Community Calendar

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.

Wednesdays in the Garden offers a nurturing and joyful space for our youngest learners to explore, play, and grow. Together with their caregivers, children will discover the wonders of the natural world and Lynden’s unique sculpture collection through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, wonder, and creativity. Early childhood educators Claudia Orjuela and Denice Niebuhr will guide families through sensory-rich activities, outdoor adventures, and open-ended artmaking. Each week highlights a new theme, connecting children’s natural interests with the world around them. In June, the themes include Pond Pals, Turtle Trails and Frog Songs, Decomposers, and Meet a Tree.

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.

You are invited to attend our Breaking the Silence Lunch and Learn event where we will discuss gynecologic and breast cancer, detection, resources, and treatment options. Hear from a panel of amazing cancer survivors who will share their stories. Additionally, visit community resource tables and enjoy lunch.

RSVP using this Google form or the "Get Tickets" button below.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Get ready to kick off your heels and feel the beat! The smash-hit film Footloose the Musical explodes onto the stage with high-octane choreography and electrifying ’80s anthems, including “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and “Holding Out for a Hero.” When city teen Ren moves to a small town where dancing is banned, he challenges the rules, sparks romance, and inspires a community to rediscover joy, freedom, and the power of music. Helmed by Olivier Award-winning artist Stephen Mear, who wowed Rep audiences with his choreography for Ragtime and Guys and Dolls, this energetic, feel-good Tony-nominated musical will have you laughing, cheering, and jumping to your feet.

Step into an unforgettable adventure of mystery, mischief, and messy humanity. Katie Bender transforms the theater into an intimate DIY séance, daring to summon the spirit of Houdini—and maybe wrestle with the chaos of her own life along the way. Equal parts hilarious, haunting, and heartbreakingly honest, this one-woman show fuses memoir and live magic to explore ambition, motherhood, and the craving to break free. Expect laughter and glimpses of the extraordinary hidden in everyday life.

“A funny…haunted exploration of ambition, legacy, and familial responsibility.” — The Austin Chronicle

*Please note that dates, times and ticket prices are subject to change. Visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com for the most up-to-date information.

Experience a peaceful evening at the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium and Retzer Nature Center. Take time to relax, reflect, and support your well-being during a special presentation of Sunset Meditation. As the show unfolds, journey beneath breathtaking skies – from a spectacular sunset to a star-filled night sky.

After the show, take a quiet hike outside with a naturalist and discover tranquil sights and sounds of Retzer Nature Center (weather permitting).

Celebrate young musicians together at WPR’s Classical Music Day in Milwaukee!

Join us at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Bradley Symphony Center for an evening celebrating classical music and some of southeast Wisconsin’s outstanding young performers. The concert gives students the chance to perform on the main stage at the home of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and gives you a chance to hear the next generation of musicians in a remarkable setting.

Our third annual Classical Music Day will feature performances by four of the area’s premier music programs:
Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
Greendale High School Marching Band and Choir.
Marquette University Chorus and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts Concert Chorale.

Each group will take the stage in sequence, with WPR Music’s Milwaukee-based “Drivetime Classics” host Jason Heilman introducing the performers and talking with students on-stage between performances.

“I look forward to this concert every year,” Heilman said. “For the audience, it’s a great opportunity to hear a few of the talented young musicians we’re fortunate to have here in southeast Wisconsin. For the performers, it’s a concert they’ll never forget – a chance to play on the main stage at the Bradley [Symphony] Center.”

WPR’s Classical Music Day brings together student musicians from schools, universities, and youth ensembles for the experience of performing in a professional concert setting, and brings the audience together to celebrate the talent and dedication of young musicians in our communities

Admission is free and open to all ages. We encourage you to RSVP, but registration is not required. Doors open at 6 p.m.

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Laura Farahzad Mayer is a Milwaukee-based artist and educator. Her experience growing up as the daughter of an Iranian immigrant in a small town informs her work, which navigates through the grief of losing her father while seeking to connect two generations – her father and her children – who were never living at the same time. Her work explores themes of memory, grief, culture, and generational storytelling. Mayer is a professor at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and is a recipient of the 2026 Mary L. Nohl Fund Fellowships for Individual Artists.

Laura Farahzad Mayer is a Milwaukee-based artist and educator. Her experience growing up as the daughter of an Iranian immigrant in a small town informs her work, which navigates through the grief of losing her father while seeking to connect two generations – her father and her children – who were never living at the same time. Her work explores themes of memory, grief, culture, and generational storytelling. Mayer is a professor at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and is a recipient of the 2026 Mary L. Nohl Fund Fellowships for Individual Artists.