Doesn’t it seem like summer just started? Believe it or not, there are just 50 days remaining in summer. Since the season is dwindling and there’s a lot of fun that must be had before we blink and we’re hunkering down for winter again, we’ve put together a handy daily guide of 50 things to do in (or around) Milwaukee over the course of these next 50 days. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 4
Third Space: Long Mama @ Third Space Brewing
Friday, August 5
Doughboys Podcast @ Turner Hall
A few years after enshrining Culver’s in the Platinum Plate Club during a Turner Hall live show, Doughboys will return to Milwaukee with special Marisa Pinson to evaluate another regional chain. This time around finds the ‘Boys reviewing Kopp’s Frozen Custard. Wow.
Saturday, August 6
Black Arts Fest MKE @ Henry Maier Festival Park
Sunday, August 7
Puerto Rican Family Festival @ Jackson Park
Wisconsin’s only Puerto Rican festival returns for its ninth year. In addition to the usual mix of music, food, and arts and crafts, expect a salsa and merengue dance contest, a domino contest, and a baseball contest. In addition to being free and open to the public, the family-friendly event is alcohol-free.
Monday, August 8
Wisconsin State Fair @ Wisconsin State Fair Park
One doesn’t hit up the Wisconsin State Fair to eat organic small plate cuisine and witness evocative performance art. People go to the fair to eat cream puffs and weird stuff on a stick, watch pig races and dog diving demos, compete in livestock competitions, and catch performances from acts like Nelly, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tesla, and Charlie Berens. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s back. WE CAN’T WAIT.
Tuesday, August 9
Chill On The Hill: Loud Library + Blind Fiction @ Humboldt Park
Wednesday, August 10
Tosa Tonight: Andrew Leahey & The Homestead + Nick Anderson & The Skinny Lovers
The Tosa Tonight music series continues with Andrew Leahey & The Homestead with guests Nick Anderson & The Skinny Lovers on August 10.
Thursday, August 11
Third Space Presents: Duckling + Brat Sounds, Heet Deth @ Third Space Brewing
Friday, August 12
ZOPA + Paul Jacobs @ Cactus Club
If you live in or around Milwaukee and you’re one of the millions of people who watched The Sopranos at some point in the past two years, we have some very exciting news to share. Michael Imperioli—the actor, writer, and director who is best known for playing Christopher Moltisanti on the beloved HBO series—is in a garage rock band called ZOPA that’s playing in Milwaukee on August 12.
Saturday, August 13
Sustainable Saturdays @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“Each Sustainable Saturdays market in this series will feature four vendors, a local food vendor, and a community organization. Vendors will highlight sustainability by selling secondhand, vintage, sustainably made, grown, or upcycled goods. Each featured community organization will provide an interactive educational component focused on sustainability.”
Sunday, August 14
Bobcat Goldthwait (two shows!) @ The Laughing Tap
Bobcat Goldthwait is coming to The Laughing Tap! Yes, the legendary comedian, actor, director, and documentarian will return to the cozy Walker’s Point comedy club August 14 for a pair of stand-up shows. If you want to see Bobcat perform in an intimate Milwaukee venue, we highly recommend you act soon because tickets are going to move fast.
Monday, August 15
Delicious Monsters + Speed Babes, Ope @ X-Ray Arcade
Tuesday, August 16
Jack White + Ezra Furman @ UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
Jack White rules. We haven’t seen Jack White since 2014, so we’re excited to see Jack White again—during his so-called “Supply Chain Issues Tour”—on Tuesday, August 16 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. YES.
Wednesday, August 17
Traveling Beer Garden @ Juneau Park
Thursday, August 18
Kendrick Lamar + Baby Keem, Tanna Leone @ Fiserv Forum
Why mince words? Kendrick Lamar is one of the best rappers and producers out there right now (and maybe ever?). A few months after the release of his long-awaited and widely-celebrated return album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, the world-renowned performer will take the stage at Fiserv Forum. Baby Keem (Lamar’s cousin) and Tanna Leone will also perform.
Friday, August 19
GGOOLLDD + A Giant Dog, Tigera @ The Cooperage
It’s always a treat when GGOOLLDD plays a show in Milwaukee. And it’s even better when the electronic pop outfit’s rare hometown outing features bands like the Austin rockers A Giant Dog and local up-and-comers Tigera. Don’t miss what’s sure to be an incredible time at The Cooperage.
Saturday, August 20
Milwaukee Irish Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park
Sunday, August 21
Milwaukee Makers Market @ Discovery World
Now entering its sixth season, Milwaukee Makers Market will give customers an opportunity to explore a market featuring 50+ local makers and small businesses that create artwork, jewelry, clothing, kids appeal, herbal tea, soaps, candles, stickers, pastries and more. This installment will take place at Discovery World and run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, August 22
Musical Mondays: Fareed Haque Trio @ Lake Park
Tuesday, August 23
Frank Caliendo @ Milwaukee Improv
Wednesday, August 24
Joe Pera @ Pabst Theater
Hello. Joe Pera—who headlined two sold-out shows at The Back Room @ Colectivo in April—is returning to Milwaukee on Wednesday, August 24 to perform comedy at the Pabst Theater. The show will be part of the incomparable comic’s “Summer In The Midwest And Rustbelt Tour.” If you’re new to this website and somehow unfamiliar with Joe Pera, the comedian/actor was the star and namesake of Joe Pera Talks With You, a heartwarming and hilarious Adult Swim series that was filmed primarily in Milwaukee by a largely local crew. We’re big fans of his work. Sadly, since his show was not renewed, this might be your last chance to see Pera in Milwaukee for a while.
Thursday, August 25
Third Space Presents: Kid Dakota @ Third Space Brewing
Friday, August 26
Milwaukee Boat Line Concert Cruise: Radio Radio @ Milwaukee Boat Line
Saturday, August 27
WMSE’s Backyard BBQ @ Humboldt Park
WMSE’s 12th annual Backyard BBQ will set up shop at Humboldt Park on Saturday, August 27, from noon to 8 p.m. What can you expect from the Backyard BBQ? Food, fun, and music, of course! And hey! This year’s music lineup is topped by Seratones, a soulful rock band based in Shreveport, Louisiana. Also performing at this year’s installment is Guerrilla Ghost, Paper Holland, The Hungry Williams, and a super secret act that will be announced later this month.
Sunday, August 28
Mexican Fiesta @ Henry Maier Festival Park
Monday, August 29
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates @ American Family Field
Tuesday, August 30
Chill On The Hill: Vincent Van Great & Amanda Huff + Jalen Romell, Tigera @ Humboldt Park
Chill On The Hill’s 17th season will feature a total of 13 weeks worth of free, family-friendly entertainment. Like last year, Chill will expand its footprint by designating the space between the band chalet and the Vine Beer Garden for show-goers. The ever-popular concert series continues its 2022 season with a performance by Vincent Van Great (featuring Amanda Huff), Jalen Romell, and Tigera. Go find your lawn chairs, break out your comfiest blanket, and put some beverages in the cooler.
Wednesday, August 31
Milwaukee Record presents ‘Gremlins 2: The New Batch’ @ Avalon Theater
Thursday, September 1
Harley-Davidson Hometown Rally @ Harley-Davidson Museum
Friday, September 2
Snail Mail + Mama, Hotline TNT @ Turner Hall
Saturday, September 3
Shrekfest @ Humboldt Park
If you’ve been living alone in a bog and you’re unfamiliar with Shrekfest, the event was founded by an online comedy company called 3GI way back in 2014 and hosted at Warner Park on Madison’s north side since then. After a few fruitful (well, onion-full) years of off-kilter fun in the state’s capital city, the “celebration of self-love and counterculture” that’s largely based around the Shrek film franchise will now take place at Humboldt Park in Bay View on Saturday, September 3.
Sunday, September 4
Wisconsin Highland Games @ Waukesha Expo Center, Waukesha
Monday, September 5
The Fixx + Jill Sobule @ Turner Hall
Why don’t you do what we say? We say what we mean. Let one thing lead to another and see The Fixx at Turner Hall on September 5.
Tuesday, September 6
Il Divo @ Riverside Theater
Wednesday, September 7
Cactus Book Club: “Saga: Book One by Brian K. Vaughan (writer) & Fiona Staples (illustrator)” @ Cactus Club
Thursday, September 8
Third Space Presents: Old Pup @ Third Space Brewing
Friday, September 9
The Joy Formidable @ Cactus Club
Saturday, September 10
Beth Stelling @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
On the heels of her most productive year yet, accomplished writer, actor, and one of the best comedians working today Beth Stelling is hitting the road in 2022 as she embarks on “The Petty Betty Tour.” Fortunately, that run of performances will include a show right here in Milwaukee. Stelling will be performing at The Back Room @ Colectivo on Saturday, September 10.
Sunday, September 11
Green Bay Packers Regular Season Opener @ Wherever You’d Like To Watch It
We’ll be at Cactus Club to welcome another football season. More on that soon!
Monday, September 12
Patio Daze @ The Ivy House
Tuesday, September 13
Spiritualized @ Turner Hall
Wednesday, September 14
Yola + Jac Ross @ Pabst Theater
We can’t emphasize this enough: do yourself a favor and see Yola. Sadly, the multi-Grammy nominated musician was unable to perform her scheduled Summerfest set due to a positive COVID case, but this British-born singer that’s destined for even bigger and better things is paying a belated visit to Milwaukee in September (rescheduled from February), where she’ll perform cuts from her 2021 masterpiece, Stand For Myself, at Pabst Theater. Jac Ross opens.
Thursday, September 15
Third Space Presents: Emmitt James @ Third Space Brewing
Every Thursday from early June through September 15, “Third Space Presents” will bring a different musical act to the Menomonee Valley brewery’s new and improved outdoor patio. In addition to the concert (which runs from 6-8 p.m., including an intermission) and plenty of award-winning local beer on-site, Triciclo Peru will also be on hand to serve empanadas and other Peruvian goodies out of its food truck. The September 15 series finale features music from Emmitt James.
Friday, September 16
Bike-In Movie Series: ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ @ Swing Park
Saturday, September 17
Bay View Bash @ Kinnickinnic Avenue
Sunday, September 18
Tenacious D + DJ Douggpound @ BMO Harris Pavilion
The Greatest Band in the World, Tenacious D, will play Milwaukee’s BMO Harris Pavilion on Sunday, September 18. The D (Jack Black and Kyle Gass) will be preceded by DJ Douggpound (a.k.a. Doug Lussenhop). That’s fucking teamwork. And that’s it! Tenacious D rules. Here’s the “Wonderboy” video.
Monday, September 19
Marie Kohler @ Boswell Book Company
Tuesday, September 20
Lil Durk + Nardo Wick, Doodie Lo @ BMO Harris Pavilion
Wednesday, September 21
Milwaukee Night Market @ 3rd Street Market Hall
The Milwaukee Night Market has already returned to the heart of downtown Milwaukee for three nights this summer. The September 21 installment will complete the 2022 series. Produced by Westown Association, the free, outdoor event showcases a variety of vendors, performers and artists.
Thursday, September 22
Ozomatli @ Marcus Performing Arts Center