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Friday News Drop: A district debut, Air & Water info, and cycling Santas

Milwaukee’s a big city with a lot going on. Catch up before spending your weekend either purposely or accidentally ignoring the news.

New Milwaukee Theater District

Nine venues and five performance groups have announced the formation of the Milwaukee Theater District (MTD), which seeks to raise awareness of the participants’ efforts to position Milwaukee among the nation’s leading cities for live entertainment.

According to its introductory announcement, the MTD has a collective 15,000 theater seats — tops in the country for number of theater seats per capita — and delivers a combined 2,100 performances every year.

The group also announced that people attending those performances can pick up a Milwaukee Theater District Pass that includes pre- and post-show deals, as well as check-in incentives at the nine venues. You can head over to the Visit Milwaukee website to learn more about the pass and the MTD.

Milwaukee Air & Water Show dates revealed

Wondering when we can expect to hear the stratospheric symphony return to the lakefront this summer? Wonder no more. The Milwaukee Air & Water Show is back July 22 and 23 next year, bringing a bit of history with it.

The Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron, which will headline the show for the second year running, will feature its first female combat fighter pilot in the group’s 76-year history. U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee of Mounds View, Minn., will be at the stick of a F/A-18E/F Super Hornet doing the death-defying derring-do the squad is known for.

Last year’s tickets went on sale at the beginning of March, so keep an eye on the show’s Twitter and Facebook accounts for updates.

Watch out for rampaging Santas

No, not that rampaging Santa. These are more of the “Nice List” variety.

This Saturday, more than 1,200 cyclists will cruise Milwaukee streets in their best Kris Kringle attire as the Santa Cycle Rampage returns. The event is billed as “world’s largest holiday themed costume group bicycle ride for charity,” with the Wisconsin Bike Fed benefitting.

For the first time, you can pick one of two start locations. The more hearty riders can jump off from the Bike Fed offices at 187 E. Becher St. (a 12-mile ride), while the more leisurely pedal-pushers can meet at Café Hollander, 2608 N. Downer Ave. (a 6-mile sojourn). Both start at 9:30 a.m., but you’re welcome to join the ride at any time.

You can find more information about the rampage, including how to register, on the event webpage.