Take part in this weekend’s Hmong New Year celebration at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. (File photo by Sue Vliet)

It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know.

If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “5 things” in the subject line by noon Thursday.

1. COA Goldin Winter Wonderland: Friday, Dec. 10

Join COA Youth & Family Centers for family friendly activities, crafts, gifts and more. The event takes place from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10 at 2320 W. Burleigh St. Registration is required to receive a gift. You can register here.

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2. Free COVID-19 vaccinations: Friday, Dec. 10

Children’s Community Health Plan and Health Connections are offering free first, second or booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine to community members 5 years old or older. All eligible individuals will be vaccinated regardless of ID, documentation or insurance status. Friday’s clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pete’s Fruit Market on the South Side, l400 S. Union St. There will be another clinic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13 at Monterrey Market, 3920 S. 27th St. Individuals older than 12 years old will receive a $50 gift card to Pete’s Fruit Market or Monterrey Market. Individuals younger than 12 years old will receive a $10 gift card.

3. “Music Under the Stars “: Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec.11

Abraxes and Donna Woodall perform as part of Arts @ Large’s ongoing “Music Under the Stars” concert series. The Friday show will be fully acoustic while the Saturday show returns to Abraxes “rockin’ roots.” The acoustic and “rockin’” shows take place Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11, respectively, at Arts @ Large, located at 1100 S. 5th St. Tickets are $7, cash bar. The shows take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

4. Open guitar lessons at Newline Cafe: Saturday, Dec. 11

All experience levels are welcome to free open guitar lessons at Newline Cafe. The lessons will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 11 at Newline Cafe, located at 3618 W. Pierce St. Guitars will be provided but participants can bring their own.

5. Hmong New Year at the Wisconsin State Fair: Saturday, Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 12

Celebrate Hmong New Year this weekend with a Miss Hmong Wisconsin competition, Hmong dance competitions, Hmong singing competition and live concert performances. Day programs run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 12, while the night program runs from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11. Day program tickets are $5 and night program tickets are $18. All events take place at the Wisconsin Exhibition Center at State Fair Park, located at 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis.

BONUS: Blood drive at City of Light Church: Saturday, Dec. 11

City of Light Church is partnering with Versiti Blood Center to host a blood drive from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 6725 W. Burleigh St. Appointments are encouraged and can be made here.

In case you missed it: 18 winter activities for you and your loved ones