 7 — Nature’s Builders: Let’s take a closer look at the home-building skills of different insects.

NOVEMBER 4 — Glacial Wisconsin: Learn to read the glacial landscape of Retzer and discover the importance of glaciers to our region.

NOVEMBER 18 — Thankful for Nature: Enjoy a fun discussion and hike about the ways nature can help us, feed us, or protect us.

DECEMBER 2 — Hibernation/Migration: Explore the trails of Retzer to see which animals stay, sleep, or leave during winter. Participants will hike with snowshoes if trails permit.

The “Small Batch Songwriter Sessions” will feature a different Milwaukee-based singer/songwriter every other Monday evening from 6:30-8:30pm. These shows offer a uniquely intimate listening experience, centering the performers as they test out original material and put their own spin on cherished classics in a stripped solo or duo acoustic format.

The Small Batch Songwriter Series places an emphasis on experimentation. Just as pilot breweries like Indeed-Milwaukee experiment with small batches of creative, out-of-the-box craft beer recipes, this series gives talented local songwriters the opportunity to experiment with new musical ideas in a low-stakes environment.

The United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026. To understand how our nation came to be, we invite you to think about how immigrants have shaped the United States, starting right here in Milwaukee.
Indigenous Peoples were the first to live on this land. Later, waves of immigrants arrived, changing the community and creating the Milwaukee we know today. Examining immigration in Milwaukee offers a window into the larger American story.
For over 180 years, immigrants have shaped Milwaukee’s economy, neighborhoods, and culture. Waves of German, Polish, Italian, and Irish newcomers built businesses to grow the city in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their skills and labor established Milwaukee as a center of industry and craftsmanship.
As new generations arrive from Latin America, Asia, Southwest Asia and North Africa (also referred to as the Middle East), and Africa, they bring traditions, languages, and foods that continue to redefine what it means to be American. Milwaukee’s diversity can be seen in its restaurants, festivals, and neighborhoods. Here, the legacies of past and present immigrants come together to shape the future.

Discover nature in a fun, hands-on way! Wee Wonders is a monthly program for kids (ages 2-4) to explore, learn, and get curious about the world around them.

Second Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the month • 9:30-10:30 a.m. (all days) • 1-2 p.m. (Tuesday only)

Family histories, myth, and memories not only survive migration and cultural transplantation; they persist at the foundations of identity. Warren King’s sophisticated sculptures explore his family’s origins in Shaoxing, China, their journey to the suburbs of Wisconsin, and how he understands this displacement in light of his own Western upbringing. King’s sculptures often combine thematic and aesthetic elements from Chinese and Western traditions, masterfully working cardboard into near life-size figures and wall pieces that recall traditional lacquerware and woodcarving. This exhibition originated at the James Watrous Gallery in Madison, Wisconsin, where it was co-curated by Jody Clowes and Warren King, and is presented in collaboration with the Organization of Chinese Americans-Wisconsin.

Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.

SEPTEMBER 2 — Home Sweet Habitat: Explore wildlife habitats from the perspective of the animals that live there.

SEPTEMBER 16 — The Incredible Water Journey: Find out where water comes from and where it goes – some surprises are in store!

OCTOBER 7 — Nature’s Builders: Let’s take a closer look at the home-building skills of different insects.

NOVEMBER 4 — Glacial Wisconsin: Learn to read the glacial landscape of Retzer and discover the importance of glaciers to our region.

NOVEMBER 18 — Thankful for Nature: Enjoy a fun discussion and hike about the ways nature can help us, feed us, or protect us.

DECEMBER 2 — Hibernation/Migration: Explore the trails of Retzer to see which animals stay, sleep, or leave during winter. Participants will hike with snowshoes if trails permit.

Cost: $30 early bird pricing; increases to $45 on November 2, 2026.
Additional discounts for members – see coupons at checkout!

Looking to sharpen your storytelling skills? This workshop is for you!

Stretch your storytelling muscles with this guided, interactive training covering the nuance of the craft; led by our experienced coaches! Refine, shape, and share your stories with confidence. Space is limited. Reserve a spot today!

The café at Fruition MKE will be open and serving their full food and drink menu during this time.

Step into a world of high-octane piano and legendary hits! Rock ‘N’ Roll Piano Man takes you on a thrilling journey through the history of rock ‘n’ roll piano—from the rebellious roots of Little Richard and Fats Domino to the soulful sounds of Ray Charles, and piano legends Elton John and Billy Joel. JP Coletta, who brought down the house as Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet, and his band bring each song to life with electrifying energy, dazzling skill, and irresistible charisma. Experience classics like “Great Balls of Fire,” “Benny and the Jets” and “Always A Woman” in an unforgettable tribute to the music that shaped generations.

“Coletta is a star stepping into his prime.” – BroadwayWorld

Created by JP Coletta