The October 9–11 weekend brings a broad mix of choices across Southeast Wisconsin: open artist studios in Ozaukee and Washington counties, behind-the-scenes tours in Waukesha, family fall programs in Milwaukee, Oktoberfest celebrations in Lake Geneva and Greenfield, theatre in Brookfield and Milwaukee, a Racine wine walk, a historic electric train, and several major concerts. These 20 verified outings are grouped so you can compare the kind of weekend you want before committing to a drive or ticket.
Before you make plans
All times are local to Southeast Wisconsin (America/Chicago). Each numbered entry counts as one outing even when it offers several performances or spans multiple venues. Where an organizer does not publish an end time, this guide says so rather than guessing. Free admission does not cover food, drinks, shopping, parking, or every optional activity.
Timed dinosaur sessions, theatre seats, concert seats, wine-walk tickets, and historic-train capacity can tighten quickly. Waukesha Unlocked includes location-specific preregistration, and the Covered Bridge tour requires a route plan rather than one fixed venue. Use the official links for live availability, access arrangements, parking, and weather updates.
Fall Festivals & Community Weekends
1. Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour
Build a self-guided autumn drive around 61 participating artists in studios across Cedarburg, Grafton, Mequon, Port Washington, Saukville, Thiensville, Jackson, Newburg, and West Bend. The useful move is to download the official map first and choose a realistic cluster instead of trying to reach every stop.
- Date
- Friday–Sunday, October 9–11, 2026
- Time
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m. each day
- Venue
- Artist studios across Ozaukee and Washington counties
- Address
- Use the official studio map for every address; Cedarburg Cultural Center, W62N546 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012, is a central reference point.
- Price
- Free; artwork and other purchases extra.
- Audience
- All ages; individual studios vary in space and accessibility.
- Tickets / registration
- No admission ticket or reservation advertised; download the map before leaving.
- Capacity / sales status
- No sold-out notice; some studios are small and may be busier at peak times.
- Weather
- Studios are indoors, but the route requires driving and outdoor walking between stops.
2. Waukesha Unlocked
Explore more than 50 businesses, civic buildings, churches, and organizations during a citywide behind-the-scenes weekend. The official page labels each location’s dates, hours, family focus, photography rules, accessibility, and preregistration requirements, so choose a route instead of treating the entire event as one continuous tour.
- Date
- Saturday–Sunday, October 10–11, 2026
- Time
- Main event window 10 a.m.–4 p.m. both days; individual sites vary.
- Venue
- Locations throughout Waukesha; City Hall is an event anchor
- Address
- Waukesha City Hall, 201 Delafield Street, Waukesha, WI 53188; use the official event page for every participating address.
- Price
- Most locations are free; the official downtown guide notes a separately priced food tour.
- Audience
- All ages overall; individual locations may be adult-focused, kid-focused, or sacred spaces.
- Accessibility
- The city page publishes an accessibility tag for each location rather than making one blanket claim.
- Tickets / registration
- Most stops are drop-in, but City Hall, the water pumping station, E.B. Shurts, the food tour, and other tagged experiences require preregistration.
- Capacity / sales status
- Preregistered tours have finite capacity and may fill; the citywide event itself has no sold-out notice.
- Weather
- Mix of indoor tours and outdoor travel; check individual-site details.
3. Downtown Lake Geneva Oktoberfest
Use Friday’s ticketed beer crawl as an adults-only kickoff, or visit the free weekend festival for live music, an artisan market, German demonstrations, family activities, and the little-leg dog races. Saturday carries the fullest schedule; Sunday is the shorter, calmer option.
- Date
- Friday–Sunday, October 9–11, 2026
- Time
- Friday beer crawl 5–8 p.m.; Saturday festival 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Venue
- Flat Iron Park and Downtown Lake Geneva
- Address
- Flat Iron Park, 201 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
- Price
- Weekend festival admission free; Friday beer crawl $35, designated-driver ticket $20, age 21+. Food, drinks, and shopping extra.
- Audience
- All ages Saturday and Sunday; Friday beer crawl is 21+.
- Parking
- Free shuttles are scheduled from the Sheridan Springs Road park-and-ride and Home Depot, 550 N. Edwards Boulevard; downtown parking is metered.
- Tickets / registration
- No admission reservation for the weekend festival; beer crawl and dog races require separate registration.
- Capacity / sales status
- Festival has no sold-out notice; ticketed crawl and races are capacity-limited.
- Weather
- Outdoor downtown festival; check organizer updates.
4. Our Lady of Lourdes Oktoberfest
Choose this neighborhood celebration for polka, a parish fish fry, Black Forest Café desserts, an artisan fair, youth activities, a cake walk, and an indoor beer-garden atmosphere. Almost everything is indoors; Friday’s campfire and s’mores are the weather-dependent exception.
- Date
- Friday–Sunday, October 9–11, 2026
- Time
- Friday 4–8:30 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Venue
- Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
- Address
- 3722 S. 58th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53220
- Price
- Official page lists no admission charge; food, drinks, raffle tickets, and purchases cost extra.
- Audience
- All ages; some programming includes a Catholic Mass.
- Tickets / registration
- No general admission reservation advertised.
- Capacity / sales status
- No sold-out notice; popular food items are available while supplies last.
- Weather
- Primarily indoors; Friday campfire and s’mores are weather permitting.
Family Outings & Hands-On Fun
5. Pumpkin Party at Davidson Park
Wear costumes for a free morning of trick-or-treating, hands-on activities, music, seasonal food, and pumpkin-themed surprises. The event is explicitly family- and pet-friendly, which makes it a useful short outing before another Saturday plan.
- Date
- Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time
- 9 a.m.–noon
- Venue
- Davidson Park at Harley-Davidson headquarters
- Address
- 3700 W. Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53208
- Price
- Free; food and beverage purchases may cost extra.
- Audience
- Families, children, adults, and leashed pets under the organizer’s rules.
- Tickets / registration
- No advance admission registration advertised.
- Capacity / sales status
- No sold-out notice; activities and giveaways remain subject to capacity and supply.
- Weather
- Outdoor park event; check organizer updates if conditions are poor.
6. Milwaukee Public Market Harvest Festival
Pair free pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, temporary tattoos, live music, and an antique cider press with a market lunch. An RSVP is available, but the festival is advertised as free and open to everyone.
- Date
- Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time
- 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Venue
- Riverwalk Commons at Milwaukee Public Market
- Address
- 423 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Price
- Free admission and festival activities; food, seasonal drinks, and vendor purchases extra.
- Audience
- All ages; alcohol samples and purchases are for legal drinking age with ID.
- Parking
- The Market advertises free parking in its main lot with ticket validation; space is not guaranteed.
- Tickets / registration
- RSVP is offered online; the organizer also describes the festival as free and open to everyone.
- Capacity / sales status
- No sold-out notice; craft supplies and samples are available while quantities last.
- Weather
- Outdoor Riverwalk Commons event with the indoor Public Market nearby.
7. Jurassic Quest
Walk through moving dinosaur displays, meet baby-dinosaur puppets, dig for fossils, and use play zones and rides. Saturday’s first hour is a sensory- and mobility-friendly session with lower noise, brighter lights, and limited attendance.
- Date
- Friday–Sunday, October 9–11, 2026
- Time
- Friday 1–6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Venue
- Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park
- Address
- 8200 W. Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214
- Price
- Timed tickets required; official prices vary by age, activity tier, and session and are shown at checkout. Ages 2 and older require admission.
- Audience
- Families and dinosaur fans; children’s activity access depends on ticket tier and attraction rules.
- Accessibility
- Official page advertises a Saturday sensory- and mobility-friendly hour with smaller crowds and full activity access.
- Tickets / registration
- Advance timed tickets strongly recommended; Saturday 8–9 a.m. is the sensory- and mobility-friendly session.
- Capacity / sales status
- Popular time slots and the limited sensory session can sell out; tickets were still offered when checked.
- Weather
- Indoors; parking and entry still require an outdoor approach.
8. East Troy Harvest Fest Trains
Ride a historic electric train between the East Troy depot and the Elegant Farmer area, then return on any available shuttle train that day. Plan the return first: the final 4 p.m. departure from the Elegant Farmer does not make another round trip.
- Date
- Saturday–Sunday, October 10–11, 2026
- Time
- First East Troy departure 10 a.m.; first Elegant Farmer departure about 11 a.m. Last East Troy departure about 3 p.m.; last Elegant Farmer departure about 4 p.m.
- Venue
- East Troy Electric Railroad
- Address
- 2002 Church Street, East Troy, WI 53120; alternate boarding at 1545 Main Street, Mukwonago, WI 53149
- Price
- $19 adults 15+; $16.50 seniors/military; $13 children 3–14; ages 0–2 free; plus 5.5% sales tax. Farm purchases and activities separate.
- Audience
- All ages.
- Tickets / registration
- Advance reservations suggested; tickets are nonrefundable day passes.
- Capacity / sales status
- Train capacity is finite; confirm the day’s departure and return plan before boarding.
- Weather
- Train cars are enclosed, with outdoor boarding and farm activities.
Museums, Art & Grown-Up Exploring
9. Celebración Latina at Milwaukee Public Museum
Close out Hispanic Heritage Month with Afro-Latin and Caribbean dance performances, free salsa lessons, a first-floor mercadito, and collection stations focused on Latin America. Performances are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Date
- Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time
- 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; dance performances at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Venue
- Milwaukee Public Museum
- Address
- 800 W. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
- Price
- Program free with regular museum admission; current admission total appears in official ticketing. Members enter under their membership terms.
- Audience
- All ages.
- Accessibility
- MPM requests accommodation inquiries at access@mpm.edu or 414-278-2728.
- Tickets / registration
- Museum admission required; no separate program reservation advertised.
- Capacity / sales status
- No program sell-out notice; admission and program spaces remain capacity-dependent.
- Weather
- Indoors.
10. Studio Sundays: Día de los Muertos
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with family art making, dance, music, and community traditions. The same museum day also includes the Community Ofrenda from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., drop-in butterfly art through 4 p.m., and a 2 p.m. architecture tour.
- Date
- Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Time
- Studio Sunday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; museum 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Venue
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Address
- 700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Price
- Included with admission: $27 adults; $20 students, seniors 65+, and military; children 12 and under free; Wisconsin K–12 teachers free with required ID.
- Audience
- Families and all ages.
- Accessibility
- Museum publishes elevator, wheelchair, stroller, service-animal, and restroom access information on its visit page.
- Parking
- Paid underground museum parking and nearby options; rates and availability vary.
- Tickets / registration
- Regular museum admission; no separate Studio Sunday reservation advertised.
- Capacity / sales status
- No sold-out notice; hands-on materials and room occupancy are capacity-dependent.
- Weather
- Indoors.
11. Milwaukee Tattoo Arts Festival
See working tattoo artists, vendors, competitions, and stage entertainment across a three-day convention. Admission does not include a tattoo: book an artist separately, confirm identification and age rules, and discuss design, price, aftercare, and availability directly with that artist.
- Date
- Friday–Sunday, October 9–11, 2026
- Time
- Friday 2–11 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Venue
- Baird Center
- Address
- 405 W. Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
- Price
- $20 single-day pass; $40 three-day pass; children under 12 free. Tattoos and purchases extra.
- Audience
- All ages for convention admission; tattooing and some imagery require adult judgment and artist/legal age rules.
- Accessibility
- The organizer links directly to Baird Center accessibility services.
- Parking
- Baird Center Garage and other downtown garages; paid availability varies.
- Tickets / registration
- Tickets available online and at the door; tattoo appointments are arranged separately with artists.
- Capacity / sales status
- Official page said tickets were still available online and at the door when checked; artists’ appointment books can fill independently.
- Weather
- Indoors.
12. Downtown Racine Fall Wine Walk
Check in, collect a sampling glass and tote, then visit participating downtown businesses for wine and additional beverage samples. The route spans roughly 30 stops, so comfortable walking shoes and a designated transportation plan matter more than trying every pour.
- Date
- Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time
- 1–6 p.m.; ticket pickup available earlier under the organizer’s instructions.
- Venue
- Downtown Racine; check-in through Downtown Racine Corporation
- Address
- 425 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403
- Price
- $40 general admission; $70 VIP package while available.
- Audience
- Adults 21+ with valid ID.
- Parking
- Organizer recommends the Lake Avenue, Shoop, and Civic Centre ramps; posted all-day rate was $3.50 when checked.
- Tickets / registration
- Advance ticket required; follow the official pickup window and bring ID.
- Capacity / sales status
- Ticketed and capacity-limited; no sold-out notice appeared when checked, but either tier can close.
- Weather
- Walking route between indoor businesses; dress for outdoor conditions.
Theatre & Immersive Performances
13. The Addams Family — Bombshell Theatre Company
Bombshell opens its musical comedy about Wednesday Addams bringing two very different families together for dinner. This is the Bombshell Theatre Company production actually playing this weekend, with both matinee and evening choices on Saturday.
- Date
- Friday–Sunday, October 9–11, 2026
- Time
- Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. End time not published by official ticketing.
- Venue
- Bombshell Studio Theatre
- Address
- 19700 W. Bluemound Road, Suite 6, Brookfield, WI 53045
- Price
- $40 standard; $38 seniors 65+; tax and $2.95 processing fee added.
- Audience
- Recommended for ages 10+.
- Tickets / registration
- Assigned-seat ticket required for the selected performance.
- Capacity / sales status
- Ticket selection was available when checked; exact seat inventory can change.
- Weather
- Indoors.
14. The World Goes ’Round
Milwaukee Rep’s Kander-and-Ebb revue moves through 36 Broadway songs in an intimate cabaret setting. The 2-hour-15-minute running time includes one intermission, making this a full meal-and-show style outing if you choose the optional pre-show dining.
- Date
- Friday–Sunday, October 9–11, 2026
- Time
- Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 3 and 8 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Running time about 2 hours 15 minutes with one intermission.
- Venue
- Stackner Cabaret, Associated Bank Theater Center
- Address
- 108 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Price
- Reserved ticket prices vary by performance and seat; official checkout shows the current total. Dining is separate.
- Audience
- Broadway musical-revue audiences; contact the ticket office for content or age questions.
- Accessibility
- Milwaukee Rep publishes accessible seating and services; contact 414-224-9490 for seat-specific help.
- Tickets / registration
- Reserved ticket required; optional dining reservation is separate.
- Capacity / sales status
- Tickets were offered when checked; cabaret seating is finite.
- Weather
- Indoors.
15. Instructions for a Séance
A one-performer mix of memoir, live magic, humor, and audience participation uses a DIY séance to explore Houdini, ambition, and motherhood. The 70-minute show has no intermission and includes supernatural themes.
- Date
- Saturday–Sunday, October 10–11, 2026
- Time
- Saturday 3 and 8 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Running time about 70 minutes, no intermission.
- Venue
- Herro-Franke Studio Theater, Associated Bank Theater Center
- Address
- 108 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Price
- Reserved ticket prices vary by performance and seat; official checkout shows the current total.
- Audience
- Theatre audiences comfortable with mystery, humor, supernatural themes, and participation; review the Rep’s content page if needed.
- Accessibility
- Milwaukee Rep publishes access services and seat types; contact 414-224-9490 for assistance.
- Tickets / registration
- Reserved ticket required.
- Capacity / sales status
- Tickets were offered when checked; the studio theatre has limited seating.
- Weather
- Indoors.
16. 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche
This immersive dark comedy turns the audience into members of a 1956 quiche society before the gathering takes an apocalyptic turn. Roughly 30% is improvised, and the producer’s disclosure notes blood and provocative words, ideas, and actions.
- Date
- Friday–Sunday, October 9–11, 2026
- Time
- Friday and Saturday 8–9:30 p.m.; Sunday 4–5:30 p.m.
- Venue
- Pink’s Accessible Theater House (PATH)
- Address
- 1104 W. Historic Mitchell Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
- Price
- $20; artist, student, senior, military, affordability, and group options available through the producer.
- Audience
- Mature theatre audiences; review the producer’s content disclosure before buying.
- Parking
- Organizer notes street parking on Historic Mitchell Street and recommends planning ahead.
- Tickets / registration
- Ticket required for the selected performance.
- Capacity / sales status
- Tickets were offered when checked; the intimate venue has limited capacity.
- Weather
- Indoors.
Live Music & Nightlife
17. Ghostbusters in Concert
Watch the 1984 film on a large screen while an orchestra performs Elmer Bernstein’s score live in sync. This is a film-with-orchestra presentation, not a conventional concert, so plan for the movie’s full running time plus venue entry procedures.
- Date
- Friday, October 9, 2026
- Time
- 7:30 p.m.; official event page does not publish an end time.
- Venue
- Uihlein Hall, Marcus Performing Arts Center
- Address
- 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Price
- Reserved ticket prices vary by seat and fees; official Ticketmaster checkout shows the current total.
- Audience
- Film and orchestral audiences; the movie contains supernatural comedy and action, so guardians should use discretion.
- Accessibility
- Marcus Center lists wheelchair assistance and links its full accessibility services.
- Tickets / registration
- Reserved ticket required.
- Capacity / sales status
- Tickets were on sale when checked; remaining seats vary by section.
- Weather
- Indoors.
18. Umphrey’s McGee — UM Bowl XII
Across two nights and multiple sets, the band builds fan-driven themes, voting, improvisation, deep cuts, and real-time musical choices. A single-night ticket is still a full concert, while the two-night approach delivers the complete UM Bowl format.
- Date
- Friday–Saturday, October 9–10, 2026
- Time
- Doors 6:30 p.m.; show 7:30 p.m. both nights. End times not published.
- Venue
- The Pabst Theater
- Address
- 144 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Price
- Ticket and VIP-package prices vary by night and package; official checkout shows the current total.
- Audience
- Concert and nightlife audiences; confirm venue age rules at checkout.
- Accessibility
- Pabst Theater Group publishes venue accessibility services and contact information.
- Parking
- Venue offers a discounted-parking link; passes and spaces are limited.
- Tickets / registration
- Ticket required; choose Friday, Saturday, or an offered multi-night package.
- Capacity / sales status
- Tickets were on sale when checked; VIP and preferred sections are limited.
- Weather
- Indoors.
19. Samara Joy and Her Septet
Hear the Grammy-winning jazz vocalist with a seven-piece ensemble in a Sunday-night theater concert. This is the quieter seated counterpart to the weekend’s festival and dance-floor choices.
- Date
- Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Time
- Doors 7 p.m.; show 8 p.m. End time not published.
- Venue
- The Pabst Theater
- Address
- 144 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Price
- Reserved ticket prices vary by seat and fees; official checkout shows the current total.
- Audience
- Jazz and concert audiences; confirm venue age rules at checkout.
- Accessibility
- Pabst Theater Group publishes venue accessibility services and contact information.
- Parking
- Venue offers a discounted-parking link; passes and spaces are limited.
- Tickets / registration
- Reserved ticket required.
- Capacity / sales status
- Tickets were on sale when checked; remaining seats vary by section.
- Weather
- Indoors.
20. Beats & Baile: A Salsa Social
Start with a half-hour salsa lesson, then stay for two hours of bilingual salsa, bachata, merengue, and cumbia from DJ Saffiro. The dinner option requires arriving early enough to eat before the 7 p.m. lesson.
- Date
- Friday, October 9, 2026
- Time
- Salsa lesson 7–7:30 p.m.; dance social 7:30–9:30 p.m.
- Venue
- Latino Arts at United Community Center
- Address
- 1028 S. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
- Price
- $25 general admission; $20 students/seniors; $40 pre-dancing dinner and social. Beverages and gratuity excluded from dinner option.
- Audience
- Ages 18+; ID checked for alcohol wristbands.
- Tickets / registration
- Advance ticket required; all sales final under the organizer’s terms.
- Capacity / sales status
- Tickets were offered when checked; dinner and room capacity are limited.
- Weather
- Indoors.
A practical way to choose
For a free family Saturday, pair the Pumpkin Party with the Milwaukee Public Market Harvest Festival, or build a driving loop around two or three Covered Bridge studios. Waukesha Unlocked rewards advance route planning. Lake Geneva works best as a half-day or full-day trip, while Our Lady of Lourdes is the easier weather-resistant festival choice.
For tickets, choose the experience first: family spectacle at Jurassic Quest, an intimate stage story at Milwaukee Rep or PATH, a full musical at Bombshell, a film with live orchestra, jazz, fan-driven rock, or a guided salsa night. Check live ticket inventory before traveling; this guide cannot hold a seat or promise that availability will remain through Sunday.