Things to do in Milwaukee this weekend, from Kentucky Derby parties to Free Comic Book Day

Chris Foran, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read

Free Comic Book Day

Deals, special items and, yes, free comic books await on Free Comic Book Day May 4. Among the area stores participating: The Turning Page, 2452 N. Murray Ave.; Collector's Edge Comics North, 7826 W. Burleigh St.; Vortex Comics, 8118 W. National Ave.; Collector's Edge Comics South, 2330 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.; and Kowabunga Comics, 650 E. Wisconsin Ave. Info: freecomicbookday.com.

Star Wars Day events (beyond movie theaters)

There are "Star Wars" screenings on and around May 4 — Star Wars Day (as in: May the Fourth be with you) — but the franchise can't be contained by cinema walls. Other Star Wars-linked doings that day:

  • There's limited ticket availability for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's "Movie Music of John Williams," featuring the composer's great scores from "Star Wars" and other classics, at 7:30 p.m. May 3-4 and 2:30 p.m. May 5 at Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. Info: mso.org.

  • Charles Ross' "One-Man Star Wars Trilogy" — in which Ross condenses the original three movies into a 75-minute one-man show — takes the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall stage at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. May 4. Tickets are $45.50. Info: marcuscenter.org.

  • The Milwaukee Festival Brass wraps up its 38th season with a "Star Wars"-themed concert, ”May the Fourth Be With You," at 7 p.m. May 4 at the Father Robert Carney Performing Arts Center at Pius XI High School, 135 N. 76th St. Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors 65 and older, and free for kids 17 and younger. Info: mfbrass.org.

Kentucky Derby events

Plenty of places are marking the Kentucky Derby, also on May 4, with their own parties. Among them:

  • Maxie's Southern Comfort, 6732 W. Fairview Ave., opens the doors for its Derby Day Party at 2 p.m. General-admission tickets are $20, with bigger packages available at $40 and $80. Info: maxiesmke.com.

  • NorthSouth Club, 230 E. Pittsburgh Ave., has a Derby party from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with costume contests, a complimentary mint julep and more. Admission is $20. Info: Kentucky Derby at NorthSouth Club Facebook event page.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Things to do in Milwaukee this weekend, including Free Comic Book Day