May in Milwaukee usually serves as the calm before the storm that is summer festival season. By this time next month, we’ll be inundated with block parties, weekly concerts, and a massive wave of occurrences bearing the “Fest” or “Days” suffix. It’s going to be BUSY.
If you thought this month would grant you a brief respite from staying out late and seeing top-tier entertainers, think again! This particular May boasts the now-expected helping of touring bands and comedians, but also includes local release shows, the return of a Milwaukee Record-produced festival, and much more. There’s so much to do, but here are 15 events we here at Milwaukee Record are especially excited to see this month.
Friday, May 1
The New Pornographers + Will Sheff @ Turner Hall
Fans of Canadian supergroups who have been crafting impeccable pop-leaning indie rock for more than two decades take note: The New Pornographers will play Milwaukee’s Turner Hall on Friday, May 1. The band, made up of A.C. Newman, Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, Todd Fancey, Blaine Thurier, John Collins, Joe Seiders, and Simi Stone, are one of those bands that have never made a bad album. We’re willing to bet that streak will continue with The Former Site Of, which is due out March 27.
Saturday, May 2
Brett Newski & The Bad Inventions + Max & The Fellow Travelers @ The Argo
Eternally busy musician, author, and road dog Brett Newski and his backing band (“The Bad Inventions”) will play a rare hometown outing at The Argo in Whitefish Bay. The Milwaukee-area appearance which will serve as a release show for Newski’s Have a Thing, Miss Your Moment, Wait for the Revival, an album with an companion pocket book. Milwaukee’s own Max & The Fellow Travelers will open.
Sunday, May 3
David Byrne @ Miller High Life Theatre
Legendary Talking Heads frontman and solo artist David Byrne will bring his Who Is The Sky? Tour to the Miller High Life Theatre on Sunday, May 3. This will be his first performance in Milwaukee since coming to Riverside Theater in May 2018.
Friday, May 8
A Screening of ‘Say Anything’ with John Cusack @ Pabst 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 more recent movies like High Fidelity, The Ice Harvest, and Hot Tub Time Machine, the answer is…well, you get the idea. Anyway, Cusack is coming to the Pabst Theater Friday, May 8 for a screening of the aforementioned Say Anything… and a live conversation. Nice!
Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17
Marlon Wayans @ Milwaukee Improv (five shows!)
In addition to being an actor, filmmaker, and one half of the Wayans Brothers, Marlon Wayans is an accomplished comedian. In fact, standup has been his primary focus of late, as he’s released five specials since 2018. As the world waits for Scary Movie 6 to come out this June, you can catch Wayans in Brookfield when he performs a total of five shows at Milwaukee Improv between May 15 and May 17.
Saturday, May 16
Dethklok + Amon Amarth @ Landmark Credit Union Live
In 2023, Dethklok and Babymetal teamed up for a night of metal mastery at The Rave during their Babyklok Tour. This time around Dethklok will team up with Amon Amarth for “The Amonklok Conquest,” a tour that will stop by the newly-opened Landmark Credit Union Live on Saturday, May 16 for what’s sure to be an excellent (and loud) time.
Sunday, May 17
Maifest: Gluten-Free Festival @ Lakefront Brewery
Now celebrating its fifth installment, Maifest is a celebration of all things gluten-free. In addition to highlighting Lakefront Brewery’s groundbreaking and award-winning gluten-free beers, the event taking place at Lakefront and its brewery-adjacent lot will also host more than 40 gluten-free food vendors, live music (from the likes of Wisconsin Space Program, Known Moons, Social Cig, and Long Line Riders), local retailers, a parade of dachshunds, and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20
Milwaukee Record Presents ‘To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar’ @ Avalon Theater
To Wong Foo centers around three New York drag queens—portrayed by Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo—who set out on a cross-country road trip to a drag pageant in Hollywood. Along the way, they get into some trouble with the law and are forced to hide out in the small town of Snydersville. As they wait for the heat to die down, the trio strikes up unlikely bonds with residents, teach them a few things, and learn a little something from the locals as well. If this groundbreaking and just plain great three-hander isn’t already compelling enough, the stars get support from Stockard Channing, Jason London, Chris Penn, and a murders’ row of cameos from the likes of RuPaul, Robin Williams, Naomi Campbell, and even Julie Newmar herself.
Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23
Chastity Washington @ The Laughing Tap (three shows!)
Roughly three years removed from the release of her Live At Dandy Amazon special, Milwaukee’s funniest human will be live on stage at the new and improved Laughing Tap when she headlines a total of three shows at the downtown comedy club May 22-23.
Saturday, May 23
Morgan Park Picnic @ Morgan Park
Join Milwaukee Record and Busby’s at Morgan Park on Saturday, May 23. Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., the second annual Morgan Park Picnic will offer a winning mix of live music (courtesy of Social Cig, dak duBois, Emmitt James, and Red Quean), punk rock yoga, local food and drink vendors, area retailers, community support, and more. It’s free to attend and fun for the whole family. We’d love to see you there!
Saturday, May 23
Fellow Kinsman (album release – two shows!) + Ellie Jackson, FTBK @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee “Land-Locked-Surf-Rock” outfit Fellow Kinsman will celebrate the release of its third album, Break Room, with a pair of release shows at Cactus Club the night of May 23. The first such show will find Nate Kinsman and co. getting opening support from Ellie Jackson. The late show will feature FTBK opening. We’re just going to go ahead and call these two shows the unofficial Morgan Park Picnic after party!
Thursday, May 28
Rilo Kiley @ Riverside Theater
After an outstanding 15-year run, Rilo Kiley called it quits in 2013. Fortunately, few bands remain broken up forever at this point in time, and the Jenny Lewis-fronted indie outfit made the decision to finally get back together in 2025. The legendary indie band will bring its Really Fucking On Tour to Riverside Theater on May 28 and you should be there.
Friday, May 29
Kyle Feerick + Lost Orange Cat (double album release) @ Falcon Hall
Falcon Hall will play host two a double album release show when the Riverwest venue welcomes Kyle Feerick and Lost Orange Cat to its stage on Friday, May 29. The former will be celebrating the release of his latest record, Shine On, after Lost Orange Cat performs material from its (also brand new) record, Electric Desert.
Saturday, May 30
Tacos And Tequila Festival @ Franklin Field (Franklin)
Do you like tacos, tequila, and world-renowned rappers/R&B talents who really popped off in the early 2000s? If you answered yes to even one of those questions, we have some good news for you. And if you enjoy all three of those things (and don’t mind driving to Franklin, Wisconsin to experience them), then you might be in for one of the best days of your life. This year’s lineup features Shaggy, Rick Ross, Ginuwine, Soulja Boy, Frankie J, Mims, and DJ Ashton Martin.
Sunday, May 31
Locust Street Festival + Locust Street Beer Run @ Locust Street
In case you missed the news, Locust Street Festival of Music and Art and its affiliated Locust Street Beer Run will be taking place in the heart of Riverwest on Sunday, May 31. The lineup reveal is just days away, and based on the handful of artist announcements we’ve seen so far, it’s going to be as good as ever. What better way to finish off May and officially kick off festival season?