Believe it or not, we’ve somehow already reached the last month of 2024. This year wasn’t particularly great, but at least it was noticeably better than most recent years before this (and surely better than what’s to come). Anyway, here are 13 standout concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, maker fairs, and casserole-based competitions that are happening in and around Milwaukee in December. Enjoy!
Sunday, December 1
Hover Craft @ The Pritzlaff Building
Since 2009, Hover Craft has brought skilled local artists, crafters, retailers, and others residing beneath the broad “maker” umbrella together to bring Milwaukee-made goods to area consumers during the holiday season. Today, from noon until 6 p.m., it returns to The Pritzlaff Building for another installment.
Wednesday, December 4
Shiner + Fight Dice, Overhand @ X-Ray Arcade
Kansas City rock legends Shiner are coming to Cudahy for a can’t-miss club show that also features local support by D&D-themed supergroup Fight Dice and the ever-busy Overhand.
Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7
Dana Ehrmann @ The Laughing Tap
If you’ve watched enough standup comedy in and around Milwaukee (or if you attended any of our Roast Of Milwaukee events post-pandemic), there’s a very good chance you’ve seen Dana Ehrmann perform. While earning acclaim as one of the city’s best and most unique comedic voices, Ehrmann has also opened for the likes of Joe Pera, Bobcat Goldthwait, Charlie Berens, Tim Meadows, and Jackie Kashian at clubs and theaters all over the state. On December 6 and December 7, this up-and-coming Cream City comedian will have a well-deserved opportunity to headline three shows at The Laughing Tap in Walker’s Point.
Saturday, December 7
CaraFest (Cara Corder Benefit Show) @ Promises
With mounting medical bills and other essential expenses that must be handled as she continues to recover from a senseless hit-and-run, a GoFundMe has been set up for Corder. Beyond that ongoing fundraising campaign, Promises and bands composed of Corder’s friends and co-workers are collaborating on a one-off festival to bring more money her way. On December 7, the Walker’s Point bar and venue will host “CaraFest,” which will feature performances by Power Of Dusk, Sex Scenes, Diamond Life, No Motel, World In Action, and Destros. The show begins at 8 p.m. and there’s a $10 cover that will be donated to Corder.
A Nostalgic Night With Macaulay Culkin @ Miller High Life Theatre
What could be better than watching Home Alone a few weeks before Christmas? How about watching Home Alone and then getting to witness a moderated interview and audience Q&A with the incomparable Macaulay Culkin himself! Well, you’re in luck because Mac will be in the house for an unforgettable evening that’s being called “A Nostalgic Night With Macaulay Culkin Following A Screening Of Home Alone.” Yes!
Sunday, December 8
Milwaukee Record Presents: Casserole Call @ Falcon Bowl
Join Milwaukee Record at Falcon Bowl on Sunday, December 8 for a celebration of casserole. Our second annual “Casserole Call” event will feature a wide range of area businesses serving up their own unique take on this beloved Midwest culinary favorite and vying for the title of Milwaukee’s Best Casserole, which will be decided by those in attendance. Casserole connoisseurs are invited to taste samples from the likes of A&M Local Provisions, Beans & Barley, Black Husky Brewing, Goodkind, Flour Girl & Flame, AJ Dixon of Lazy Susan, The National Cafe, Outpost Natural Foods, Riverwest Co-Op, Semolina, and Kinship Community Food Center. Best yet, a portion of proceeds brought in from Casserole Call will be donated to Kinship Community Food Center.
Thursday, December 12
The All-American Rejects + Andrew McMahon (solo), Mod Sun, Dexter And The Moonrocks
Just a few months removed from the band’s rain-soaked (but still super fun) performance at Summerfest, The All-American Rejects will bring their collection of timeless hits indoors to The Rave, where they’ll headline a night of FM 102/1’s The Big Snow Show. Andrew McMahon, Mod Sun, and Dexter And The Moonrocks will precede the Rejects.
Saturday, December 14
Brooks Wheelan @ Vivarium
Fresh off the release of his hilarious new special, Alive In Alaska, Brooks Wheelan—a former SNL cast member, tireless comedian, and frequent opener for John Oliver and Seth Meyers—will return to his native Midwest to make his Vivarium debut. Milwaukee’s own J Tyler Menz will also perform.
Monday, December 16
Found Footage Fest: 20th Anniversary Show @ Vivarium
For 20 years, Wisconsin natives Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher have been bravely scouring America’s cut-out bins, Goodwills, and dumpsters in order to find some of the most bizarre and delightful VHS oddities. Their Found Footage Festival collects their finds in a riotous live show that is a must-see for fans of stilted industrial tapes, retro workplace training tapes, and ill-conceived workout tapes. It’s like YouTube, but better. The Found Footage guys will return to Milwaukee on Monday, December 16 to bring their Found Footage Fest: 20th Anniversary Show to Vivarium.
Wednesday, December 18
Milwaukee Record Presents ‘Dumb And Dumber’ @ Avalon Theater
In honor of the movie’s 30th anniversary, Milwaukee Record is hosting an extra special screening of Dumb And Dumber at Avalon Theater on Wednesday, December 18. This 1994 classic finds foolish friends Lloyd Christmas (played by Jim Carrey in a star-making performance) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels in a rare departure from dramatic acting) embarking on road trip from Providence, Rhode Island to Aspen, Colorado to return a briefcase to its rightful owner. Along the way, the dim-witted duo encounters an array of interesting characters, faces a number of hilarious experiences, and treats viewers to a grab bag of unforgettable quotes.
Thursday, December 19 through Saturday, December 21
Sam Tallent @ Milwaukee Improv
Colorado comedian Sam Tallent has toured relentlessly across North America and Europe, amassed TV credits on Comedy Central and Viceland, and his debut novel (Running The Light) has garnered favorable reviews from literary critics and inspired kind words from fellow comics like Marc Maron and Ron White. Tallent—who has become something of a Milwaukee regular the past five years—will return to the region for four shows at the Milwaukee Improv in nearby Brookfield over the course of three nights.
Friday, December 20
Collections Of Colonies Of Bees + Astral Hand, Known Moons @ The Cooperage
Though touring acts tend of avoid booking shows in late December on account of the holidays, that leaves ample room on venue calendars for absolutely stacked local bills. Such is the case of this Friday, December 20 show at The Cooperage that features a potent trio of Milwaukee acts including Collections Of Colonies Of Bees, Astral Hand, and Known Moons. Rare Visions Light Show will also be on-site to provide visuals to go with the music.
Monday, December 23
Ladybird @ Cactus Club
While we love every installment of our Milwaukee Record Halftime Show series, this Christmas-adjacent one is sure to be special. On Monday, December 23, local folk-country stalwarts Ladybird will perform between the second and third quarters of that night’s Packers-Saints game. Who knows…they might even stick around to play a few more songs after the game. If you’re still in town, you should really make sure to attend this one. And if the free abbreviated performance isn’t enough to sway you, maybe touchdown shots, specials on High Life and Miller Lite, and a DJ playing songs during commercial breaks will do the trick.