It’s been a rough year, Milwaukee. Still, between the endless onslaught of awfulness in an ever-worsening world, at least a few decent things occurred in 2024. Come Tuesday night, much of the city will hit the town to say goodbye to an unforgettable last 366 days (it was a leap year!) and welcome a new year that, sadly, will almost certainly be far worse than its predecessor.
In effort to help those of you who haven’t yet cemented your New Year’s Eve plans and to aid those of who plan to bounce around and partake in a few of the festivities taking place around town, we’ve combed show listings to assemble this handy New Year’s Eve entertainment guide. Be safe out there, Milwaukee. Take the bus—it’s free! Happy New Year!
New Year’s Eve Comedy Extravaganza @ The Laughing Tap
End 2024 laughing with some of the region’s finest comedians during the “New Year’s Eve Comedy Extravaganza” at The Laughing Tap. Both shows (7:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.) feature Chastity Washington, AJ Grill, Rachel Mac, and Darrell Cochran. There’s also a countdown—yes, even for the early show—and champagne toast. Both shows also have VIP packages available.
John Heffron @ Milwaukee Improv
Also in year-ending comedy events, Detroit native and veteran comedian John Heffron returns to the Midwest for a pair of New Year’s Eve shows at Milwaukee Improv in nearby Brookfield.
New Year’s Eve Comedy Shows @ ComedySportz
Dick Chudnow berthed the flagship ComedySportz location in 1984. Since then, the Milwaukee sketch and improv hub has become a full-blown franchise, now boasting 25 locations in two countries and a list of now-famous players that’s too long and impressive to even attempt writing here. Say goodbye to another year at CSz with two family friendly shows (8 p.m. “early bird” and a 10:30 match), all you can drink soda and champagne, and free pre-show appetizers. “Yes-and” your way into 2025.
Le Freak New Year’s Eve @ The Cooperage
The Le Freak crew is back at The Cooperage for another New Year’s Eve party. From 8 p.m. until 2 a.m., DJs Slim Brit and Lolo will provide the jams. Meanwhile, Shakylegs and Video Villains will handle visuals, Ian’s Pizza will be dishing up free slices, and of course, Cooperage will have a full bar and a champagne toast at midnight.
NYE Bash: ’90s & 2K Party With DJ Don Black @ Mad Planet
Mad Planet is already among the best places in Milwaukee to work up a sweat on the dance floor, but New Year’s Eve brings the Riverwest club to another level. Don Black will serve up a nightlong set of ’90s and early 2000s offerings from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. The cover also includes complementary pizza and a champagne toast.
Transport: Enterprise New Year’s Eve Party @ Cactus Club
Cactus Club will also be getting in on the New Year’s dance party fun with a night (and morning) full of DJ-sourced entertainment that runs from 7 p.m until (at least) 4:30 a.m. Over the course of the “Transport: Enterprise New Year’s Eve Party” event, 21+ attendees can enjoy tunes played by the likes of Lou’s Moms, Ambulante y Clandestino, Anastasis, Language Models, and DJ Avalon.
New Years Eve 2025 UV Glow Party @ X-Ray Arcade
Goth Barge and Subspace are bringing a UV Glow Party to X-Ray Arcade to help ring in 2025. DJ Cat Goat, DJ Narc, and DJ Paul H will bring a “BlackLightGlowParty” to Cudahy. The “dynamic mix of darkwave, goth, synth, and your fav dance hits” has a $10 cover. The 18+ event starts at 9 p.m. and runs until 1 a.m.
Stellar Spark New Year’s Eve @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Stellar Spark returns to The Rave for another New Year’s Eve affair. The 22nd annual event will be headed up by Adventure Club, who will be joined by the likes of Bear Grillz, Nate Derus, Radiant B2B TIMBURR, KONKON, MI$$ MOLLY, and more.
Harlem Globetrotters @ Fiserv Forum
The Harlem Globetrotters have been a New Year’s Eve tradition in Milwaukee for years and years. That tradition will continue this year at the Fiserv Forum with games at noon and 5 p.m. Will this be the Washington Generals’ year?
Milwaukee Wave vs. Dallas Sidekicks @ UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
In other sports-related New Year’s news, the Milwaukee Wave will kick off the holiday with a 3:05 p.m. home game against the Dallas Sidekicks. If you want to make good on this year’s resolution to watch more indoor soccer, or if you’re in search of some family-oriented fun in the afternoon, the Milwaukee Wave have you covered.
Victor’s On Van Buren
Okay, so this isn’t exactly entertainment-related, but after 60 years in business, Victor’s is closing. Before they shut down for good on January 1, this Milwaukee nightlife institution will be open for 24 hours (beginning at 4 p.m. on December 31). Get more details on offerings, packages, and promotions here and here.