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.

Kicking off the Stackner season, this high-energy musical revue brings to life the legendary songs of John Kander and Fred Ebb, the iconic duo behind "Chicago," "Cabaret," and "Kiss of the Spider Woman." Featuring 36 unforgettable songs, five dynamic performers deliver beloved favorites with heart and show-stopping style. The music moves seamlessly from sizzling showstoppers to intimate, moving moments that reveal the depth of the duo’s remarkable collection of songs. From razor-sharp humor to powerful storytelling, this celebration is pure Broadway joy from start to finish.

“Long overdue…snazzily staged outpouring of song and dance.” — The New York Times

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

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers have been on the road for one of their most extensive tours in years during 2026 to celebrate their new album, ‘Hell to Breakfast,' as well as the 30th anniversary of ‘Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy,’ the classic album by the seminal Arizona group (and Clyne’s former band) The Refreshments.

They’ll be back in Milwaukee at Shank Hall on Oct. 18.

‘Hell to Breakfast’ is the band’s 9th studio album and has fingerprints from the likes of Mike Harmeier (Silverada), Jamie Lin Wilson, Shelby Stone and Miles Nielsen on it.

Clyne and drummer PH Naffah are also celebrating 30 years of ‘Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy,’ their 1996 major label debut album with The Refreshments with its frat rock party songs including “Banditos” and its memorable chorus, “everybody knows that the world is full of stupid people.”

It's 1956, and the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein has gathered for its annual quiche breakfast when suddenly the bomb drops. As nuclear apocalypse rages outside, the Sisters realize they may be the last people left on Earth… which raises some very pressing questions about the future of the human race. 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche - the laugh-out-loud cult hit that stormed Chicago and off-Broadway - is now detonating in Milwaukee. It's immersive, too: every guest is sworn into the Society on arrival, and with roughly 30% improvised, no two apocalypses are alike. Presented by The Constructivists, produced by Cap and Glasses Studios, at Pink's Accessible Theater House this October. Come for the quiche. Stay for the end of the world.

Performances October 1–24, 2026 — evenings 8:00 PM, Sunday matinees 4:00 PM. Full schedule and tickets ($20) at 5leqmke.com.

Great White Throne features a poignant narrative where a pastor's wife confronts her deepest fears and unexpected salvation during a surprise visit from an unwelcomed guest.

Join APERI as they welcome back the international superstar duo MARS SMITH for an evocative program exploring themes of fellowship. Recording artist and Grammy Award nominated flautist, Daniela Mars, and Grammy Award winner and founder of VOCES8, Paul Smith, bring their signature artistry and original compositions to this exciting collaboration.

Under the direction of Dr. Paul Thompson, the professional vocal early music ensemble APERI has quickly drawn the attention of early music enthusiasts and organizations across the United States. From its founding in 2017 by performer-scholar Daniel Koplitz (dir. 2017–21), APERI has been praised for its ensemble precision, full-throated vocals, emotional expressivity, and innovative programming.

Kicking off the Stackner season, this high-energy musical revue brings to life the legendary songs of John Kander and Fred Ebb, the iconic duo behind "Chicago," "Cabaret," and "Kiss of the Spider Woman." Featuring 36 unforgettable songs, five dynamic performers deliver beloved favorites with heart and show-stopping style. The music moves seamlessly from sizzling showstoppers to intimate, moving moments that reveal the depth of the duo’s remarkable collection of songs. From razor-sharp humor to powerful storytelling, this celebration is pure Broadway joy from start to finish.

“Long overdue…snazzily staged outpouring of song and dance.” — The New York Times

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

Stop by Retzer Nature Center to hike, read, and enjoy this fall’s Story Hike! Set out on the White Trail to read “The Acorn and the Oak” by Rhonda Accardo and learn more about oak trees and their fascinating ecosystem, all while enjoying a heartfelt story along the way.

Story Hike is provided through a partnership with Retzer Nature Center and the Bridges Library System.