Brewery shopping and hitting the red carpet
Hope the woolly bear caterpillar gets it right
If ever there’s a time to be rooting for pinstripes, it’s now. The story goes that woolly bear caterpillar’s stripes can predict how harsh winter is going to be; the wider the black stripes are, the worse the winter will be. (The National Weather Service begs to differ, though.) Either way, the River Revitalization Foundation is hosting its Woolly Bear Winter Festival Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the foundation, 2134 N. Riverboat Road (off North Humboldt Avenue at the Milwaukee River, just east of Stubby’s Gastropub and Beer Bar). The party includes hot cocoa, woolly bear caterpillar cookie decorating, a live radio play, sledding and skating (weather permitting), and more — including a celebrity sighting in the form of the Door County Sled Dogs from noon to 1:30 p.m. Admission to the festival is free. (And that caterpillar’s stripes had better be thin. Just saying.) Info: Woolly Bear Winter Festival Facebook page
Do some shopping for beer memorabilia
It’s a little early to start garage sale season, but when the stuff is from the garage of Milwaukee’s legacy breweries, it’s right on time. Pabst Milwaukee Brewery’s Rummage Sale, at the brewery taproom at 1037 W. Juneau Ave. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, promises barware, clothing, displays, coasters, coolers and more from a number of the brands in the Pabst family, including PBR, Schlitz, Ballantine and more. Admission is free; you can register at the Facebook event page. Info: Pabst Milwaukee Brewery Rummage Sale Facebook page
Get a little childish at the Milwaukee Kids Expo
That whole inner child thing will get a real workout Saturday and Sunday in the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis. The Milwaukee Kids Expo returns with a legion of play zones offering everything from bounce houses to pony rides; a main stage with interactive science shows, princess singalongs and more; and local child-related vendors, plying everything from toys to camps to classes. The expo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Admission at the door is $9, $6 for kids. Info: milwaukeekidsexpo.com
Howl (or at least look at) the moon
This weekend’s full moon is cruelly named, but you can check out the Snow Moon during the Winter Full Moon Hike Sunday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Bayside. The hike heads first for the beach to watch the moon rise and reflect in Lake Michigan, with a nightcap in the form of s’mores and hot chocolate at Schlitz Audubon’s Great Hall. Admission is $15, $10 for nature center members. Info: schlitzaudubon.org
Thank the Academy (and watch the Oscars)
There are a number of places in town where you can catch the Academy Awards Sunday night (including your own couch — they air on ABC starting at 7 p.m.), but if you want to watch in more movie-related surroundings, consider stopping by No Studios’ Red Carpet Viewing Party in the Rooftop Lounge at the creative arts hub at 1037 W. McKinley Ave. The bash starts at 5 p.m. with live music and a preview of the upcoming stage production “Medusa Monologues.” Also on the bill: a walk on the red carpet, a Champagne welcome, a wine-tasting, Oscar ballot contest and a card-only bar. The party is $20, free for No Studios members. Info: The Red Carpet Viewing Party Facebook page