It’s sad, but it’s true: another summer has come to an end. Though we’ve now officially entered autumn, it’s not all bad news. For example, Milwaukee and its surrounding suburbs are still hosting a ton of festivals this fall. While those events are already sure to make this autumn an enjoyable one, there are also a bunch of musicians, comedians, and other entertainers coming to traditional venues this fall. And that’s not even counting recurring Milwaukee Record events like our Halftime Show series, Avalon film screenings, and Midweek Music concerts. There’s a wealth of great shows coming to the greater Milwaukee area in the next three months. Here are 26 standouts from the bunch.
Wednesday, September 23
An Evening Of Songs And Stories With Legendary Artist Patti Smith @ Riverside Theater
It’s been a minute since legendary musician/poet/author/icon Patti Smith graced Milwaukee with her legendary presence. (Like, since 2017?) That’ll change on September 23, when Smith will come to Riverside Theater for “an evening of songs and stories.” The appearance is in support of Smith’s latest memoir, Bread Of Angels. Each ticket includes a paperback copy of Bread Of Angels. Co-presenter Boswell Book Company notes “There will not be a book signing, meet-and-greet, or audience Q&A at this event.”
Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25
They Might Be Giants @ Pabst Theater
How does the old saying go? “No one in the world ever gets what they want, and that is beautiful”? Yeah, that’s it. Who said that again? Oh yeah, it was They Might Be Giants! And why are we bringing up the ever-delightful, fantastic-as-always alt/geek-rock duo of John Flansburgh and John Linnell? Because they’re coming to Pabst Theater for a two-night engagement, Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25. Turns out you can get what you want, and that, too, is beautiful!
Friday, September 25
Russian Circles + Pelican @ The Argo
This isn’t the sort of “rock in the suburbs” Ben Folds was referring to. The punishing one-two punch of metal stalwarts Russian Circles and Pelican coming to The Argo in Whitefish Bay on September 25 promises to be a heavy, intense, and altogether awesome time.
Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26
Dulcé Sloan @ The Laughing Tap (four shows!)
When you have a chance to see rising stand up star and The Daily Show correspondent Dulcé Sloan in an intimate East Town comedy club, you take it. On Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, just a few months removed from her PrideFest appearance, you’ll actually have FOUR opportunities to see Sloan at The Laughing Tap.
Friday, October 2
Kyle Gordon @ Falcon Hall
On Friday, October 2 (the very same day his new album, Kyle Gordon Is Everywhere, comes out), Kyle Gordon will take the stage at Falcon Hall to treat fans of music, comedy, and musical comedy to what’s sure to be an unforgettable performance. Will Barry Bergen make an appearance? Only time will tell. But yeah, he probably will.
Monday, October 5
The Roast Of Milwaukee @ The Cooperage
Milwaukee Record’s long-running Roast Of Milwaukee event is back! Like previous years, the event—which is done in association with the Milwaukee Comedy Festival—will feature a stacked cast of local comedians gently (or, in some cases, viciously) making fun of our fair city. Joining the homegrown humorists is host sports radio personality/comedian Ramie Makhlouf, as well as a handful of surprises. And the laughs won’t just be at the expense of Milwaukee. A portion of the show’s proceeds will be donated to Milwaukee Women’s Center.
Tuesday, October 6
Beck @ Landmark Credit Union Live
ALERT! ALERT! New-ish Milwaukee venue Landmark Credit Union Live is hosting a show that folks who say they’ll never go to Landmark Credit Union Live due to its ties to Live Nation and Ticketmaster may actually want to go to! It’s Beck. Yes, Beck is scheduled to bring his Ride Lonesome Tour to Landmark Credit Union Live Tuesday, October 6. It will be Beck’s first Milwaukee show in nine years. (Ha, we totally forgot we were at the last Riverside Theater show.)
Wednesday, October 7
Weezer + The Shins, Silversun Pickups @ Fiserv Forum
Weezer will be coming to Fiserv Forum on Wednesday, October 7! It will be the legendary alternative rock band’s first show in Milwaukee in more than five years, and their first show at the arena ever. This concert is part of an utterly stacked tour called “The Gathering” that also features opening support from The Shins and Silversun Pickups. We’ll see you there!
Wednesday, October 7
Rhett Miller + Louie Luchchesi & Mike Benign @ Shank Hall
Americana legend Rhett Miller has been a member of Old 97’s for close to 35 years and, along the way, he’s released nine solo albums. Miller’s latest album, A Lifetime Of Riding At Night, came out last year (and few months before the 97’s played Summerfest this year). On October 7, the well-traveled troubadour will come back to Milwaukee to play songs off that record, cuts from his numerous other solo releases, Old 97’s material, and more at Shank Hall.
Thursday, October 8
Robby Hoffman @ Turner Hall
If you somehow aren’t aware of Robby Hoffman yet, get ready to be hearing and seeing a lot of her. On top of being an award-winning comedy writer and a busy TV actor (who you might’ve seen on Hacks, Rooster, and Dying For Sex), Hoffman is an outstanding stand up comedian on the verge of breaking out. Less than a year removed for the release of her John Mulaney-directed Netflix special entitled WAKE UP, Hoffman will swing by Turner Hall. Go for the laughs, as well as the probable “I saw her at Turner Hall” bragging rights when she’s playing a far bigger room the next time she’s in town.
Saturday, October 10
Anthony Jeselnik @ Riverside Theater
Respected roaster, master of dark humor, and The Jeselnik Offensive namesake Anthony Jeselnik has released a total of five comedy specials over the course of his nearly quarter-century comedy career. The most recent among them, Bones And All, was filmed at Pabst Theater in April 2024 and released on Netflix later that same year. He’ll return to Milwaukee as part of his “Wrath Of Man” tour.
Saturday, October 10
Rise Against + Alkaline Trio, Teen Mortgage @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Hell yeah! On Saturday, October 10, Rise Against and Alkaline Trio—a pair of veteran Chicago-born alternative rock acts with punk sensibilities—will join forces to each play their decades worth of beloved material at The Rave. As if you need another reason to go, great D.C. punk duo Teen Mortgage will open.
Sunday, October 11
Harrison Gordon + Liquid Mike, and Excuse Me, Who Are You? @ X-Ray Arcade
Illinois emo-tinged punk project Harrison Gordon—who just release a new album with a song called “Milwaukee Josh” on it—will once again take the stage at the familiar confines of X-Ray Arcade. They’ll be joined by excellent U.P. indie outfit Liquid Mike and Madison’s own Excuse Me, Who Are You? For a can’t-miss Sunday night soiree in the heart of Cudahy.
Monday, October 12
Armand Hammer + Quelle Chris @ X-Ray Arcade
When New York-based rappers Elucid and Billy Woods join forces, they become Armand Hammer. A few years removed from performing at Cactus Club, the acclaimed, influential, experimental, and incomparable hip-hip duo will return to the region to head up a Monday, October 12 show at X-Ray Arcade, Quelle Chris opens.
Friday, October 16
Ben Schwartz & Friends @ Riverside Theater
Ben Schwartz—an accomplished actor, improvisor, and the voice of a certain speedy blue hedgehog—will come to Milwaukee with some of his improv-inclined pals for what’s sure to be a side-splitting night of improv during the “Ben Schwartz & Friends” show.
Saturday, October 17
“Weird Al” Yankovic + Puddles Pity Party @ Fiserv Forum
It’s been more than three years since Alfred Matthew “Weird Al” Yankovic graced a Milwaukee stage and delighted fans with his beloved parody (and original!) songs about food, the internet, Star Wars, and the benefits of sticking your head in the microwave and getting yourself a tan. But all that will change on Saturday, October 17 when Weird Al brings his “Bigger & Weirder” tour to Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum. And yes, we’re bringing back our beloved Weird Al Week to coincide with the Weird Al show! YES YES IT’S ALL TRUE WE JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT’S WRONG WITH US!
Saturday, October 17
Inside A Dream: The Music Of David Lynch @ The Argo
Following a few prior impressive re-imaginings of music from films by the late, great David Lynch, the “Inside A Dream” showcase will take the stage at The Argo. Expect renditions of compositions Lynch fans will surely recognize from works like Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and more.
Wednesday, October 21
Sylvan Esso @ Riverside Theater
What can we say about Sylvan Esso at this point? The electropop duo met in Milwaukee (where member Nick Sanborn lived for many years). They’re awesome. They’re a few weeks removed from an absolutely enjoyable headlining DJ set a WMSE’s Backyard BBQ. They just put out an outstanding new album. They’re performing at Riverside Theater on Wednesday, October 21 in support of that outstanding new album. Does that about cover it?
Thursday, November 5
Orville Peck @ Landmark Credit Union Live
Just over a month after the release of his latest, acclaimed fourth album Mule, masked country crooner Orville Peck—face-obstructing wardrobe an all—will take the stage at Landmark Credit Union Live as part of his ongoing “Man Turned Mule” tour. Yeehaw!
Tuesday, November 10
Jack White @ Landmark Credit Union Live
Yes, Jack White is scheduled to play Landmark Credit Union Live on Tuesday, November 10. And yes, this will be a phone-free show, which means you have to lock your phone in a pouch or whatever. “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS & IS IT MANDATORY?” asks an FAQ. “We believe this creates a better experience for everyone,” answers the FAQ. The Landmark Credit Union Live show will be almost exactly two years from the last time White played Milwaukee…at The Rave, The Vanguard, and Cactus Club. Love you, Jack! And thanks again for kicking in some serious cash for Cactus’ new ramp!
Thursday, November 12
Michelle Branch @ Pabst Theater
Want to feel old? It’s been 25 whole-ass years since then-17-year-old Michelle Branch released her debut album, The Spirit Room, which included hits like “Everywhere” and “All You Wanted.” To mark the double-Platinum record’s quarter-century anniversary, Branch is hitting the road and taking stages across the country for her “Everywhere And Back Again” tour. Thankfully, Milwaukee’s historic Pabst Theater is one of the stops on said tour.
Saturday, November 14
Mustard Plug + Devon Kay & The Solutions, Meskales @ X-Ray Arcade
Skank your way down to Cudahy to see 35-year ska staples Mustard Plug headline a Saturday night show that also features support from Devon Kay & The Solutions and Meskales.
Thursday, November 19
Squirrel Flower + Sour Widows @ Cactus Club
All aboard the Squirrel Flower express! Ella Williams is getting the whole band together and hitting the road this fall. You can see the Chicago-sired indie project in the cozy confines of Bay View’s Cactus Club on Thursday, November 19. Sour Widows will open.
Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21
Sean Patton @ The Laughing Tap (three shows!)
Comedian Sean Patton has performed on network television talk shows, been a frequent fixture on Comedy Central stand-up showcases (including his own half-hour), released a few outstanding comedy albums, and has likely been a memorable guest on some of your favorite podcasts. He’s also an actor who had a recurring role on English Teacher and the final season of Hacks. Now a certified Milwaukee regular thanks to the fine folks at Milwaukee Comedy booking him in recent years, he’ll come to the Milwaukee Comedy-owned and -operated Laughing Tap for three shows.
Wednesday, November 25
Friendsgiving with Chicken Wire Empire, Valley Fox, and more @ The Cooperage
While Chicken Wire Empire plays festivals all over the Midwest and is known to embark on the occasional European tour, the Milwaukee-based bluegrass stalwarts tend to only play sparingly in their hometown. The scarcity of those local outings only serves to make them more special and less skip-able, so you definitely don’t want to miss Chicken Wire Empire’s annual “Friendsgiving” show at The Cooperage the night before Thanksgiving. This relatively rare local performance will also feature Valley Fox and other area bluegrass-adjacent talent TBA.
Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29
Pete Lee @ Milwaukee Improv (five shows!)
After growing up in Janesville, Wisconsin, Pete Lee has gone on to perform on Letterman, guest on The Tonight Show (almost a dozen times at the moment!), and rack up a wide variety of credits that include notable TV shows like Last Comic Standing, As The World Turns, Best Week Ever, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, and much more. He’s released comedy albums, put out a Comedy Central half-hour special, and has performed more than 500 shows at colleges around the country. Lee will return to the region November 27-29 for a total of five Thanksgiving weekend shows at Milwaukee Improv.