Three nights of music for a cause, songs of the season, a holiday play and special shopping are all in the works for this weekend. Come along with Real Racine this holiday season.
Big nights of music. Organizers of Blank-Fest XI have three nights of music planned at McAuliffe’s Pub, 3700 Meachem Road. This popular annual benefit collects blankets, toiletries, hot chocolate, sock, gloves, etc. for donation to area homeless shelters. A third night (Sunday) has been added this year. The music starts at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is a new or gently used blanket or other items or $10 cash. To learn more or to volunteer to help with the event, call 262-554-9695.
Holiday tunes. The Racine Symphony Orchestra (RSO) Holiday Pops Concert will fill Festival Hall, 5 Fifth St., with fabulous music on Friday. RSO is joined by high school choirs from Park, Union Grove, Burlington and The Prairie School. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; the concert starts at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $25. But don’t delay because this concert sells out! Call 262-636-9285 or visit www.racinesymphony.org
Sounds of the islands. The soothing sounds of the islands is promised at the first-ever Holiday Steel Drum Concert. It starts at 7 p.m. Friday at Fountain Hall, 8505 Durand Ave., Sturtevant. The concert features the Steel Doves and guests Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and the Christmas Pan Angel. Admission is $10 for adults. Children ages 12 and younger get in free. You must your tickets in advance. They’re available at Malicki’s Piggly Wiggly, 5201 Washington Ave., Mount Pleasant; Racine Community Acupuncture, 10502 Northwestern Ave., Franksville, and Sew ‘n Save, 3701 Durand Ave., Racine.
Special art. You’re invited to see entries in the Racine Art Museum’s Art of AdORNAMENTS competition starting Friday at RAM, 441 Main St. Artists of all ages have submitted creative ornaments that will be on display through Dec. 30. While you’re there, check out another tradition – the beautiful RAM Holiday Tree. RAM is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 12 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Visit www.ramart.org
Shopping fun. A fun day of shopping is ahead at the Downtown Racine Open House this Saturday. Participating stores will have specials and holiday treats from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you need your gifts wrapped, visit the Volunteer Center of Racine’s holiday wrapping station at 427 Main St., until 4 p.m. Get caught up on more downtown doings at the Downtown Racine Corp. website: www.racinedowntown.com
A classic story. A holiday film favorite, “Miracle on 34th Street,” is performed by actors this weekend. The heartwarming story of a department store Santa will be presented by the Racine Theater Alumni at Park High School’s John Burns Theater, 1901 12th St. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets at the door are $10 adults; $8 students.
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