8 Ways to Save This Snowy Milwaukee Day [OPINION]

Like most Milwaukeeans, you woke up this morning in utter disgust and confusion. First, how dare Mother Nature keep perpetuating the joke that “you can experience all four seasons within one week” in Wisconsin! Secondly, I questioned if time travel was real and this is actually January. Now that I have come to my senses (I think), there are still plenty of ways to celebrate Milwaukee Day while still braving the cold.

1. Bar and Brewery deals

If there’s one thing to expect on a holiday in Milwaukee, people will be kicking back with a pint of beer. As a way of showing appreciation for Brew City, many local establishments are offering deals and special releases throughout the day.

The Brass Tap is featuring a $4.14 deal on 40 drafts. That way you are saving some extra change and get to possibly try a new craft beer. They also have their delicious cheese curds priced at, you guessed it, $4.14. Good City Brewing is also showing the Milwaukee love with specially-printed pint glasses in our beloved Bucks’ Good Land green and Cream City cream. $10 gets you your own glass and a voucher redeemable for a free pour at the bar. I’m always a sucker for souvenir glassware!

2. Coachella’s Sunday livestream

It is the final day of Coachella, and while seeing their weather may be infuriating, the California music festival partnered with T-Mobile and is streaming dozens of acts for free on YouTube. Who needs to toss out thousands of dollars on tickets, flights, and food when you can couch surf from the comfort (and warmth) of your own home?

Head to Coachella’s website to check the set times of your favorite artists and maybe hear something new! You can even save a custom setlist and receive notifications when an artist is on. Videos on the site stream directly from YouTube. I can’t wait for Unknown Mortal Orchestra, CHVRCHES, and Kaytranada (if I can keep my eyes open).

3. Brewer’s watch party at Mo’s

Believe it or not, baseball is still being played today. But luckily for the Brewers, they get to enjoy 74 degrees and sunshine. First pitch at Dodger’s Stadium is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. with Jhoulys Chacín taking the mound against Ross Stripling.

For those still looking to leave the house today, Mo’s Irish Pub in Wauwatosa will be hosting a watch party starting at 2 p.m. with Brewers giveaways and $4.14 specials.

4. Lakefront Brewery’s Keg Stand Up

They say laughter is the best medicine, and if that’s true Lakefront Brewery might be on to something. Shrug off those blizzard blues with a fully-tapped keg of laughter at their Keg Stand Up event. Some of the top comics in the region are set to perform from 7 – 8:30 p.m.

5. The Exclusive Company’s Record Store Weekend

The Farwell Ave. staple decided to extend its Record Store Day deals for a second day. If you didn’t get a chance to browse their selection or wanted to avoid the bustle yesterday, you still have a chance!

You’ll never know what you can find, even on one of the busiest days of the year, but there is one thing to count on: deals. You can save 10, 15, and even 30 percent on select vinyl, CDs and DVDs. What’s better than finding an LP that’s been evading you AND paying a cheaper price? Hurry home then, as you should get comfy and nestle in for the day while your deck does all the work.

6. Bucks playoff opener

While Fiserv did pull through with the 40-foot screen to play the playoff games on, today isn’t the best day to bring your lawn chair. But don’t let that discourage you! Dare I say it – Deer District – will still be buzzing and you can catch the game at any of the new bars on the block. Wherever you choose to watch, be sure to show your pride as the Bucks enter a very promising postseason.

7. A cozy night with a Hot Buttered Brandy

Who says this snow has to ruin your Sunday Funday? Even if your car is crusted in slush, it’s too cold to go out to the bars, and you just want to have a cozy day watching movies or reading a book, there is one drink sure to lift your spirits.

Put a Wisconsin twist on the delicious and warm hot buttered rum by substituting the rum with brandy. The brandy adds a smooth, extra layer of vanilla to the creamy beverage. Tom & Jerry mix can be found at Trader Joe’s and Trader Vick’s, but you can also find a variety of recipes online to make the batter from scratch!

8. Game of Thrones season premiere

Talk. About. Timing. Regardless of how closely you follow the series, you’ve heard the line “Winter is coming” an absurd amount of times. Well Mother Nature gave us the sure sign that winter has indeed arrived. The final season of Game of Thrones airs tonight at 8 p.m. and again at 11 p.m. on HBO. Who do you think will take control of Westeros? Let us know in the comments below!