Storytime at The Domes
2024-12-18 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-01-08 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-01-15 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-01-22 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-02-12 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-02-19 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-03-12 10:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Mitchell Park Domes
The Friends host storytime every Wednesday. Join us for bilingual (Spanish/English) storytime the last Wednesday of the month! No pre-registration required.
Cost: Included with admission; Free to Milwaukee Domes Alliance members (become a member)

43rd Annual Christmas Concert at The Domes- "Let There Be Light!" David HB Drake
2024-12-22 13:00 - 14:30
Folksinger and songsmith DAVID HB DRAKE will present a “Let There Be Light!” Concert at Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee, WI on Sunday, December 22 at 1 pm.
Let There Be Light! is a concert of seasonal folk songs, popular tunes, original songs and traditional carols. The program covers the spectrum of seasonal music from little known folksongs to everyone’s favorites, spiced with sing-alongs and good cheer! The program ranges from the first carol sung in North America to English wassails, French carols, memories of Christmas trees and marvelous toys. David performs on a variety of handmade folk instruments including mountain banjo, mountain dulcimer, concertina, Native American flute and guitar.
Many of these songs appear on his “LET THERE BE LIGHT” CD with Elizabeth Friedman, who has often performed with David in his annual Christmas Concert at the Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee as the duo “Sweet Survivor”. CDs are available through www.davidhbdrake.com

Early Closure
2024-12-24 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-12-31 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-01-01 09:00 - 16:00
Last admission one hour before close.

Closed for Christmas Day
2024-12-25
The Domes will be closed on Christmas Day.

Winter in the Tropics: A Family Fun Fest!
2024-12-27 09:00 - 12:00
Winter in the Tropics: A Family Fun Fest!
Join us for an exciting event, “Winter in the Tropics: A Family Fun Fest!” where you can escape the cold and enjoy a tropical paradise right in the heart of the city. Get ready for a morning filled with fun tropical activities!
Date: Friday Dec 27th, 2024
Time: 09:00:00 AM – Central Standard Time
Location: Mitchell Park Domes Education Center
Register Here
DESCRIPTION:
Join the Milwaukee Domes Alliance for Winter in the Tropics, our first Family Fun Fest!
We all know what winter in Wisconsin is like; escape the snow and ice with us inside our warm, humid, and beautiful domes! This program focuses on our Tropical Dome.
We’ll have activities, crafts, games, a tropical fruit tasting, take home activities, gift shop houseplant discount, and, of course, our plant collection! Wear your tropics-inspired shirts and clothing under your winter coats. You can also enjoy the last days of our Holiday Show.
Our Family Fun Fests will take place annually during Milwaukee Public School’s winter break, spring break, and summer break. This program is perfect for ages 5-10, but is great fun for all ages.
Please note: Entry to the Mitchell Park Domes is NOT included. This is an additional activity that may be purchased in addition to general Domes admission. As always, Milwaukee Domes Alliance members get into The Domes for free!
For more information on membership, visit: www.MilwaukeeDomes.org/membership
Once you enter The Domes, head to the Education Center to pick up your activity kit.
Join us anytime between 9AM-12PM. A special program will take place in the lobby at 10:30AM!
Cost:

Activity Kit: $10
Neighbor Activity Kit (53215 Area Code): $5 *This is a special discount for families living in the Domes’ adjacent neighborhoods. Please include your area code when purchasing.

Each purchase includes a kit (one per child) and access to Education Center activities.
Each activity kit includes:

Access to Education Center activities (closed during the program to general admission visitors)
Additional special tropics-inspired activities in the Education Center
A word scramble scavenger hunt for the Tropical Dome
An educator-guided program in the lobby
A take-home activity
A discount on tropical houseplants at our gift shop!
Tropical fruit tasting: Ever wonder what a soursop tastes like? What about tamarind? Enjoy tasting fruits that can be found in our Tropical Dome.

This is not a drop-off activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times at The Domes.
FOD Media/Photo Release Policy: Photos and other media taken during the class may be used for marketing purposes. By purchasing a workshop or program registration, you are consenting to this policy. Please email if we may not use photos in our marketing efforts.
FOD Adult Education Workshops Cancellation and Refund Policy: No refunds will be given for this program.
DESCRIPCIóN:
Milwaukee Domes Alliance los invita a Invierno Tropical, un evento para toda la familia!Todos sabemos que tan difícil puede ser el invierno en Wisconsin; refugecie de la nieve y hielo con nosotros adentro de nuestros domos calidos, humedos y hermosos! Este programa se enfoca en el Domo Tropical.
Tendremos actividades, manualidades, juegos, muestras comestibles de fruta tropical, actividades para el hogar, descuento para plantas domesticas en la tienda de regalos, y, porsupuesto, nuestra colección de plantas!
Pongase su camiseta y vestuario tropical por debajo de su chamarra de invierno. Podrá disfrutar de los últimos días del Espectáculo Invernal.
Nuestro evento familiar se llevará acabo anualmente durente las vacaciones de invierno, primavera y verano de Milwaukee Public Schools. Este programa es perfecto para edades de 5 a 10 años, pero lo puede disfrutar cualquiér edad!
Atención: La entrada a los Domos NO está incluida. Este programa es un actividad adicionál que se puede comprar aparte de la entrada a los Domos. Como siempre, miembros de Milwaukee Domes Alliance entran gratis! Para mas información sobre una membersia, visite:
www.MilwaukeeDomes.org/membership

Late Night at The Domes- Open until 8 PM
2024-12-27 09:00 - 20:00
The Domes will be open late on select nights this winter! Come experience The Domes at night- a magical experience under the lights of the Show Dome!
Late Nights at The Domes Hours:
9am-8pm (last admission one hour before close)

Drumming in The Domes, by Ko-Thi
2024-12-27 18:00 - 20:00
The drummers of Ko-Thi Dance Company present performances in celebration of Kwanzaa. Light shows will take place between performances. The event is included in the price of Domes admission.

Show Dome Closed for Installation
2025-01-06 - 2025-01-17
From 1/6/25-1/17/25 our Show Dome will be closed for installation of the Train Show. The Desert and Tropical Domes will remain open.

Member's Only: Train Show Preview (SOLD OUT)
2025-01-17 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for a special free event for our members. See our popular Train Show installation a night before it opens to the public! Plus, a chance to experience The Domes at night.

Show Dome Theme: Golden Age of Steam
2025-01-18 - 2025-04-06
Board the retro train for a Victorian-era adventure that’s sure to thrill! You won’t need a time machine to return to this Golden Age of Steam … just lace up your corset, don your top hat and join us on a Show Dome journey through four distinct, miniature vignette landscapes. The rich, velvety colors of the Victorian steam era are on full display, with bright azaleas, sweet smelling Matthiola, and moody Scabiosa providing the lush carpeting for this exciting Garden-Scale train show. All aboard!
More information

SPARK! Program
2025-01-28 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-25 10:00 - 11:30
SPARK! at The Domes is a program that provides older adults with memory challenges and their caregivers nature-based activities and experiences at Milwaukee’s most beautiful indoor setting: the Mitchell Park Domes.
SPARK! at The Domes is available at no cost to those experiencing memory loss and their caregivers. Each session is 1.5 hours.
Guests are encouraged to participate each month (or as often as possible), with new activities and themes offered at each session. Come learn about music, plants and nature — and share your memories of The Domes.
Cost: Free for anyone experiencing memory loss and their caregivers (pre-registration is required)
Location: Mitchell Park Domes Lobby
Submit Interest Form Here
If you prefer to speak with someone about the SPARK! at The Domes Program, please call (414) 257-5600.

Bilingual Storytime at The Domes
2025-01-29 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-02-26 10:00 - 10:30 | Mitchell Park Domes

All-Scale Train Show (Domes Lobby)
2025-02-01 - 2025-02-02
The Mitchell Park Domes is once again hosting its popular All-Scale Train Show on Saturday, February 1, 2025, and Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last admission at 3:00 p.m.).
From the tiniest Z-scale toy trains to the largest garden-scale rolling stock, the All-Scale Train Show will transport visitors to a model railway paradise. This event is offered in conjunction with the annual train show that takes place in the Show Dome. The weekend of the All-Scale Train Show will include train exhibitors throughout both the lobby and Greenhouse #7.
● What: Mitchell Park Domes All-Scale Train Show
● When: February 1-2, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last admission at 3:00 p.m.)
● Where: Mitchell Park Domes and Greenhouse: 524 South Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee
● Who: All community members
● Learn more: www.MilwaukeeDomes.org
Domes Admission Prices
Adults: $9.00 | $8.00 Milwaukee County residents
Military (active duty & veterans – ID required): $6.00
Seniors (60+): $9.00 | $6.00 Milwaukee County residents
Adults with disabilities: $6.00
Juniors (3-12) and Students with ID: $6.00
Children (2 & under): Free
FREE Admission for Milwaukee Domes Alliance members!

Wacky First Wednesdays
2025-02-05 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-03-05 10:00 - 10:30 | Mitchell Park Domes
Join the Milwaukee Domes Alliance as we explore all things that frolic and fly! Join us in the Domes lobby on the first Wednesday of each month. Monthly themes relate to our current or upcoming Show Dome theme, plants, wellness and the great outdoors. No pre-registration required.
Cost: Included with admission; Free to Milwaukee Domes Alliance members (become a member)

Growing & Thriving Workshop
2025-02-06 13:00 - 15:00
Register here
In this program, participants will experience programming that will engage their senses with the beauty of plants and nostalgia of The Domes. The participant and their guest will learn about and explore the history of The Domes and its world-class plant collection as well as acquire new skills in plant husbandry and propagation. During the workshop, all attendees will choose a plant from the gift shop, repot their new plant, and take it home with instructions for care. Interpretive Educator, Pete Stobie, will teach houseplant skills related to watering and humidity, choosing soil, repotting, light requirements, and more.
Interactive workshop includes: Domes History and houseplant care. Participants will also take a tour of either the Tropical Dome OR the Show Dome.
The Growing and Thriving Program is generously funded by Bader Philanthropies.
Location: Mitchell Park Domes Education Center
Cost: Free for Milwaukee-area residents who are 60 or older plus one guest (pre-registration is required). If you are bringing a guest, please be sure to register for that person when you register for yourself. Participants should not attend more than one Growing and Thriving program per calendar year.
FOD Media/Photo Release Policy: Photos and other media taken during the class may be used for marketing purposes. By purchasing a workshop registration, you are consenting to this policy. Please email us if we may not use photos in our marketing efforts.
FOD Adult Education Workshops Cancellation and Refund Policy: Growing and Thriving is a free workshop. Please let us know if you can no longer attend the workshop as soon as possible, so we can open tickets up to others.
Interested in becoming a member?

A Night in Bloom
2025-02-22 17:30 - 22:30
A Night in Bloom: An Enchanting Gala at the Domes
Step into a world of floral wonder at A Night in Bloom, an unforgettable gala hosted by Milwaukee Domes Alliance. Join us on February 22, from 5:30 to 10:30 PM at the breathtaking Mitchell Park Domes Horticulture Conservatory for an evening of elegance, excitement, and impact.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and intoxicating scents of nature as you enjoy a thrilling live auction, a captivating silent auction, and an exciting raffle filled with incredible prizes. With every bid and every ticket, you’ll be supporting the Milwaukee Domes Alliance in their mission to sustain and enhance this beloved Milwaukee landmark.
Now more than ever, your support is crucial in securing the future of the Domes.
Silent Auction- Participate virtually for free!
Can’t join in person? Participate in the silent auction from the comfort of your own home! Online bidding opens on Thurs, Feb 20 evening and ends on Sat, Feb 22 at 8PM.
Browse incredible auction items, support local businesses, and help preserve The Domes- all from the comfort of your home! Here’s how to participate:

Click on the link below to explore available auction items.
When you’re ready to bid, click “Get Tickets” and select “Online Auction”.
If using a mobile device, click the link, select “Story”, then “Get Tickets” to start bidding.

Your participation directly supports Milwaukee Domes Alliance in our mission to ensure a vibrant future for this beloved landmark.
Join the silent auction

For Attendees
Frequently Asked Questions:
Parking & Entry
Please park in the designated lots near the Domes. Registration opens at Greenhouse 7 at 5:30 PM, and early entry will not be permitted. Please note that the main doors will be closed for this event—follow the signs to the Greenhouse 7 entrance.
Check-In
To speed up your check-in, please pre-register in OneCause. If you’re ready for express check-in, you’ll be able to head straight in and start enjoying the event!
Attire
While there’s no formal dress code, most guests will arrive in cocktail attire—feel free to dress to impress! Floral patterns are encouraged (but not required) so we can celebrate A Night in Bloom!
Provisions
Enjoy a variety of passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations, including vegetarian and vegan options. Our catering staff will be happy to assist with any dietary or allergen concerns.

Join the silent auction

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Preserve Our Parks/awealthofnature.org

Bill Lynch and Barbara Manger

Kathy and Steve Kortes, in Memory of Myron L. Anderson

Gilbane Building Company

Riverwest Co-op

Baird

Lindner & Marsach, S.C.

Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.

Karen von Rueden and Bennett Sherman

The TMS Center of Wisconsin

Bonsai Lobby Show
2025-02-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Mitchell Park Domes
Join us on Sunday, February 23rd for a bonsai appreciation event in the lobby of The Domes. Bonsai show included with admission. Presented by Milwaukee Bonsai Society.
The Domes are open on Sundays from 9am-4pm (last admission one hour before close).
