Milwaukee is chock full of things to do this New Year’s Eve, but only a handful of events are worthy of the lofty honor of “Record Recommended” (patent pending). Here are our recommendations—brought to you by Lilliput Records—for the final day/night of 2023.
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades + Armchair Boogie, Dead Horses @ Pabst Theater
Exactly a year after playing Turner Hall, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades and Armchair Boogie will be joined by Dead Horses for a December 31 show at nearby Pabst Theater. What a way to end 2023!
New Yams Eve with DJ Bizzon @ Company Brewing
Prolific Milwaukee musical mainstay DJ Bizzon will help bring the year to an end (and start another) in grand fashion with six hours of music that will span the decades during Company Brewing’s “New Yams Eve.” Company will also have beer and cocktail specials, late night food service, a taco truck on the heated patio, 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 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Will this be the Washington Generals’ year?
‘Back To The Future’ with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra @ Bradley Symphony Center
Great Scott! Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will provide musical accompaniment during a Bradley Symphony Center screening of Back To The Future. Tickets to this 2:30 p.m. event are running low, so act fast or this opportunity will fade away.
The Rock And Roll Playhouse @ Turner Hall
Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” with this kid-friendly dance party that focuses on Grateful Dead tunes and other classic rock favorites when The Rock And Roll Playhouse comes to Turner Hall on Sunday afternoon.
Nate Craig @ The Laughing Tap
While he’s now based in Los Angeles, Wisconsin-born comedian/actor Nate Craig returns to his home state with some regularity. After opening for Bill Burr at Fiserv Forum in October and headlining a Turner Hall show in November, Craig will come back to Milwaukee for his annual year-end residency at The Laughing Tap. He’ll perform a total of five shows from December 29-31, including a pair of New Year’s Eve sets.
Greg Fitzsimmons @ Milwaukee Improv
Speaking of accomplished comedians, veteran comic Greg Fitzsimmons will bring his decades of on-stage experience to the Milwaukee Improv in nearby Brookfield for a pair of New Year’s Eve performances.
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 locations in three 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 shows (8 p.m. “early bird” and a 10:30 match), all you can drink soda and champagne, free pre-show appetizers, and a bag of party favors for just $50. “Yes-and” your way into 2024.
New Year’s Eve Bash @ 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. Experience a DJ Don Black-curated blend of hits from the ’90s and this no-longer-so-young century from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m. The $20 cover includes a free champagne toast at midnight and late night pizza.
NYE 24: Black Light Dance Party @ X-Ray Arcade
Subspace and Goth Barge have joined forces on a black light-heavy dance party. “NYE 24” is a UV glow dance party. The 18+ event will start at 9 p.m. and feature an illuminating and invigorating blend of darkwave, goth, industrial, new wave, and all the latest dance bangers.
Stellar Spark New Year’s Eve @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Stellar Spark returns to The Rave for another New Year’s Eve affair. The 21st annual event will be headed up by Flux Pavilion, who will be joined by the likes of So Down, OddKidOut, Nate Derus, Athenis, Radiant, Konkon, DJ Fatal, and TRVSHED.
The Gold Reggaeton NYE 2024 Party @ The Rave/Eagles Club
As Stellar Spark is raging elsewhere in The Rave complex, DJ Don B and DJ Jo-Z will be serving up a steady diet of reggaeton at The Gold Reggaeton NYE 2024 Party.
Irish Toast NYE @ Great Lakes Distillery
Ring in the new year six hours early at Great Lakes Distillery, which will host an Irish Toast NYE when the clock strikes midnight in Ireland. That’s 6 p.m. Milwaukee time!
TiTs Tiki Weekend 24 @ This Is It
This Is It will be celebrating TiTs Tiki Weekend 24 all weekend long, but they’re saving the best entertainment for New Year’s Eve. Between 10 p.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning, TiTs will have a DJ and pop-up drag performances throughout the night.
Slayground NYE Slumber Party @ Cactus Club
Don your best “sleepy time look” and head to Cactus Club’s Slayground NYE Slumber Party, which will offer a steady diet of DJs playing music from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Cover also includes breakfast, which will be served at 5 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Don’t sleep on this event.