Small Business Milwaukee Local Spotlight | October 16–31, 2026
Fall is a wonderful time to explore Greater Milwaukee. From neighborhood Halloween celebrations and farmers markets to creative workshops, live performances, and business networking opportunities, October offers plenty of reasons to get out, explore our communities, and experience something new.
But behind many of these events is something even more important: the local businesses and community organizations that help make Greater Milwaukee such a special place to live and work.
When you attend a workshop at an independent art studio, shop from a local maker, visit a family-operated farm, or participate in a neighborhood festival, you’re doing more than enjoying an afternoon. You’re supporting the entrepreneurs, artists, families, nonprofits, and community leaders who contribute to the character and vitality of our neighborhoods.
Small businesses create jobs, bring new ideas to our communities, support local causes, and provide gathering places where relationships develop. They help make our neighborhoods distinctive, vibrant, and connected. At Small Business Milwaukee, we believe these businesses and organizations deserve to be discovered, celebrated, and supported.
That’s why we’re highlighting 25 events and experiences happening throughout Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, West Allis, Brookfield, South Milwaukee, Mukwonago, and surrounding communities during the second half of October.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fall activities, creative experiences, Halloween entertainment, or opportunities to build your business network, there’s something here worth discovering.
Featured Local Business Spotlights
S.O.A.L. ~ Stories of A Lifetime LLC
Everyone has a story worth telling! Founded by Holly R. Miller, Stories of A Lifetime LLC helps individuals, families, and businesses celebrate life’s meaningful moments through the power of words.
As a Certified Funeral Celebrant, Wedding Officiant, and Life & Legacy Writer, Holly creates personalized ceremonies, heartfelt tributes, and lasting memories. Her services also include legacy writing, creative business content, and educational workshops designed to inspire meaningful storytelling. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois, Holly brings compassion, creativity, and personal attention to every project.
Small Business Milwaukee Directory Listing: Stories of A Lifetime
FOCUS Administrative Services
FOCUS Administrative Services
Running a business or nonprofit means juggling a lot of moving pieces. That’s where FOCUS Administrative Services comes in!
Founded by Barbara Farrell, MBA, FOCUS provides fractional business management, bookkeeping, and operational support to help organizations strengthen systems, simplify processes, and keep things moving forward.
Whether you need experienced leadership, day-to-day operational support, or help preserving institutional knowledge and maintaining business continuity during transitions, FOCUS offers practical, personalized solutions without the commitment of a full-time hire.
Let’s FOCUS on what matters most—your business!
Small Business Milwaukee Directory Listing: FOCUS Administrative Services
Skin By Marley LLC
Skin By Marley LLC Treat yourself to personalized skincare at Skin By Marley LLC, a welcoming beauty and skincare studio in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Marley specializes in customized facials, Korean skincare treatments, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, professional waxing, lash lifts, and brow services.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your complexion, address specific skincare concerns, or simply enjoy some well-deserved relaxation, Marley tailors treatments to your individual needs. From signature facials to advanced skincare services, her goal is to help every client look and feel their best. Discover a personalized approach to beauty and self-care at Skin By Marley, where healthy, glowing skin takes center stage.
Small Business Milwaukee Directory Listing: Skin By Marley
Hosting an Event? Share It on Our Free Community Calendar!
Are you planning a networking event, workshop, fundraiser, grand opening, community festival, or other local gathering? Small Business Milwaukee invites local businesses, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and community organizations to promote their upcoming events on our FREE Community Events Calendar!
It’s a great way to share what’s happening, connect with the Greater Milwaukee community, and help more people discover your event.
Submit Your Event to Our Free Community Calendar
Fall Festivals, Markets & Local Shopping
1. Milwaukee Makers Market: Celebrate Halloween
Sunday, October 18 | 10 AM–4 PM | The Ivy House, Milwaukee
Discover the creativity of independent artists and entrepreneurs at this Halloween-themed Milwaukee Makers Market.
Browse handmade goods, artwork, accessories, and unique products created by local makers. It’s a wonderful opportunity to find something different while supporting small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.
Admission: Free
Milwaukee Makers Market Event Information
2. Haunted Halloween on Downer Avenue
Saturday, October 17 | 1–4 PM | Historic Downer Avenue, Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s historic Downer Avenue shopping district comes alive with family-friendly Halloween festivities.
Visit participating neighborhood businesses, enjoy trick-or-treating, and explore the independent shops and restaurants that make this Milwaukee neighborhood a local favorite.
Haunted Halloween Event Details
3. Tosa Farmers Market: Final Saturday of the Season
Saturday, October 24 | 8 AM–Noon | Hart Mills Parking Lot, Wauwatosa
The final Tosa Farmers Market of the 2026 season offers one more chance to shop from regional farmers, food producers, and independent vendors.
Enjoy seasonal produce, locally made foods, and the atmosphere of downtown Wauwatosa while supporting the people who grow and create products in our communities.
4. Bitchcraft Fair Milwaukee
Sunday, October 25 | Noon–6 PM | Baird Center, Milwaukee
Explore an imaginative marketplace featuring independent artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs.
Bitchcraft Fair brings together distinctive handmade merchandise, artwork, accessories, and unusual finds. It’s an opportunity to support independent creators and discover something outside the ordinary.
Check the organizer’s website for current admission information.
5. Halloween Pop-Up Market at Falcon Bowl
Saturday, October 31 | Noon–4 PM | Falcon Hall, Milwaukee
Celebrate Halloween by supporting local artists and makers at Falcon Bowl’s Halloween Pop-Up Market.
Presented by Pop Up Gallery, this free event features handmade goods and creative merchandise from independent businesses.
Falcon Bowl Halloween Pop-Up Market
Creative Workshops & Hands-On Experiences
6. Kate Marotz Ceramics Workshop
October 24–25 | Cream City Clay, West Allis
Spend a weekend exploring ceramic art with guest artist Kate Marotz at Cream City Clay.
This two-day experience offers an opportunity to develop creative skills, learn from a working artist, and connect with others who enjoy pottery and hands-on artistic experiences.
7. Hocus Pocus: Craft, Brew & Ooze
Tuesday, October 20 | 5:45–7 PM | Joyosity Creative Space, Brookfield
Young artists ages 4–8 can enjoy a Halloween-inspired workshop filled with crafts, bubbling potions, and slime.
Joyosity Creative Space provides a playful environment where children can explore their imaginations and create their own seasonal projects.
8. Glass & Resin Sunflower Suncatcher Workshop
Saturday, October 17 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM | The Weathered Shed, West Allis
Create a decorative sunflower suncatcher using glass and resin at The Weathered Shed.
This hands-on workshop combines creativity and craftsmanship, offering participants an opportunity to make something beautiful while experiencing a locally owned creative business.
9. Encaustic Painting: Wax, Wings & Wildflowers
Tuesday, October 20 | The Weathered Shed, West Allis
Explore painting with wax in this creative workshop at The Weathered Shed.
Encaustic-style artwork introduces texture and layering into the artistic process, making this an interesting alternative to traditional painting classes.
Confirm the current workshop schedule directly with the studio.
The Weathered Shed Workshop Schedule
10. Spooky Bloom Paint & Sip at The Alibi
Saturday, October 24 | 2:30–4:30 PM | The Alibi Tavern, Milwaukee
Enjoy a Halloween-inspired afternoon of painting and socializing at The Alibi Tavern.
Organized by Karaya Art, this guided paint-and-sip experience features seasonal floral artwork, with supplies and a first drink included.
Spooky Bloom Paint & Sip Registration
11. Halloween-Themed Stained Glass Workshop
Tuesday, October 27 | 5–8:30 PM | Eucalyptus and Company, Milwaukee
Turn colorful glass into a handmade seasonal creation at Eucalyptus and Company.
This Halloween-themed workshop introduces participants to the artistry of stained glass while providing an opportunity to create a distinctive piece.
Halloween Adventures & Family Fun
12. Schuett Farms Nighttime Corn Maze
October 16, 17, 23 & 24 | Evening hours | Schuett Farms, Mukwonago
Bring a flashlight and experience a Wisconsin corn maze after dark.
Schuett Farms offers a nighttime maze adventure without the scares of a haunted attraction, making it a seasonal activity for families, couples, and groups of friends.
The farm has published differing opening times, so check its website or contact the farm before visiting.
13. Halloween Glow Night: UV Blacklight Paint Party
Saturday, October 31 | Evening sessions | Talia’s Event Venue, West Allis
Looking for a creative way to celebrate Halloween?
Glow District Studio presents a ticketed, adults-only blacklight painting experience where fluorescent colors and glowing artwork create a memorable atmosphere.
14. Seven Bridges Trail Hunt
Saturday, October 24 | 10 AM | Seven Bridges Trail, Grant Park, South Milwaukee
Get outdoors and enjoy the changing fall scenery during this family-friendly trail hunt.
Designed for children ages 4–10, the picture-based activity encourages families to explore the natural surroundings of Seven Bridges Trail while enjoying time together.
Small Business Milwaukee Events Calendar
15. Tamarack Waldorf School Fall Fest & Open House
Saturday, October 24 | Tamarack Waldorf School, Milwaukee
Celebrate the fall season with a community gathering at Tamarack Waldorf School.
The Fall Fest and Open House offers families an opportunity to enjoy seasonal activities, connect with the school community, and learn more about this Milwaukee educational nonprofit.
Tamarack Waldorf School Events
16. MKE Paracon 2026 & Allison Jornlin Book Launch
Saturday, October 17 | Beginning at 10 AM | Kochanski’s Beer Garden, Milwaukee
Explore Milwaukee’s mysterious side at MKE Paracon 2026.
The gathering celebrates paranormal research, unusual history, and unexplained phenomena, including a book launch featuring Milwaukee paranormal researcher and author Allison Jornlin.
Live Entertainment, Music & Cultural Experiences
17. Halloween Comedy, Magic & Burlesque at Brumder Mansion
October 30–31 | Evening performances | Brumder Mansion, Milwaukee
Celebrate Halloween with an adults-only evening of comedy, magic, and burlesque entertainment.
Presented by Two Brothers One Mind, the show takes place at Milwaukee’s historic Brumder Mansion, adding an atmospheric setting to this unusual live performance.
18. The Addams Family Musical
Saturday, October 24 | Bombshell Studio Theatre, Brookfield
Enjoy a local theatrical production featuring the wonderfully strange Addams family.
The Addams Family Musical combines music, comedy, and familiar characters in an entertaining October production. Attending local theater also helps support the performers and creative organizations that contribute to Greater Milwaukee’s arts community.
19. 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche
Saturday, October 24 | 8 PM | Pink’s Accessible Theater House, Milwaukee
Discover the creativity of independent Milwaukee theater with 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche.
Presented by The Constructivists, this offbeat stage comedy offers audiences an opportunity to enjoy local live entertainment outside the larger theater venues.
20. Rory Makem: Irish Songs, Stories & Samhain
Friday, October 23 | 7:30 PM | CelticMKE Center, Wauwatosa
Experience Irish music, storytelling, and traditions connected with Samhain, the ancient seasonal celebration associated with the origins of Halloween.
Rory Makem brings traditional songs and stories to the CelticMKE Center in an evening celebrating Irish heritage.
21. Lunch & Learn: Sabores Ancestrales
Friday, October 23 | 11:30 AM–1 PM | Latino Arts, Milwaukee
Explore the relationship between food, heritage, and cultural traditions during this educational lunch-and-learn presented by Latino Arts.
Sabores Ancestrales offers a conversation about ancestral foods and the traditions connected to ingredients such as corn and wheat, accompanied by a light lunch.
22. Halloween Costume Dance with Professor Pinkerton
Tuesday, October 27 | 7–8 PM | Falcon Hall, Milwaukee
Put on your Halloween costume and enjoy an evening of live music and dancing.
Third Coast Swing presents this free, all-ages dance featuring Professor Pinkerton and His Irrelevant Orchestra. It’s a fun opportunity to experience Milwaukee’s local dance and music community.
Business Networking & Professional Development
Supporting Greater Milwaukee’s business community also means creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals to connect.
Networking events bring people together to exchange ideas, discover resources, develop partnerships, and build relationships that can strengthen local businesses.
Here are three networking opportunities happening during the second half of October.
23. AIA Milwaukee Emerging Professionals Networking Mixer
Thursday, October 22 | 5–7 PM | Eagle Knit Building, Milwaukee
Professionals in architecture, construction, design, and related industries can connect at the AIA Milwaukee Emerging Professionals October Networking Mixer.
The event provides opportunities to meet other professionals, discover industry connections, and strengthen Milwaukee’s design and construction community.
24. The Referral Exchange: Where Business Happens
Thursday, October 22 | 7:30–9 AM | Technology Innovation Center, Wauwatosa
The Wauwatosa West Allis Chamber of Commerce hosts this morning gathering focused on relationship-building and business referrals.
Participants can meet fellow business professionals, exchange information, and explore ways to support one another through meaningful connections.
25. Women in Business Networking Group
Tuesday, October 27 | 8–9 AM | Teofilo & Company, Wauwatosa
Connect with women from the local business community at this networking event organized by the Wauwatosa West Allis Chamber of Commerce.
The gathering offers an opportunity to share experiences, build professional relationships, and discover possibilities for collaboration.
Keep the Connections Going! Join Us for Networking Lunch
Looking for another opportunity to meet local business owners and grow your network? Small Business Milwaukee invites you to our FREE Networking Lunch on Friday, October 23, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Mountain Mike’s Pizza in Greenfield!
Enjoy a casual, welcoming atmosphere where you can make new connections, exchange ideas, and build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals. There’s no membership requirement or attendance fee. Just bring your business cards, introduce yourself, and enjoy some great conversations!
Mountain Mike’s Pizza is generously hosting our group, so we encourage everyone to purchase lunch and support this local restaurant.
Location: 7828 W Layton Avenue, Greenfield, WI 53220
Come hungry, bring your business cards, and leave with a few new connections! We look forward to seeing you there.
Supporting Local Makes a Difference
Every community has something special to offer, and much of that character comes from the people who own businesses, create products, organize events, share their talents, and bring neighbors together.
Throughout Greater Milwaukee, independent business owners, artists, nonprofits, and community organizations are creating opportunities worth discovering.
You don’t have to travel far to find something interesting. Sometimes the best experiences are happening just a few miles from home, at a business or organization you haven’t visited before.
This October, we encourage you to explore a new neighborhood, attend a local event, try a creative workshop, support an independent maker, or make a new connection at a networking gathering.
And when you discover a local business you love, consider telling a friend, sharing its social media page, or leaving a thoughtful review. Those small actions can make a meaningful difference.
Are You a Small Business Owner? Join Our Free Directory!
Are You a Small Business Owner? Join Our Free Directory!Small Business Milwaukee is always looking to connect with more locally owned businesses throughout Greater Milwaukee.
If you own a small business and would like to introduce it to our growing community, we invite you to add your business to the Small Business Milwaukee Directory.
Our free directory option allows you to showcase your business name, logo, category, and website link, making it easier for people to discover your business.
Add Your Business to Our Free Directory
It’s free to join, and it’s another opportunity to become part of Milwaukee’s connected small-business community.
Coming in 2027: Small Business Milwaukee Resource Fest
Coming in 2027: Small Business Milwaukee Resource FestThursday, May 27, 2027 | 9 AM–1 PM
MATC Oak Creek Campus
We’re also looking ahead to an exciting event for the Greater Milwaukee business community!
The Small Business Milwaukee Resource Fest will bring together entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and organizations offering valuable tools, resources, knowledge, and connections.
This isn’t a traditional business expo. Resource Fest is being designed as an interactive experience where attendees can explore practical ideas, learn something new, discover resources they didn’t know existed, and connect with people who can help them move forward.
Whether you’re starting a business, looking for ways to grow, or interested in helping other entrepreneurs succeed, mark your calendar.
Learn More About the Small Business Milwaukee Resource Fest
Small Business Milwaukee Resource Fest is co-hosted by Small Business Milwaukee and MATC Oak Creek.
Discover More With Small Business Milwaukee
Small Business Milwaukee is proud to connect our community with the businesses, organizations, and people who make Greater Milwaukee a wonderful place to live, work, and explore.
Explore our Small Business Directory and Community Events Calendar to discover more local opportunities.
Event dates, times, locations, admission prices, availability, and other details are subject to change. Please confirm current information directly with the event organizer or business before attending.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milwaukee Events in October 2026
What are some fun things to do in Milwaukee in October 2026?
Greater Milwaukee offers fall festivals, farmers markets, creative workshops, Halloween celebrations, theater performances, live music, and business networking events. This guide highlights 25 experiences happening between October 16 and October 31, 2026.
Are there free events in Milwaukee this October?
Yes! Several events in this guide offer free admission, including Milwaukee Makers Market, the Halloween Pop-Up Market at Falcon Bowl, and the final Tosa Farmers Market of the season. Some activities or purchases at these events may have additional costs.
Where can I find Halloween events near Milwaukee?
Halloween activities are taking place throughout Milwaukee and nearby communities, including West Allis, Brookfield, and Mukwonago. Options include neighborhood trick-or-treating, seasonal art workshops, nighttime corn mazes, costume dances, and Halloween entertainment.
Are there creative workshops for adults in the Milwaukee area?
Yes. Local studios and independent businesses offer pottery, painting, stained glass, and other hands-on classes. This month’s guide features experiences at The Weathered Shed, Cream City Clay, Eucalyptus and Company, and other creative businesses.
Where can small business owners find networking events in Milwaukee?
Small Business Milwaukee highlights networking opportunities throughout Greater Milwaukee, including local chamber events, professional association gatherings, and its own monthly networking lunch. Visit the Small Business Milwaukee Events Calendar for additional opportunities.
Does Small Business Milwaukee offer free networking opportunities?
Yes! Small Business Milwaukee hosts networking opportunities where local entrepreneurs and professionals can meet, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Our October Networking Lunch takes place Friday, October 23, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at Mountain Mike’s Pizza in Greenfield. Attendance is free, and guests are encouraged to purchase food to support our host.
How can I promote my small business through Small Business Milwaukee?
Businesses can begin by joining the free Small Business Milwaukee Directory. Small Business Milwaukee also offers additional promotional opportunities, including enhanced directory listings, advertising features, and networking events.