**1. **[Test Out a New Sheapshead App](http://noschnitz.com/)
[Test Out a New Sheapshead App](http://noschnitz.com/)
CHRIS DROSNER, MANAGING EDITOR
There’s not usually a lot of exciting developments in the world of sheepshead, the classic card game invented in Germany but played mostly in Wisconsin. But last weekend Milwaukee native and user experience developer Jacob Dixon sent a few friends – myself among them – a sheepshead app he’s been working on. While other sites (like get61.com) allow you to play against other humans, noschnitz.com pits you against four other AI players whose skills and ability mostly match a solid-to-good player you’d find at your home table. It’s in beta stage – he’s still tweaking it and adding improvements and options – but I spent a few hours playing this weekend and really enjoyed it. Dixon is hoping it can become a teaching tool to bring new players into the game. Feedback and glitches can be reported to Dixcon at jacob.dixon@gmail.com.
**2. **[Have a Drink at Wisconsin IPA Fest](https://thirdspacebrewing.ticketspice.com/wisconsin-ipa-fest-2026-third-space-brewing)
[Have a Drink at Wisconsin IPA Fest](https://thirdspacebrewing.ticketspice.com/wisconsin-ipa-fest-2026-third-space-brewing)
It’s been 10 years since Third Space Brewing’s celebration of Wisconsin’s hoppy beers began, and I don’t think it’s ever been better. State brewers’ IPA-craft has continued to improve every year, so the wares are worthy, including offerings from several brewers not in regular rotation around Milwaukee. And the vibes? Third Space’s outdoor area is a great space for this perfectly sized fest, and the “people’s choice” award has some brewers – ahem, 2025 winner Vennture Brew Co. – going all out to win the people over to their beers. In an era where a lot of beer festivals are pretty tired, Wisconsin IPA Fest still shines. And the $58 ticket isn’t too shabby at all. 2-6 p.m. Saturday at Third Space Brewing, 1505 W. St. Paul Ave.
**3. **[Eat Sweet Treats at Matilda’s Bakehouse](https://www.matildabakehouse.com/)
[Eat Sweet Treats at Matilda’s Bakehouse](https://www.matildabakehouse.com/)
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
In the face of an acute and extreme craving for sweet baked goods, I can’t be responsible for my actions. If those actions are somewhere in the vicinity of Fox Point, I know where I’m going – Matilda Bakehouse (6874 N. Santa Monica Blvd.). The L-shaped bakery case is filled so that layer cakes and elegant pastries are on the side that faces the entrance – in it, I spied carrot cake, pot de crème, a fruit-filled slab pie, opera torte and a chocolate-chocolate dessert with a squiggle of cream on top that made it look like a Hostess cupcake. The other side of the case skews a little more casual, with its various viennoiseries (croissants, kouign-amann), scones, muffins and cookies. One of my purchases was a not-too-sweet blueberry almond tart. But why didn’t I add a big-bottom bar to my order? Regrets! I’ll be back.
4. Party on the Beach at ArtBlaze
Party on the Beach at ArtBlaze
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
Honestly, you had me at “beach party.” And I’d stand around an empty parking lot scorching in the sun to see some giant inflatable blobs. Both of those things in one event? What a treat. This is the third year for ArtBlaze, an event series from Joy Engine that combines interactive art and Milwaukee’s festival culture and brings the result to our sandy shores. Those aforementioned blobs, created by FuzzPop Workshop and engineering students from UW-Milwaukee, are the star of the show. (You can read more about their creation here.) Beyond that, there’s local music, dance performances, and activities like tie-dyeing and roasting s’mores, all with beautiful Lake Michigan as the backdrop. The first party arrives this Thursday at McKinley Beach, but don’t fret if you miss it: The second event comes to South Shore Beach on Aug. 6 and returns to McKinley on Aug. 20.
5. *Watch *** Cure
Watch
CureARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Last year, I made one of my best purchases in recent memory – extra-strength fungal remover. Life-changing! Also, I subscribed to the Criterion Collection, which streams classic and arthouse films, and man, I love it. Besides being home to many great movies I already like, it’s also always introducing me to new cinema, such as this weekend when I watched Cure, a 1997 Japanese horror-mystery by director Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The influential flick draws you into a hypnotic spell, telling the story of a harried police officer investigating a series of bizarre murders that seem totally disconnected save for an X mark left on each victim. This movie has some breath-taking (and skin-crawling) images, and the last scene has not left my mind since.
6. Watch Ten Bands for $10
Watch Ten Bands for $10
JONATHAN JOSEPH, DIGITAL EDITOR
Concert tickets these days typically start in the hundreds especially when it’s a big festival. Not to mention the added costs of transportation, food and drinks – can make the experience a big hit to the wallet. However, X-Ray Arcade offers a much cheaper alternative for those interested in a long day of music. Burn Bright MKE’s Ten for $10, is exactly that – ten bands for ten bucks. The lineup consists of a good mix of local bands both heavy and light. Some local vendors will also be at the show providing a smorgasbord of goodies and activities to enjoy. The show will take place entirely at the Arcade which has a full service bar with pub grub. Listen to some music, check out their fully decked out arcade wall and have a drink (or two). Doors are at 1 p.m. with the show starting at 2 p.m., tickets are cash only and can only be bought at the door.