Immersive Art Auctions and Premier Theater Performances Headline Milwaukee Today
Friday in the City: A Curated Guide to Milwaukee’s Best Events
Happy Friday, Milwaukee! Today, February 6, 2026, the city is buzzing with a vibrant mix of creative energy, from high-stakes art auctions to award-winning stage productions. Whether you are looking for a multisensory musical experience or a quiet evening with a local author, there is plenty to explore across our neighborhoods. Here is your "What’s On" guide for today.
A Night of Immersive Creativity: WMSE’s Art & Music
One of the most anticipated events of the season, WMSE 91.7FM’s annual Art & Music fundraiser, returns to the historic Pritzlaff Building. Now in its ninth year, this multisensory event serves as a critical fundraiser for Milwaukee’s beloved public radio station. The evening features an auction of hundreds of original, 12" x 12" album-sized artworks contributed by both local and national artists. Beyond the bidding, attendees can enjoy live music, local food, and immersive entertainment designed for the whole family. It is a perfect opportunity to support the local arts scene while taking home a unique piece of Milwaukee history.
Curtain Up: Premier Theater and Dance
If you are heading downtown, the Milwaukee Theater District has a packed schedule tonight. At the Checota Powerhouse Theater, catch the Tony Award-winning production of The Lehman Trilogy at 7:00 p.m. This riveting tour-de-force follows the rise and fall of a global financial empire. Just across the way at the Stackner Cabaret, The Fisherman’s Daughters kicks off at 7:30 p.m. This heartwarming Wisconsin-based musical explores themes of sisterhood and self-discovery through catchy melodies and intimate storytelling.
For those who prefer movement, the UWM Arts Center Theatre is hosting Winterdances: Resilience at 7:30 p.m. This performance showcases contemporary dance works that celebrate human connection and perseverance. Additionally, the Baumgartner Center for Dance is presenting Encore, a sophisticated mix of classical ballet and contemporary repertoire starting at 7:30 p.m.
Community Meetups and Literary Discussions
The JCC Milwaukee is hosting the annual Disability Inclusion Art Show at 4:00 p.m. This exhibition celebrates the creativity of participants from the Gesher program, showcasing a year of artistic growth and community talent. For book lovers, Boswell Book Company welcomes Wisconsin author JK Cheema at 6:30 p.m. for a reading and discussion of her new memoir, A Place to Be. It is a great chance to engage with the local literary community in an intimate setting. If you’re in the mood for music or comedy, catch Creed Fisher at Shank Hall or Sherri Shepherd at the Pabst Theater, both providing excellent evening entertainment.
Creative Exploration at the Museum
If you are getting an early start, the Milwaukee Art Museum offers Drop-In Art Making at the Kohl’s Art Studio from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is free with museum admission and provides a creative outlet for visitors of all ages to experiment with various mediums. While you are there, take the time to visit the Looking Forward: New Gifts of Art exhibition, which is on view through mid-February. Whether you’re an artist or an admirer, today offers plenty of ways to experience the best of Milwaukee’s cultural landscape.