March is a period of transition. The month straddles two seasons…a part-time resident in the ass-end of winter and a temporary tenant within the burst and bloom brought on by spring. As the season changes and we gain an hour of daylight, the glorious onslaught of local festivals is so close, yet still aggravatingly out of reach. However, there’s still a wealth of places to go, people to see, and things to do this month while awaiting the warmth and activity of summer.
Between respected touring musicians and comedians, some great local concerts, the return of a comedy club in a brand new location, and some compelling food-focused events, this March isn’t shaping up to be half bad! Here are 15 standout events happening in and around Milwaukee in March.
Tuesday, March 3
Bridget Everett @ Pabst Theater
In 2013, Bridget Everett straight up stole the show with her raunchy cabaret act when she opened for Amy Schumer at Pabst Theater. Since then, she’s starred in an Off Broadway show she created, was the lead in the exceptional Peabody-winning HBO series Somebody Somewhere, and earned the opportunity to headline shows in many of the same theaters where she used to appear in support of other comics. On Tuesday, March 3, Pabst Theater will get another sex-positive and uproariously funny musical performance from Everett when she brings her “Big Titties.” and “Big Dreams.” to Milwaukee.
Friday, March 6
The Early November + Hellogoodbye, Punchline @ The Argo
Opened in late 2025, The Argo is really in the swing of things now! On Friday, March 6, the new Whitefish Bay venue will host a pair of indie music vets as The Early November and Hellogoodbye each come to the region to commemorate the 20th anniversary of two of their most celebrated albums as part of their “20 Years Young” co-headlining tour. Punchline will also play in support.
Saturday, March 7
The Dose: A Psychedelic Comedy Show @ The Cooperage
The Dose: A Psychedelic Comedy Show has been called “mind-bending journey of experimentation, laughter, and healing.” On Saturday, March 7, the immersive comedic experience will come to Milwaukee. After a DJ set, host/emcee Steve Gillespie will lead a can’t-miss stand up show at The Cooperage that features a varied blend of comedy talents and other entertainers. Milwaukee’s own Canni Hemp Co. will also be on-site selling their goods.
Sunday, March 8
Meatless Raffle @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee Record is proud to bring back our Meatless Raffle. The second annual 100% vegetarian version of a Midwest mainstay will take place at Cactus Club on Sunday, March 8 from 1-4 p.m. During that three-hour span, we’ll be raffling legitimately valuable prize baskets filled with meat-free delicacies, gift cards to vegetarian- and vegan-friendly local establishments, a variety of beverages, apparel, and other great goodies from Milwaukee Record and event sponsors 3 Sheeps Brewing, Outpost Co-op, and WYNK. There’s NO COVER to attend this all-ages event. The majority of proceeds from raffles will be donated to Kinship Community Food Center.
Friday, March 13
The Dollyrots + Keep Flying, Something To Do, Socially Suspect @ X-Ray Arcade
During the band’s 25-year run, The Dollyrots have released more than a dozen albums and EPs, played all over the world, performed with countless punk and rock and roll mainstays, and had their music featured on television shows and in films. Almost exactly a year after playing at Cactus Club, the veteran pop-punkers will come to nearby X-Ray Arcade for a stop on their “Spring Break From Reality Tour” with local support from New York-based Keep Flying, Madison/Milwaukee ska vets Something To Do, and Milwaukee’s own Socially Suspect.
Saturday, March 14
Ratboys + Florry @ Vivarium
After playing the BMO Pavilion right before Japanese Breakfast during 2025’s Summerfest and opening for The Decemberists at Riverside Theater in 2024, Chicago’s own Ratboys will come to the decidedly more intimate Vivarium for a headlining set some six weeks removed from the release of its album, Singin’ To An Empty Chair. The indie rockers will be preceded by Florry.
Wednesday, March 18
Milwaukee Record Presents ‘Ghost World’ @ Avalon Theater
Ghost World is turning 25 this year. In honor of the film hitting the quarter-century mark, we’ve decided to screen this dark comedy and certified cult classic at Avalon Theater on Wednesday, March 18. If you’re unfamiliar with Ghost World, this offbeat indie gem directed by Appleton native Terry Zwigoff stars Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson as jaded teenage outcasts Enid and Rebecca, who are on the verge of graduation. As they face the reality of entering the real world and Enid develops an unlikely connection with a man named Seymour (played by Steve Buscemi), their friendship is tested. Though this subversive film didn’t exactly break any box office records, it has developed a passionate, ever-growing audience of appreciators over time. Are you one?
Saturday, March 21
New Edition + Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton @ Fiserv Forum
Get ready for a formidable trio of legendary R&B projects who have combined for dozens of chart-topping singles and millions upon millions of record sales when The New Edition Way Tour drops by Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum on Saturday, March 21. Headliners and tour namesakes New Edition will be joined by the always great Boyz II Men and certified powerhouse Toni Braxton.
Saturday, March 21
RuPaul (DJ set) + DJ Chomper @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Drag icon, pop culture touchstone, and RuPaul’s Drag Race host RuPaul is coming to The Rave/Eagles Club on March 21 to DJ a set likely to consist of her own collection of club hits and other danceable bangers spanning decades before she sashays away to the new city. Ru will get local support on the decks from DJ Chomper, who will start things off.
Sunday, March 22
WMSE’s Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser
Rockabilly Chili will return to the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Kern Center (1245 N. Broadway) on Sunday, March 22. The 24th installment of the wildly popular and devilishly delicious event will kick off at 11 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. Over that four-hour span, attendees will be able to sample chili from dozens of Milwaukee area restaurants, cafes, caterers, and other establishments who will be competing for awards in three categories: Best Meat, Best Veggie, Best Heat, and Most Unique. There will also be hardware handed out for Best Display.
Wednesday, March 25
Samer Ghani “Memories Of A Street Cat” Release Show @ Cactus Club
In honor of the release of his new Memories Of A Street Cat photo book, Milwaukee photographer, videographer, and all around swell guy Samer Ghani has put together a stacked lineup of local musicians (each of whom appear in the book) to play a free all-ages show at Cactus Club. Show up at 7 p.m. on March 25 to see Klassik, Garden Home, Living Room, Known Moons, and El Sebas.
Friday, March 27
Wednesday + Gouge Away @ Turner Hall
Asheville, North Carolina alternative rockers Wednesday are coming to Turner Hall on March 27 to perform in belated support of last year’s critically acclaimed and commercially successful 2025 album Bleeds. If you, too, have been playing “Elderberry Wine” on repeat for months, we’ll see you there! Gouge Away opens.
Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28
Nate Craig @ The Laughing Tap (three shows)
After closing its Walker’s Point club last June in order to relocate to the Historic George Watts building in downtown Milwaukee (761 N. Jefferson St.), The Laughing Tap will finally reopen in its new, improved, and larger digs later this month. They’ll call upon a familiar face to help them relaunch, as Los Angeles (by way of Wisconsin) comedy vet Nate Craig—who performed the club’s soft opening in December 2019 and was a recurring New Year’s Eve booking there—will christen the new venue with three shows spread between March 27 and March 28.
Saturday, March 28
Maria Bamford @ Turner Hall
Minnesota-raised comic Maria Bamford has been either crushing or absolutely alienating comedy audiences (at about a 50/50 ratio) since the late 1980s. About as “alternative” as alt-comedy gets, Bamford—by way of her inimitable comedic style that’s as off-kilter as it is uproariously funny—has gone on to do ample voiceover work, star in Lady Dynamite on Netflix, and film a few wholly unique comedy specials. You may also recognize her from her unsettling Target commercials. Knowing nothing about her recent material, it’s safe to say you’ll never see anything like her forthcoming Turner Hall appearance again.
Sunday, March 29
Chuck Ragan + Eoin McCarthy @ The Argo
When the great Chuck Ragan, the gruff-voiced vocalist of Hot Water Music, comes to a new venue in Whitefish Bay to play stripped-down renditions of his band’s material and selections from his solo catalog, it’d be foolish to miss it. You can see Ragan on stage in the intimate confines of The Argo on Sunday, March 29. The troubadour will be preceded by Eoin McCarthy who locals might know from his work in Whiskey Of The Damned and Bellends.