JANUARY 2007 - Special Events

Complete address of sites is listed with first mention. Area codes of phone numbers are 414 unless shown otherwise. Please confirm events when possible; listings are subject to change.

POTAWATOMI BINGO CASINO, 1721 W. Canal St. Located minutes from downtown, this two-story entertainment complex offers high-stakes bingo; craps, roulette, blackjack table games, and video and reel slot machines. 500-seat cabaret-style theater and 1,800-seat concert hall host some of the nation’s top performers. Dining options include international buffet, sports bar & grill, fine dining restaurant and snack bars. Open 24 hours a day. Call toll-free, 1-800-PAYS-BIG or visit www.paysbig.com

BETTY BRINN WORKSHOPS, various times; Betty Brinn Children's Museum, 929 E. Wisconsin Ave. Same-day registration is required on a first-come basis. Most workshops free with regular museum admission. 390-5437.

LEONARD BEARSTEIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, through Jan. 6; Shops of Grand Avenue Atrium, W. Wisconsin Ave. at Old World 3rd St. Conductor “Bearstein” and his 18-piece orchestra of animated bears return to perform on the hour. 224-0655.

MILWAUKEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL, through Jan. 7; Downtown Milwaukee. Three downtown parks and buildings and streets feature special decorations. Cathedral Square Park, N. Jefferson and E. Wells St.; Pere Marquette Park, W. State and Old World St.; Zeidler Union Square, W. Michigan St. between 3rd and 4th Sts. 220-4700.

HOME BUILDERS EXPO, Jan. 4-7; Midwest Airlines Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. The annual expo returns again with exhibits for homeowners, home buyers and professionals in home construction, improvement and landscaping. 4-8 p.m. Thurs., noon-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 908-6001.

THE SCIENCE BAG, 8 p.m. Jan. 5, 12, 19. 26; at 8 p.m., Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Physics Bldg., Rm. 137, E. Kenwood Blvd. and N. Cramer St. “The ‘Lighter’ Side of Communications: Connecting the World with Optical Fibers” by Peter Geissinger, chemistry. Family-friendly performances that both educate and entertain. 229-4452.

FAMILY FREE DAY AT THE ZOO, Jan. 6, Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. All visitors receive free admission; parking fee remains in effect. Sponsored by Jewel-Osco. 256-5412.

WONDERFUL WORLD OF WEDDING & OCCASIONS, Jan. 6-7; Wisconsin Expo Center, Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8100 W. Greenfield Ave. 800-367-5520.

DANCING WITH THE STARS, Jan. 12; Bradley Center, 1001 N. 4th St. Touring stars and professional dancers from first three seasons of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” 7:30 p.m. 276-4545.

WORLD OF WHEELS CUSTOM CAR SHOW, Jan. 12-14; Wisconsin Expo Center, Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8100 W. Greenfield Ave. 248-373-1700.

13TH ANNUAL CEILI FOR PEACE, Jan. 13; Irish Cultural Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave. Family friendly event begins with a mini-concert from 7-7:30 p.m. Irish jigs and reels will be taught from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Adult admission is $8 or $6 and two non-perishable food items for Casa Maria Shelter. Children 6-16 are $3 and under six years free. 372-3060.

MILWAUKEE BOAT SHOW, Jan. 19-28; Wisconsin Expo Center, Wisconsin State Fair Park.  616-447-2860.

GALLERY NIGHT AND DAY, Jan. 19-20; Downtown Milwaukee. Art galleries open Friday night and all day Saturday throughout downtown. Free parking in Historic Third Ward parking structures, 212 N. Milwaukee St. and 225 E. Chicago St. Friday night from 5-9 p.m. ride the Gallery Night Xpress, a 20-passenger bus. 271-1416.

2007 BRIDAL SHOW, Jan. 20-21, Midwest Airlines Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. 908-6001.

SAMSON STOMP AND ROMP FOR THE ZOO, Jan. 21; Milwaukee County Zoo. Fun run sponsored by Gatorade and Pick ‘n Save. 8 a.m. registration. 771-3040.