It’s time for what many in the LGBTQ community consider a high holy day—Halloween! And Milwaukee is ripe for the picking when it comes to celebrating the black and orange.
Don’t believe me? Check out the incredible events in my social calendar. Whether you want to party your costume-clad ass off at a club or enjoy a spooky-yet-silly show, Brew City has a fright fest that’s right for you. From sinister soirees to autumnal eats, these Halloween happenings promise to get you in the spirit. In fact, there are so many sinful socials to tell you about, I’m forgoing my advice column this week to help you raise a little hell. Trick or treat, kids!
Ruthie’s Social Schedule
Oct. 25—Closing Night ‘Silence of the Clams’ at Hamburger Mary’s (730 S. Fifth St.): The universe drops me into the Jodie Foster classic during this hilarious Halloween parody. Written by local playwright Anthony Torti and directed by Milwaukee favorite Jeremy Welter, the show also stars Don Lobacz and Dita Von. Your $30 ticket includes a choice of four special entrees, dessert and, of course, the comedy. Visit brownpapertickets.com (event “3620622”) and reserve your spot for the 6 p.m. night.
Oct. 25—Food Fright! at Lakefront Brewery (1872 N. Commerce St.): Sink your teeth into the yummiest Halloween party in town. Your $30 ticket includes samplings from more than a dozen of the city’s favorite restaurants and caterers, as well as a haunted brewery tour, beer tokens, dancing, costume contest, silent auction and more. The fun starts at 7 p.m. See the Food Fright at Lakefront Brewery Facebook Page for tickets.
Oct. 25—Oh, Honey! It’s Halloween with Trixie Mattel at This Is It! (418 E. Wells St.): Breakout gal Trixie Mattel struts her sexy (and silly) stuff into Cream City to host this popular costume contest. Hundreds of dollars are on the line when Trixie judges the 8 p.m. lineup. (Winners are announced at 11:45 p.m.) Meet the RuPaul star, check out the heated outdoor bar and make this a Halloween to remember!
Oct. 26—Día de los Muertos Celebration at the Mitchell Park Domes (524 S. Layton Blvd.): Pack up the family and enjoy this change-of-pace party featuring music, dancing, food, crafts and more. The 6-9 p.m. event costs $8 per adult. Call 414-257-5608 for tickets to the colorful cultural celebration.
Oct. 27—Bachelorettes from Hell Halloween Bash at D.I.X. (739 S. First St.): The baddest, bitchiest, bawdiest bachelorettes invade this Walker’s Point hot spot to turn your Halloween upside down. Two drag shows, two bars and two rooms of craziness help you escort the haunting honeys down the 9 p.m. aisle without a cover charge.
Oct. 27—Halloween on Brady Street at Various Locations: This Halloween, hit the street... Brady Street! Eighteen bars and restaurants hold mini costume contests starting at 9:30 p.m. The winners from each contest advance to the midnight judging at Hosed on Brady. Someone will walk away with $1,000. Beer specials, food and all the frightening fun you can handle await you at this popular street party. See bradystreet.org for more eerie info.
Oct. 27—Big Gay Halloween Party and Drag Show at Pabst Milwaukee Brewery (1037 W. Juneau Ave.): This free Halloween bash offers up prizes for best costume as well as a DJ and cash bars for a scary spectacular you’ll never forget. Don’t miss the 9:30 p.m. drag show and get ready to dance the night away, too!
Oct. 27—Halloween Costume Contest at Harbor Room (117 E. Greenfield Ave.): The weekend turns wicked with the boys of this Levi/Leather bar and DJ Rob. Men without shirts drink for less, and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the 11 p.m. costume contest.
Oct. 27—The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Oriental Theatre (2230 N. Farwell Ave.): Don’t want Halloween to end? Hit up the 11:55 p.m. showing of the The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live cast shadowing the film. Dress up or come as you are; regardless, don’t dream it, be it!
Oct. 29—The Laramie Project at the Cabot Theatre (158 N. Broadway): Courage MKE honors the 20th anniversary of the passing of Matthew Shepard with a one-night-only performance of The Laramie Project. Directed by Michael Stebbins, this staged reading begins at 7:30 p.m. Call 414-291-7800 for tickets today.
Oct. 29—Miz Cracker’s “It’s Time!” at Hamburger Mary’s (730 S. Fifth St.): The blonde bombshell from season 10 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” brings her one woman show to Milwaukee with RuPaul alumni Jaymes Mansfield. Two performances make it a snap to catch the superstar (7:30 and 9:30 p.m.) with meet-and-greet opportunities after both. See crackermilwaukee.eventbrite.com for $30 to $40 tickets to the 18+ show.
Oct. 30—A Twisted Halloween Tuesday at Riverwest Public House Cooperative (815 E. Locust St.): Fighting Stigma and UMOS, Inc., host this 6 p.m. bash that offers cash bars, free HIV testing, DJ, dancing, a 10 p.m. drag show and, of course, a great costume contest.
Oct. 30—“Hallowine” Ghost Dinner at Edgewater Supper Club (W278 N2315 Prospect Ave., Pewaukee): Press the “adult button” on Halloween this year when you celebrate with great friends, great wine and great food. Ghost stories told by Mount Peak Winery staff highlight the spooky soiree that runs 6:30-9:30 p.m. Call 262-696-6254 for your reservation and $90 ticket.
Ask Ruthie a question and share your events at dearruthie@shepex.com. Follow her on Instagram @ruthiekeester and Facebook at Dear Ruthie. Listen to Ruthie every Friday on Energy 106.9 at 10:05 a.m.
