4 things to do in Milwaukee this weekend, including the Midwest Gaming Classic

Chris Foran, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
Pinball, retro video games, card-based contests and more are part of the Midwest Gaming Classic this weekend at the Wisconsin Center.
Pinball, retro video games, card-based contests and more are part of the Midwest Gaming Classic this weekend at the Wisconsin Center.

1. Midwest Gaming Classic

The Midwest Gaming Classic returns to the Wisconsin Center this weekend, filling three floors of the convention center at 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. with pinball, arcade, console and tabletop games and the people who love them — and can play them for the price of admission. Also on hand: scores of artists, game creators, performers, players, vendors and more. Hours for the Gaming Classic are 6 p.m. to midnight March 31, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 2. Admission is $45 March 31, $50 on April 1 and $25 April 2. (Multi-day passes run from $60 to $175.) Kids 9 and younger get in free. Info: midwestgamingclassic.com.

2. Tiki Takedown at Turner Hall Ballroom

So what if winter refuses to let go? You can get all tropical on April 2 starting at 1 p.m. at Turner Hall Ballroom, at the third annual Tiki Takedown. Local beverage purveyors will show off their craft-cocktail savvy creating original tiki drinks for sampling (and for judging a winner). There'll be live DJ sets, prizes and more. Admission is $20, $40 for a VIP ticket that includes early entry, food and more. Info: pabsttheatergroup.com.

3. 'Hop to the Movies' at Marcus Theatres

Marcus Theatres' long-running Easter season tradition — a screening of the 2011 live-action/computer-animated movie "Hop" and a clutch of family-friendly activities including egg hunts, craft stations and more — returns April 1. The activities start at 9:30 a.m., with the movie starting at 10:30. Participating Marcus theaters including Bistroplex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Ridge, Saukville and South Shore cinemas. Tickets are $9.50. Info: marcustheatres.com.

4. Milwaukee Blues Festival at Miller High Life Theatre

The 10th annual Milwaukee Blues Festival sets up shop at the Miller High Life Theatre at 8 p.m. March 31. Acts include Calvin Richardson, Pokey Bear, Ronnie Bell, King George and Chick Rodgers. Tickets are $59 to $125. Info: millerhighlifetheatre.com.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 4 things to do in Milwaukee this weekend, like Midwest Gaming Classic