Between the gradual increase of daylight, the return of baseball, rising temps, a fever pitch of Aaron Rodgers-related idiocy, and a steady stream of festival announcements, it’s starting to feel a lot like spring in Milwaukee. Though the new season doesn’t technically start until early next week (and we’re still bracing ourselves for a more snow at some point between now and late April), we’ve already mentally said farewell to another Wisconsin winter and are now setting our sights on all things spring.
Between late March and mid-June, event calendars in Milwaukee and its surrounding suburbs will be in full bloom with concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, and much more. And that’s not even counting the abundance of spring festivals (which we’ll be covering next week!). There’s so much to look forward to in Milwaukee in the coming months, but here are 30 shows we’re especially excited about this spring.
Tuesday, March 26
Diorama-Rama @ Amorphic Beer
Here’s a fun fact: Milwaukee is home to the world’s first habitat diorama! Another fun fact: Milwaukee is home to Diorama-Rama, a cozy celebration of the crafty and adorable art form! Founded by Danelle “D” Kirschling in 2016, this year’s theme will be “What Year Is It? A Celebration Of The ’90s.” Whatever! Diorama-Rama 2024 will take place on Tuesday, March 26 at Amorphic Beer from 7 to 10 p.m. Want to get in on the action? Drop a line to [email protected].
Wednesday, March 27
Milwaukee Record presents ‘Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy’
Bark twice if you’re in Milwaukee. In celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary (oh god, we’re old!), we’re screening the infinitely quotable 2004 comedy classic Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy on Wednesday, March 27. Will Ferrell stars as the eponymous 1970s newscaster and leads an all-star ensemble that also features Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, and so many more. Whammy, that’s one hell of a cast! We’ve done studies, you know. Sixty percent of the time, Anchorman is great every time.
Thursday, March 28
John Cusack Hosting A Screening Of ‘Say Anything’ @ Riverside Theater
Is there anyone better than John Cusack? If you were weaned on ’80s movies like Sixteen Candles, Better Off Dead, and Say Anything…, the answer is “no.” If you were weaned on ’90s movies like Grosse Pointe Blank, Con Air, and Being John Malkovich, the answer is “no.” And if you were weaned on slightly more recent movies like High Fidelity and Hot Tub Time Machine, the answer is…well, you get the idea. Anyway, after postponing last December’s show, Cusack is coming to the Riverside Theater on Thursday, March 28 for a screening of the aforementioned Say Anything… and a live conversation.
Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30
Sam Jay @ Milwaukee Improv
Sam Jay, is an accomplished comics who you might also know from her work as a Saturday Night Live staff writer and an actor on TV shows like Bust Down and films like You People. A few months removed from the release of her HBO special, Sam Jay: Salute Me Or Shoot Me, Jay will drop by Milwaukee Improv in nearby Brookfield for four shows spread over a two-night span.
Charlie Berens @ Riverside Theater
Affable actor, writer, comedian, and Emmy-winning host Charlie Berens has made a name for himself throughout Wisconsin (and far beyond) with his “Manitowoc Minute” segments and other hilarious videos that are rooted in Midwest-themed humor. In addition to making content that has garnered millions of views, hosting his great CripesCast podcast, writing a Midwestern guide book, release albums full of Wisconsin-centric songs, Berens has also adapted his web-based material into a sidesplitting long-form theater show. The multi-faceted performer will treat Riverside Theater to a total of four shows March 29-30. Keep ‘Er Movin’ and buy those tickets now.
Sunday, March 31
Barely Civil (album release) + Magazine Beach, Overhand, Known Moons @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee emo outfit Barely Civil will celebrate the release of its outstanding new album, I’d Say I’m Not Fine, by headlining a loaded lineup that features DC/Philly-based Magazine Beach, local support from Overhand, and the debut live show by Known Moons (who just put out a wonderful release as well).
Thursday, April 4
Sarah Shook & The Disarmers + Carson McHone, Ladybird @ Cactus Club
Sarah Shook & The Disarmers absolutely love the Cactus Club and Milwaukee listeners are reaping all the benefits. The eternally busy band will return to their beloved Brew City haunt to head up an April 4 show that also features Carson McHone and Milwaukee’s own Ladybird.
Wednesday, April 10
Alyssa Edwards @ Milwaukee Improv
Beyond being a RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favorite, Alyssa Edwards is also downright hilarious. Don’t miss the comically-gifted queen’s performance at Milwaukee Improv in nearby Brookfield on April 10.
Saturday, April 13
Nicki Minaj + Monica @ Fiserv Forum
Worldwide sensation Nicki Minaj is coming to Fiserv Forum as part of her “Pink Friday 2 World Tour.” As if that’s not already great enough on its own, The Barbz should also show up early to catch an opening set by Monica of “The Boy Is Mine” and “For You I Will” fame.
Friday, April 19
Garden Home (album release) + Harrison Gordon, EMWAY?, The Others Like Us, Buena Cara @ Cactus Club
A week after its self-titled debut album is released on Thumbs Up Records, Garden Home will mark the milestone with a release show at Cactus Club. The Milwaukee screamo band will be joined on this bill by Harrison Gordon, Excuse Me, Who Are You?, The Others Like Us, and Buena Cara.
Slothrust + Weakened Friends @ X-Ray Arcade
Slothrust will come to Cudahy on April 19 to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their breakout sophomore album, Of Course You Do. Maine indie rockers and Bay View Bash alum Weakened Friends will play in support.
Monday, April 22
Alvvays @ Pabst Theater
Since playing The Pabst Theater way back in 2018, Canadian dream-pop band Alvvays has been a stranger to Milwaukee. That’s more than five years, folks! BUT NO MORE. As part of the group’s “US Spring Tour,” Alvvays is set to return to The Pabst Theater on Monday, April 22. YES.
Thursday, April 25 to Saturday, April 27
Michael Longfellow @ The Laughing Tap
Comedian Michael Longfellow, who you probably know from his current gig as a featured player on a little show called Saturday Night Live, will spend one of the first weekends after SNL‘s season finale in Milwaukee, where he’ll perform a total of five times at The Laughing Tap April 26-28.
Friday, April 26
Something To Do (album release) + Devon Kay & The Solutions, Jinksie, Bellends @ X-Ray Arcade
Originally scheduled to take place in January, this loaded local lineup is worth the wait. Wisconsin ska stalwarts Something To Do will celebrate the belated release of its still new-ish album, Here Comes The Panic. They’ll be joined by Chicago ska-punkers Devon Kay & The Solutions, and Milwaukee-based support from Jinksie and Bellends.
Saturday, April 27
Sum 41 + The Interrupters @ The Rave/Eagles Club
About a month before the release of their final album, Heaven :x: Hell, veteran Canadian pop-punk phenoms Sum 41 will return to The Rave for one last Milwaukee performance. That swan song will be preceded by The Interrupters.
The Sloppy Boys + Dear Blanca @ Cactus Club
What iiiiiiiiiiiiiiis up?! Party rock trio The Sloppy Boys—which features accomplished television actors/writers and former members of The Birthday Boys sketch comedy troupe in its ranks—will make their Milwaukee debut at Cactus Club on Saturday, April 27. This early show (5 p.m. start!) will also feature opening support from Dear Blanca.
Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28
Kevin Hart @ Miller High Life Theatre
Back in early February, it was announced stand-up comedy superstar Kevin Hart would be treating Miller High Life Theatre to an April 27 performance as part of his “Brand New Material” tour. Predictably, that show sold out instantly, leading to the addition of an April 28 show. Act fast of you’ll miss that one, too!
Saturday, May 4
John R. Miller @ Cactus Club
If you’re a fan of country or bluegrass music, there’s a chance you’ve seen John R. Miller perform without even realizing it. The singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has spent most of his adult life as a touring musician, both in his own bands and as the live bassist or guitarist in other projects. After years spent assisting the artistic efforts of others as a hired hand, Miller is now making a name for himself. He’ll swing through Cactus Club in belated support of last year’s album, Heat Comes Down.
Monday, May 6
The Postal Service + Death Cab For Cutie, Slow Pulp @ Miller High Life Theatre
The Postal Service’s seminal album Give Up turned 20 in 2023, as did Death Cab For Cutie’s seminal album Transatlanticism. That’s over 20 years! And this spring, The Postal Service and Death Cab For Cutie—both fronted by Ben Gibbard, of course—will celebrate those records with a show at Miller High Life Theatre on Monday, May 6. Slow Pulp is also on the bill.
Friday, May 10
Eddie Griffin @ Pabst Theater
While he’s an accomplished actor and a cultural touchstone that’s been a known figure in entertainment since the early ’90s, Eddie Griffin is a comedian first and foremost. Thankfully, Griffin—whom Comedy Central accurately declares to be one of the 100 funniest comedians of all time—is still taking the stage to do what he does best. Whether you want to mark him off your stand-up bucket list or you’re anxious to hear his new material in action, you’ll have a chance to catch Griffin when he comes to Pabst Theater.
Laura Jane Grace + Worriers, Sam Russo @ Vivarium
In addition to being the singer and founding member of Against Me!, Laura Jane Grace is also an author and an accomplished solo artist. Speaking of the whole “solo artist” thing, she’ll be coming to Milwaukee’s newly-opened Vivarium to play material of her latest album, Hole In My Head. Worriers and Sam Russo open.
Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11
Michael Ian Black @ The Laughing Tap
Beyond his lengthy career as an actor (The State, Stella, Ed, Wet Hot American Summer, and 200 other things!), author, and podcaster, Michael Ian Black is also an exceptional stand-up comic. In fact, you can see him do just that May 10-11, when the heralded humorist and gifted storyteller takes the stage at The Laughing Tap for a total of four performances in the cozy Walker’s Point club.
Sunday, May 12
R.A.P. Ferreira + Cavalier @ Cactus Club
A few months removed from releasing his excellent The First To Make Contact When We Dap, Nashville (by way of Kenosha/Milwaukee) experimental hip-hop artist R.A.P. Ferreira—who previously released music as Milo and Scallops Hotel—will return to the city he once called home for a Cactus Club stop on his “Dignity & Pride Tour.” Cavalier opens.
Friday, May 17
Neil Hamburger @ The Laughing Tap
[Various coughing noises]
Sunday, May 26
Brainiac + Exit Angles, IfIHadAHiFi @ X-Ray Arcade
Brainiac is coming to Cudahy, people! The influential, enigmatic band and the pride of Dayton, Ohio will be joined by Exit Angles and Milwaukee’s own IfIHadAHiFi on this standout Memorial Day weekend show.
Thursday, June 6 through Saturday, June 8
Dana Gould @ The Laughing Tap
Between his decades of stand-up experience, his oodles of TV appearances, and his years as a writer and producer on The Simpsons and Parks And Recreation, we think it’s safe to call Dana Gould a legend. The “comic’s comic” will bring his incomparable perspective and thousands of hours of on-stage experience to The Laughing Tap for a total of five performances spread over a three-night run.
Saturday, June 8
T-Pain’s Wiscansin Fest
For the third straight June, world-renowned singer, rapper, and producer T-Pain will be coming to The Rave/Eagles Club to headline his Wiscansin Fest. This year’s installment features accompaniment by Akon, Dillon Francis, Pink Sweat$, Soulja Boy, LaRussell, Ying Yang Twins, Yelawolf, Waka Flocka Flame, Flyana Boss, Myaap, Young Ca$h, Chayo Nash, NandoSTL, DJay Mando, and more.
Collections Of Colonies Of Bees + Immortal Girlfriend, Exit Statements @ Vivarium
Since opening in late February, Vivarium has wasted little time filling the new East Side venue with impressive bookings on both the national AND local scale. This downright wonderful trio of homegrown projects—Collections Of Colonies Of Bees, Immortal Girlfriend, and Exit Statements—taking the Vivarium stage on Saturday, June 8 is a perfect example of the latter.
Wednesday, June 12
Wilco + Cut Worms @ Riverside Theater
Wilco is coming to Milwaukee’s Riverside Theater on Wednesday, June 12. It’s going to be awesome. Cut Worms will open the show. What more needs to be said? Nothing. Go to this.
Saturday, June 15
Joe Pera: The Peras Tour @ Pabst Theater
Hello. Joe Pera—the former star and namesake of the incredible Adult Swim series, Joe Pera Talks With You—is returning to Milwaukee (where the majority of the show was filmed) on Saturday, June 15 to perform comedy at the Pabst Theater. The show will be part of the inimitable comedian’s ongoing “The Peras Tour.” Stay tuned for more Pera-related news from us in the coming weeks.