November in Milwaukee: 9 can’t-miss festivals & events

Enjoy everything the Greater Milwaukee Area has to offer this November by attending these cant-miss festivals and events.

While the weather might be shifting this November in Wisconsin, it doesn’t keep us at home. Come November in Milwaukee, you’ll find the social scene has many different festivals and events for every interest. From wine and margarita fests to family-friendly holiday light displays, train fun, and even an international cultural experience, there’s something for everyone. 

1. Uncorked Wine Festival

Dates: Saturday, November 2nd

Location: Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 West Canal Street  

Cost: $70 (general admission) to $85  (early admission)

Enjoy the 4th annual Uncorked Wine Festival at Harley Davidson Museum. Here, you can find over 100 wines and other alcoholic beverages, live music, and a good time for all. General admission kicks off at 8 p.m. for three hours of sampling from 40 brands. If you want to get to sipping sooner, early admission access starts at 7 p.m.. In addition to the benefits of general admission, you’ll also enjoy exclusive bonus wines during the first hour. Must be 21+ to participate.

2. Margarita Fest

Dates: Thursday, November 7th

Location: Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, 1721 W Canal Street

Cost: $27 (general admission) to $45 (VIP)

Stop by the 7th annual Margarita Fest at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. If you enjoy margaritas, this fest is for you. Sample margaritas from eight competing vendors to see who has the best drink in town. General admission gets you in starting at 6 pm, but if you’d want a head start at this ‘riat fest, the VIP option might be for you. This includes access to the VIP lounge, food, and a gift bag. Must be 21+ to participate.

3. Veteran’s Day Celebration

Dates: Saturday, November 9th

Location: Peck Pavilion- Marcus Performing Arts Center,  325 E Kilbourn Avenue

Cost: Free

Celebrate all veterans with the Veteran’s Day Parade. The parade kicks off downtown and is a family-friendly event featuring service members. You can honor veterans in myriad ways, including purchasing goods from veteran-owned businesses and vendors. 

4. Holiday Folk Fair International

Dates: Friday, November 22- Sunday, November 24

Location: State Fair Park, 8200 West Greenfield Avenue

Cost: $13 for senior citizens or in advance to $16 at the gate

At the Holiday Folk Fair, you can celebrate and experience the cultural heritage of living in southeastern Wisconsin. In its 81st year, the fair’s theme is “Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Art.” Throughout the grounds, you can find live performances, a world cafe, an international bazaar, and more. This event is family-friendly and full of education and fun experiences.

5. SnowGlobe Holiday Festival

Dates: Friday, November 22- Monday, December 30

Location: Franklin Field, 7035 South Ballpark Drive

Cost: $30 (general admission) to $55 (VIP)

Get ready to be enchanted by the SnowGlobe Holiday Festival extravaganza. From a holiday light maze and Christmas village for the kids to a Christmas Cocktail and Pop-Up Bar for the adults, there is no place more magical than this holiday festival. While you’re here, you can also take a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus or glide around the ice skating rink (rentals are available on-site). 

6. Burgundy Festival 

Dates: Saturday, November 23

Location: 2120 N. Farwell Avenue

Cost: $75

Get ready to enjoy some of the best wines Wisconsin has to offer at Burgundy Festival. From 2 to 4 p.m., you can walk around the fest and find the perfect bottle to take home or serve at your next gathering (right on time, as this is the Saturday before Thanksgiving). This wine festival isn’t just an opportunity to taste new and delicious wines; it’s also an excellent opportunity to stock your cellar with your old favorite or some fabulous new flavors. You also can expect deep discounts when purchasing at the festival. 

7. Trainfest 2024

Dates: Saturday, November 23- Sunday, November 24

Location: Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue

Cost: Two-day tickets $25 ($15 for kids), Saturday $20 (Kids $10), Sunday $15 (Kids $5)

*Cash only for on-site tickets

It’s a car, it’s a plane, it’s Trainfest 2024! This is a family-friendly event for modelers, collectors, and enthusiasts. Here, you will find educational exhibits, train retailers, activities for the kids, and more. Enjoy 170,000 square feet of all things train with a free Thomas the Train ride for the kids. 

8. Holiday Light Show at the Domes

Dates: Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, January 05

Location: The Domes, 524 S. Layton Boulevard

Cost: $6 to $9 (children two and under are free)

Milwaukee’s Botanical Gardens are a unique and gorgeous experience any time of year, but as we approach the holiday season, they’re even more fabulous and festive. There are three domes at the location—a desert and tropical dome and a show dome that’s seasonally decorated five times a year. Tickets aren’t available online and can be purchased at the door. Alternatively, you can get a year-long pass for free year-round access.

9. Elf Run 10K & 5K

Dates: Sunday, November 24

Location: Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive

Cost: $45 (though November 21st) to $50 (day of registration)

A great way to kick off the holiday season is with the Elf Fun Run. Registration for this event includes a fun elf long-sleeved tee shirt, finisher medal, free digital race photos, food and drinks after the race, and a family-fun atmosphere. Participants can also take the festive spirit up a notch and complete the race in their entertaining holiday gear.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.