Fall is in full swing, but the season is racing by. Soon enough we’ll be completely swept into the Halloween-Thanksgiving-Winter Holiday tunnel with little time to appreciate the unique qualities of autumn. Here are some of the city’s fall-related events to celebrate the best of sweater weather before the holidays hit.
Oak Creek Fall Festival
Saturday, October 21 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This family-friendly festival checks just about every autumnal box. Pumpkin bowling? Check. Pumpkin decorating? Check. Hay rides? Check. Giant pumpkin carving? Check. Pony rides? Check check check. The one-day celebration will also feature live music by DJ Syren, Academy of Performing Arts and Eroc, vendor booths for early holiday shopping and more.
Autumn Celebration
Saturday, October 21 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This free fall fest is all about the outdoors. Join the folks from the Urban Ecology Center at Washington park for an afternoon full of autumnal activities. Festival-goers can enjoy pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, pedal boating, caramel apples, bag races, face painting and can even meet the horses from Holistik Connections farm.
Flannel Fest
Saturday, October 21 | Noon – 10 p.m.
Grab your flannel and beanies and head down to Cooperage for the annual Flannel Fest, a music, beer and food festival that features tons of local artists including REYNA, NilexNile and emcee Shle Berry. Musicians will also be coming from across the country, including Arum Rae and Sunflower Bean from New York. There will be lots of great food options like Taco Moto, Tots On The Street and Lumpia City so make sure to stay for lunch and dinner.
Autumn Yin for the Seasons
Sunday, October 22 | Noon – 3 p.m.
Milwaukee’s cozy, comfy yoga studio, Healium Restore, is hosting a three-hour autumnal yin class to help participants “boost their immunity, soothe their nervous system and ease any anxiety they may be experiencing.” Plus, over the course of the class, instructors will be sharing tips and suggestions on how to keep the body “healthy and happy” during the chillier times of the year.
Fall Carnival
Wednesday, October 25 | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
CAB’s Fall Carnival is back for another year of Practical Magic autumn fun. The carnival will feature tarot cards reader, zodiac craft making, crystals, pumpkin carving, games, fall themed refreshments, and more.
Pets in the Pumpkin Patch
Saturday and Sunday October 28 + 29
Grab your puppies (and your leashes) for the cutest fur-friendly autumn activity at Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Farm. Take your dog through the corn maze, prance around the corn pit, take some photos in the pumpkin patch or have your pup help pick the perfect pumpkin to carve. Just make sure your pet stays leashed the entire time!
Smashing Pumpkins Pumpkin Smash
Wednesday, November 1 | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
This event hosted by the Campus Activity Board (CAB) combines autumn pumpkins and midterm rage with a midweek pumpkin smash. Participants will get their own private concert as a local band covers all your favorite Smashing Pumpkins hits. Then, just grab your pumpkin and give it a good smash on the ground. This event is B.Y.O.P – bring your own pumpkin.