Art, big trucks and local heroes
Artful attractions
Gallery Night & Day is back, with galleries and other venues in the Third Ward and around Milwaukee opening their doors Friday night and Saturday with exhibitions, artists often on hand to talk about their work, and even refreshments. For a list of participating venues, check the Historic Third Ward Association’s website.
Info: historicthirdward.org
Boats, boats, boats
Trade your cabin fever for a different kind of cabin at the Milwaukee Boat Show, which starts this weekend at the Wisconsin Exposition Center in State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis. More than 400 boats are expected to dock at the show, along with seminars, entertainment, food and more. The boat show is Friday through Sunday, and returns Wednesday through next Sunday; this weekend, hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10; kids 12 and younger are admitted
free when accompanied by an adult.
Info: showspan.com/MBS
Heroes of the struggle
Opening at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee Friday, “Allied in the Fight: Jews, Blacks and the Struggle for Civil Rights” recounts the efforts of American Jews and African-Americans to fight together for equality. The new exhibit, which includes both national and local components, is part of the citywide “200 Nights of Freedom” initiative marking the 50th anniversary of Milwaukee’s open housing marches. Weekend hours at the museum, 1360 N. Prospect Ave., are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $7; $6 for seniors 60 and older; $4 for students; and free for active-duty members of the military and children 6 and younger. Info: jewishmuseummilwaukee.org
Trucks, trucks, trucks
The big rigs are back this weekend for Monster Jam Triple Threat Series at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, 1001 N. 4th St. The new wrinkle added for 2018: Fans will get to vote for the winner in the freestyle competition in the arena. The jam is jamming at 7 p.m. Friday and 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets are $15 to $85. Info: bmoharrisbradleycenter.com
Sandlot sluggers
Milwaukee’s sports history is more than major-league — in addition to the Brewers, Braves and Bucks, there have been Chicks, Bears and a slew of recreational, industrial and other teams. “Back Yards to Big Leagues: Milwaukee’s Sports and Recreation History,” the exhibit opening Friday at the Milwaukee County Historical Society, swings for the fences with a look at Milwaukee’s rich sports and recreation history. The hours for the museum, 910 N. Old World 3rd St., are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Sundays); admission is $7, free for museum members and kids 12 and younger. Info: milwaukeehistory.net
Paw Patrol back on the case
“Paw Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue!” — one of two touring shows spun off the popular animated children’s show on Nickeloden — strolls into the Miller High Life Theatre, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave., for shows at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $22, with $118 VIP packages at the top end. Info: millerhighlifetheatre.com
New on stage
These productions premiere in Milwaukee this weekend.
“Russian Transport”: The lives of a Russian immigrant family in Brooklyn get turned upside down when Uncle Boris arrives from the home country with a dark business plan in mind in this Renaissance Theaterworks production directed by Laura Gordon. The show starts its run Friday, going through Feb. 11, at the Studio Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. Info: r-t-w.com.
“Black Pearl Sings!”: An African-American woman in a Texas prison during the Depression attracts the attention of a song collector with the Library of Congress in this musical Milwaukee Repertory Theater production. It begins previews Friday and formally opens Sunday in the Stackner Cabaret, 102 E. Wells St. Info: milwaukeerep.com.
“The Cat in the Hat”: First Stage brings Dr. Seuss’ beloved story of the playful feline who makes the most of a rainy day in a production debuting Sunday in the Main Stage Hall at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St. (The production runs on weekends through Feb. 25.) Info: firststage.org.