Not too long ago, Milwaukee in January was pretty much a vacant, blustery tundra that was devoid of entertainment options. Between frigid conditions, uncertainties regarding Packers playoff seeding and the post-holiday hangover, most venues opted to clear their show schedules, while performers—not unlike the rest of us—became hermits, only to emerge for groceries and to use gift cards obtained the previous month. Fortunately, those days are over.
Between a flurry of local festivals, some touring comedians and musicians, and a handful of exceptional local shows, this particular January is especially stacked. Make it your New Year’s resolution to get out more, and use this loaded list of 13 can’t-miss shows as your guide.
Friday, January 2
IshDarr + Melotuned, Greyishere, Keeshawn Carter, Lethal Dose @ Falcon Hall
Originally scheduled to take place on November 29, IshDarr’s Falcon Hall show was postponed due to a snowstorm. The accomplished Milwaukee rapper will show he’s worth the wait when he takes the stage at the Riverwest venue on Friday, January 2 alongside the likes of Melotuned, Greyishere, Keeshawn Carter, and Lethal Dose.
Saturday, January 3
N/A Day @ The Cooperage
On Saturday, January 3, Milwaukee Record will host the fifth annual Milwaukee edition of N/A Day at The Cooperage. The “Dry January Beverage Festival” will give people an opportunity to enjoy unlimited samples of more than 50 products in the wide-ranging, ever-evolving, and rapidly-growing non-alcoholic drink market. Vendors range from local operations to nationally-regarded brands in the N/A space. Whether you’re looking to turn over a new leaf in the new year or you’re just seeking to add some more refreshments to your personal repertoire, N/A Day is sure to be a fun and low-risk way to try some new drinks on for size.
Friday, January 9
Field Report @ The Argo
In case you missed the news, Whitefish Bay now has a brand new venue. The Argo won’t just be a stop for touring acts. The establishment will also host an array of lauded local talent, including the always great Field Report, who will perform at the month-old entertainment destination on Friday, January 9.
Friday, January 16
Hey Mercedes + The Hallelujah Ward, Her Head’s On Fire @ X-Ray Arcade
In 2025, Braid headlined WMSE’s Backyard BBQ event. In 2026, Hey Mercedes—a band featuring three of Braid’s members in its ranks that’s already very good—will play its first show in the metro Milwaukee area in well over a decade when they headline a mid-January bill at Cudahy’s X-Ray Arcade. The Hallelujah Ward and Her Head’s On Fire will play in support.
Sunday, January 18
Fortune Feimster @ Riverside Theater
Actor, comedian, and all-around affable person Fortune Feimster is no stranger to Milwaukee, having performed at a past PrideFest installment and working her way up pretty much every rung of the Pabst Theater Group venue ladder through the years. She’ll return to our fair city on Sunday, January 18 to take the Riverside Theater stage as part of her ongoing “Takin’ Care Of Biscuits” tour.
Wednesday, January 21
Milwaukee Record presents ‘Children Of Men’ @ The Avalon
Prescient 2006 Alfonso Cuarón-written and -directed masterpiece Children Of Men stars Clive Owen as Theo, a nihilistic and broken civil servant called upon by some old acquaintances to protect a young refugee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) whose safekeeping has untold society-saving implications. The film—which has been called one of this abbreviated century’s best by many respected outlets—also features Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Charlie Hunnam, and Chiwetel Umeadi Ejiofor. Though this one is far from our most uplifting selection, it’s still an outstanding movie we’re almost certain you didn’t get to see on the big screen during its limited theatrical run 20 years ago. So get yourself in the headspace to watch Children Of Men with us at Avalon Theater on Wednesday, January 21.
Thursday, January 22
Azthma + DJ Abilities, Kia Rap Princess, Guerrilla Ghost, GetMoses @ X-Ray Arcade
This is just a really good local hip-hop bill that you don’t want to miss.
Friday, January 23
Mondo Lucha! @ The Cooperage
A few months after yet another Turner Hall sellout this past fall, the Mondo Lucha folks will bring the ring to The Cooperage for a more intimate (but equally entertaining) blend of wrestling, burlesque, and music on Friday, January 23.
Friday, January 23
Cate Le Bon + Frances Chang @ Vivarium
Welsh singer, songwriter, and producer Cate Le Bon will heat up Vivarium in the dead of winter when she comes to the cozy Milwaukee venue on Friday, January 23 in belated support of her acclaimed 2025 album Michelangelo Dying. Frances Chang opens.
Sunday, January 25
John Mulaney @ Riverside Theater
Writer, actor, Netflix talk show host, and world-renowned comedian John Mulaney is currently at the height of his popularity and his star shows no signs of shrinking anytime soon. See the modern stand up favorite when he comes to Milwaukee’s Riverside Theater on Sunday, January 25 as part of his “Mister Whatever” tour.
Wednesday, January 28
The Toasters + 5 O’Clock Charlie, Local Legends, Meskales @ X-Ray Arcade
The Toasters are nothing short of ska royalty. The constantly touring outfit will stop by Cudahy to head up a midweek show that’s nothing short of a Midwest skanker’s dream, as The Toasters will get oodles of local support from 5 O’Clock Charlie and Local Legends, as well as Madison-based Meskales.
Saturday, January 31
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Oh how the years fly by! Believe it or not, it’s been nearly 30 years since hip-hop legends Bone Thugs-N-Harmony put out E. 1999 Eternal, which featured standout hit “Tha Crossroads.” By this point, that guy in Bone Thugs probably really misses his uncle Charles, y’all.
Saturday, January 31
Ice Bear Fest @ Third Space Brewing
Third Space’s Ice Bear Fest returns! The Menomonee Valley brewery will once again be host to “a 1980s après ski dance party” in its beer garden to celebrate its tasty seasonal Baltic porter. In addition to the abundance of Ice Bear on hand, the winter affair will feature an era-specific playlist from Sound By Design until 5 p.m., Mixtape playing live renditions of ’80s covers from 5-7 p.m., food available from Hue and Brew City Snowballs, shotskis, a costume contest at 4 p.m., a vintage ski gear pop-up from Fresh To Death vintage, and various other Third Space brews on-site to help keep you warm. Save the date for a wintry mix of beer, music, food, and ski-centric fun at Third Space on January 31.
