The WMSE Friday Night Freak Show, presented by MKE Film and 3 Sheeps Brewing, is a monthly series happening at the Oriental Theatre on the third Friday of every month. The night kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a live DJ set, and the film begins at 7:30 p.m. Thanks to James Kloiber for the awesome artwork!
UPCOMING FREAK SHOWS!
MARCH 20, 2026 – 8 Mile
The next WMSE Friday Night Freak Show at the Oriental Theatre is on Friday, March 20th, and we’re featuring “8 Mile”, a 2002 hip-hop biographical drama film produced and directed by Curtis Hanson, starring Eminem in his film debut, alongside Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy, Michael Shannon, Kim Basinger and Anthony Mackie.
The film, which contains autobiographical elements from Eminem’s life, follows Detroit rapper Jimmy Smith Jr., aka B-Rabbit (Eminem), and his attempt to launch a career in hip-hop. The title is derived from 8 Mile Road, the road between the predominantly black city of Detroit and the largely white suburban communities to the north that Eminem originally lived in.
The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a very special live DJ set featuring DJ Grand Master O and GetMoses of the Non Pop! Radio program, then, at 7:30 the film starts.
APRIL 10, 2026 – The Blues Brothers
We are featuring The Blues Brothers for the April 10, 2026 WMSE Friday Night Freak Show at the Oriental Theatre.
After his release from prison, Jake (John Belushi) reunites with his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) — collectively known as the “Blues Brothers.” Jake’s first task is to save the orphanage the brothers grew up in from closing, by raising $5,000 to pay back taxes. The two are convinced they can earn the money by getting their old band back together.
The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a special live DJ set featuring The Good John of the Saturday Blues Hideout program, then, at 7:30, the film starts.
Past FNFS
- Feb. 20, 2026 – “Babylon” (1980) with DJ Faux Eyes
- Jan. 16, 2026 – “Basquiat” with DJ Ascot
- Dec. 19, 2025 – “Gremlins” with Matt Schoeffler
- Nov. 21, 2025 – “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” with DJ Pat
- Oct, 17, 2025 – “Candyman” with DJ Andy
- Sept. 26, 2025 – “To Sir, With Love” with Dave Cornils
- Aug. 15, 2025 – “V for Vendetta” with DJ Jason
- July 18, 2025 – “American Graffiti” with Dietrich
- June 20, 2025 – “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
- May 16, 2025 – “Scott Pilgrim vs The World” with DJ Ian
- April 18, 2025 – “Up In Smoke” with DJ Grant
- March 21, 2025 – “Heavy Metal” with Jason Ellis
- Feb. 10, 2025 – “CB4” with DJ Tony Myers
- Jan. 10, 2025 – “Labyrinth” with DJ Squid
- Dec. 20, 2024 – “In Bruges” with DJ Ascot
- Nov. 15, 2024 – “Saturday Night Fever” with Andre Alien
- Oct. 18, 2024 – “Return of the Night of the Living Dead” with Von Munz
- Sept. 20, 2024 – “Reservoir Dogs” with Jonny Z
Get your very own Friday Night Freak Show T-shirt!
Red & black FNFS logo on a black 100% cotton t-shirt. Available sizes: Small through 3X-Large.
Special thanks to James K. for creating this badass design.
https://wmse.org/store/
HISTORY
From 1997 until 2006, and again from 2016 until early 2024, WMSE‘s Friday Night Freak Show delivered a monthly cult film screening to the Times Cinema. Beginning with Friday, September 20, 2024, the series found a new home at Milwaukee Film’s historic Oriental Theatre.
IN THE NEWS
The Birth of the Friday Night Freak Show – 1997
The Death of the Friday Night Freak Show Part I – July 2006
Resurrecting the Friday Night Freak Show – August, 2016
Resurrecting the Friday Night Freak Show Part 2 – Sept, 2024