It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here at least two weeks in advance.
1. Day of the Dead community ofrendas: Friday, Oct. 28
Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is an annual holiday originating in Mexico but celebrated all over Latin America and the United States. The holiday exists to remember and celebrate the lives of the dead through joyful remembrance as opposed to solemn reflection.
Latino Arts Inc.’s annual Day of the Dead ofrendas exhibit is on now. You can view ofrendas that community members have constructed to remember loved ones who have passed on. The exhibit is on through Nov. 18, but the opening reception will be starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28 at Latino Arts Inc., located at 1028 S. 9th St.
You can also celebrate Dia de los Muertos at other events this weekend. More information on our recent list of ways to celebrate Dia de los Muertos and Halloween here.
2. Latino Family Expo and Festival: Saturday, Oct. 29
Organized by El Conquistador Newspaper, the 11th annual Latino Family Expo and Festival will feature free indoor trick-or-treating, a children’s area, a resource fair, Latino cultural exhibits and live entertainment. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Augustine Preparatory School, located at 2607 S. 5th St.
3. Amani Youth Council “Mask-querade” and raffle: Saturday, Oct. 29
The Amani Youth Council, made up of young people from or around the Amani neighborhood, is holding a gathering at Moody Park featuring a costume contest, snacks and giveaways, including a Thanksgiving feast. The event takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Moody Park Pavilion, located at 2201 W. Auer Ave.
4. The Black Nerd Cosplay and Bike Ride: Sunday, Oct. 30
Bicycling nerds are invited to this meetup organized by Red Bike & Green-Milwaukee and are encouraged to dress as their favorite historical figure or fictional character and then do a short neighborhood ride. The meetup takes place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2344 N. 16th St.
5. Opportunities to vote early: all weekend
There is a general election coming up on Nov. 8. You can vote early now through Nov. 5 at times and locations listed here.
Souls to the Polls, a nonprofit led by local faith leaders that encourages voting, has organized two events to get out the vote this weekend. Details below:
“Turn up the vote” is a free concert at Red Arrow Park, also known as Dontre Hamilton Park, where attendees can also vote early. The concert takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28 at 920 N. Water St.
“Souls to the Polls Sunday” is a meetup in Midtown to vote early. A rally begins at noon, but nearby polls are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Midtown Shopping Center, located at 5700 W. Capitol Drive.
BONUS: Book signing and community conversation: Saturday, Oct. 29
La Revo Books hosts this book signing, film screening and conversation with Simón Sedillo, author of “Weapons, Drugs, and Money: Crime, Corruption, and Community Based Liberation in the US/Mexico Neoliberal Military Political Economy.” The event takes place from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at La Finca Coffeehouse, located at 3558 E. Sivyer Ave. in St. Francis.
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