Milwaukee Record Presents: Milwaukee Record events, shows, screenings, more

Want a list of upcoming Milwaukee Record-sponsored/produced events, shows, screenings, and more? Of course you do.

JUNE 2026

Wednesday, June 3
Milwaukee Record Club: Wiggle Room Warped Tour (Pop-Punk, Emo, Ska) @ Wiggle Room
We’re taking over the Wiggle Room decks for a Wednesday night monthly collaborative vinyl spin we’re calling “Milwaukee Record Club.” From 6-9 p.m., we’ll drop the needle on vinyl releases that adhere to the month’s specific theme. Though we’ll bring enough music to cover a full set, we’re asking—no, we’re strongly encouraging—people to bring in their own vinyl that fits our chosen theme. If we think it’s a fit, we’ll play it!

Wednesday, June 17
Milwaukee Record Presents: Face/Off @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
We’ve got two words and a forward slash for you: Face/Off. Yep, Milwaukee Record is screening it at Avalon Theater on June 17 and you’re invited. In case you’ve been living under a rock…or you’re not 35 or older, this straight-up bonkers 1997 blockbuster stars Nicholas Cage as international terrorist Castor Troy and John Travolta in the role of Sean Archer, the FBI agent whose life mission is bringing Troy to justice for his crimes. Faces and identities are swapped and a wealth of hilariously unrealistic action sequences—the type only a director like John Woo could pull off—ensue. Oh, and Gina Gershon, CCH Pounder, Thomas Jane, Margaret Cho, and John Carroll Lynch are in the this thing, too. It’s wild! It’s fun! It’s Face/Off.

Thursday, June 18
Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club: Girl In A Band: A Memoir by Kim Gordon @ Lion’s Tooth
Do you like books? Do you like music? Do you like books about music? Then you’re in luck, because we’ve partnered with beloved Bay View bookstore Lion’s Tooth for the Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club! How does it work? Just stop by Lion’s Tooth on the third Thursday of the month, from 6-8 p.m., and discuss a new music-related book. That’s it!

Sunday, June 28
WNBA Watch Party (Minnesota vs. Dallas): Genesis Renji @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee Record has partnered with Cactus Club and WYNK to bring you multi-faceted monthly WNBA watch parties. Once a month, we’re highlighting a specific game that will be shown (with sound on) at Cactus Club, both on the bar’s televisions and on a projector in the back room. There will be specials on WYNK and Pacifico (and you’ll get a ticket when purchasing either brand for a raffle that will be held after the third quarter). DJs will play music during commercial breaks. We’ve also lined up some halftime entertainment for you. Yep! Local musicians and comedians will treat hoopsters to a FREE performance that will take place between the second and third quarters of that month’s chosen game.

JULY 2026

Wednesday, July 1
Milwaukee Record Club: Canada Day (All Canadian Artists) @ Wiggle Room
We’re taking over the Wiggle Room decks for a Wednesday night monthly collaborative vinyl spin we’re calling “Milwaukee Record Club.” From 6-9 p.m., we’ll drop the needle on vinyl releases that adhere to the month’s specific theme. Though we’ll bring enough music to cover a full set, we’re asking—no, we’re strongly encouraging—people to bring in their own vinyl that fits our chosen theme. If we think it’s a fit, we’ll play it!

Monday, July 13
WNBA Watch Party (Los Angeles vs. Atlanta): Dana Ehrmann @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee Record has partnered with Cactus Club and WYNK to bring you multi-faceted monthly WNBA watch parties. Once a month, we’re highlighting a specific game that will be shown (with sound on) at Cactus Club, both on the bar’s televisions and on a projector in the back room. There will be specials on WYNK and Pacifico (and you’ll get a ticket when purchasing either brand for a raffle that will be held after the third quarter). DJs will play music during commercial breaks. We’ve also lined up some halftime entertainment for you. Yep! Local musicians and comedians will treat hoopsters to a FREE performance that will take place between the second and third quarters of that month’s chosen game.

Thursday, July 16
Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club: Alternative For The Masses: The ’90s Alt-Rock Revolution – An Oral History by Greg Prato @ Lion’s Tooth
Do you like books? Do you like music? Do you like books about music? Then you’re in luck, because we’ve partnered with beloved Bay View bookstore Lion’s Tooth for the Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club! How does it work? Just stop by Lion’s Tooth on the third Thursday of the month, from 6-8 p.m., and discuss a new music-related book. That’s it!

AUGUST 2026

Wednesday, August 5
Milwaukee Record Club: Movie Music (Songs From Soundtracks) @ Wiggle Room
We’re taking over the Wiggle Room decks for a Wednesday night monthly collaborative vinyl spin we’re calling “Milwaukee Record Club.” From 6-9 p.m., we’ll drop the needle on vinyl releases that adhere to the month’s specific theme. Though we’ll bring enough music to cover a full set, we’re asking—no, we’re strongly encouraging—people to bring in their own vinyl that fits our chosen theme. If we think it’s a fit, we’ll play it!

Sunday, August 9
WNBA Watch Party (Las Vegas vs. New York): Raegan Niemela @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee Record has partnered with Cactus Club and WYNK to bring you multi-faceted monthly WNBA watch parties. Once a month, we’re highlighting a specific game that will be shown (with sound on) at Cactus Club, both on the bar’s televisions and on a projector in the back room. There will be specials on WYNK and Pacifico (and you’ll get a ticket when purchasing either brand for a raffle that will be held after the third quarter). DJs will play music during commercial breaks. We’ve also lined up some halftime entertainment for you. Yep! Local musicians and comedians will treat hoopsters to a FREE performance that will take place between the second and third quarters of that month’s chosen game.

PREVIOUS EVENTS

MAY 2026

Wednesday, May 7
Milwaukee Record Club: Going Solo (Celebrating Solo Artists) @ Wiggle Room
We’re taking over the Wiggle Room decks for a Wednesday night monthly collaborative vinyl spin we’re calling “Milwaukee Record Club.” From 6-9 p.m., we’ll drop the needle on vinyl releases that adhere to the month’s specific theme. Though we’ll bring enough music to cover a full set, we’re asking—no, we’re strongly encouraging—people to bring in their own vinyl that fits our chosen theme. If we think it’s a fit, we’ll play it!

Sunday, May 17
WNBA Watch Party (Indiana vs. Seattle): Ellie Jackson @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee Record has partnered with Cactus Club and WYNK to bring you multi-faceted monthly WNBA watch parties. Once a month, we’re highlighting a specific game that will be shown (with sound on) at Cactus Club, both on the bar’s televisions and on a projector in the back room. There will be specials on WYNK and Pacifico (and you’ll get a ticket when purchasing either brand for a raffle that will be held after the third quarter). DJs will play music during commercial breaks. We’ve also lined up some halftime entertainment for you. Yep! Local musicians and comedians will treat hoopsters to a FREE performance that will take place between the second and third quarters of that month’s chosen game.

Wednesday, May 20
Milwaukee Record Presents: To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
If you’re somehow unfamiliar with this iconic 1995 film that was decades ahead of its time, 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. BUT THERE’S MORE!!! Immediately after the movie, we’ll be heading over to Cactus Club for a “Post Credit” event, which will coincide with the bar/venue’s monthly Queer Karaoke. From 9-11 p.m., we’ll be there taking part in karaoke (you should too!). You can enjoy drink specials on WYNK all night and we’ll be giving away a few pairs of tickets to PrideFest, too. There’s no cover for the Post Credit event, so just stop by and hang out!

Thursday, May 21
Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club: Trouble Boys: The True Story Of The Replacements by Bob Mehr @ Lion’s Tooth
Do you like books? Do you like music? Do you like books about music? Then you’re in luck, because we’ve partnered with beloved Bay View bookstore Lion’s Tooth for the Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club! How does it work? Just stop by Lion’s Tooth on the third Thursday of the month, from 6-8 p.m., and discuss a new music-related book. That’s it!

Saturday, May 23
Morgan Park Picnic @ Morgan Park
Last spring, Milwaukee Record and Busby’s took over Morgan Park and brought a brand new spring festival to the one-acre triangle at the edge of the Bay View and Fernwood neighborhoods. Our inaugural Morgan Park Picnic featured live music and yoga classes, area retailers, local beer and food purveyors, and fun for the whole family. We’re pleased to report the first-year festival far exceeded our expectations. A few thousand folks stopped by during the festivities and it was an incredible, heartwarming day in the community. With a successful installment behind us, Busby’s and Milwaukee Record are joining forces again this spring to bring Morgan Park Picnic back in 2026.

APRIL 2026

Wednesday, April 1
Milwaukee Record Club: April Fools (Comedy & Novelty Albums) @ Wiggle Room
We’re taking over the Wiggle Room decks for a Wednesday night monthly collaborative vinyl spin we’re calling “Milwaukee Record Club.” From 6-9 p.m., we’ll drop the needle on vinyl releases that adhere to the month’s specific theme. Though we’ll bring enough music to cover a full set, we’re asking—no, we’re strongly encouraging—people to bring in their own vinyl that fits our chosen theme. If we think it’s a fit, we’ll play it!

Thursday, April 2
Milwaukee Record Beer Release @ Ope! Brewing Co.
We’re partnering with Ope! Brewing Co. in West Allis to produce a collaborative beer we think a lot of you are going to love. “Milwaukee Record’s Bee-Side Honey Lager” is a light-bodied lager with a dash of locally sourced sweetness from Kallas Honey. As an ode to Wisconsin’s state fruit, we selected the Milwaukee-based apiary’s cranberry blossom honey variant. That sweetness will be countered by the subtle presence of cashmere hops from Michigan. Ope! tells us Bee-Side Honey Lager will have an ABV of approximately 4.7 percent. The beer will officially hit tap lines and cans on Thursday, April 2. That same night, Milwaukee Record will host a beer release event at Ope’s taproom that will double as our 12th anniversary party. In addition to being able to enjoy Bee-Side Honey Lager for the very first time, there will also be performances by HOSTS, Gold Steps, and West Allis-born comedian Dana Ehrmann. Chucho’s Red Tacos and another food truck TBA will also be on-site. The fun kicks off at 7 p.m. and the show is FREE.

Thursday, April 2
Milwaukee Film Festival Friends & Family Preview Night @ Oriental Theatre
The 2026 Milwaukee Film Festival will take over the screens of the Oriental and Downer theaters April 16-30. Want a sneak peak of some of MFF26’s 200-plus films? Even better, how about a FREE sneak peak? Then hop on over to the Oriental on Thursday for the open-to-the-public Friends & Family Preview Night, featuring trailers, recommendations, and popcorn! Doors open at 6 p.m. and the fun starts at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Milwaukee Record and Milwaukee Magazine!

Sunday, April 12
Morgan Park Picnic Fundraiser & Volunteer Sign-Up @ Busby’s
Area businesses interested in sponsoring this year’s Morgan Park Picnic (see below) should reach out to us at [email protected] to get information on sponsorship levels and incentives. In an effort to offset some of the costs associated with putting on an event of this magnitude, we’re hosting a Morgan Park Picnic Fundraiser & Volunteer Sign-Up event at Busby’s on Sunday, April 12. From 2-5 p.m., there will be raffles and 10-Liners for great local items. And sign up for a volunteer shift if you want to pitch in at the event itself!

Tuesday, April 14
Recombobulation Area Live Podcast @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
How will YOU spend Milwaukee Day 2026? Well, if you enjoy lively chatter between smart, brilliant, consequential Milwaukeeans and one other guy, you’ll be attending a live Recombobulation Area podcast at the Walker’s Point Anodyne! The pod will feature Dan Shafer from the Recombobulation Area, Angela Lang from Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC), Milwaukee Day founder Andy Silverman, and 414 Day Executive Director Mocha Harris. The other guy will be Matt Wild from Milwaukee Record. He plans to talk about that snow pile or something. The full event runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The pod tapes from 6-7 p.m. It’ll be fun! Informative! And free! Be there!

Wednesday, April 15
Milwaukee Record Presents: Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
Post Credit After Party @ Sugar Maple
Most people have one of three experiences with Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. They either love it, they’ve never seen it but are sure to love it once they finally do, or they saw it and kind of liked it initially but now love it after revisiting it years later. No matter which one of these classifications you fall into, it’s safe to assume you presently love Walk Hard or you will love it soon. How soon exactly? Let’s say sometime around Wednesday, April 15 when we screen it at Avalon Theater. AND THERE’S MORE!!! Immediately after the movie, we’ll be heading over to Sugar Maple for a “Post Credit” event. From 9-11 p.m., you can enjoy drink specials on WYNK, a Walk Hard playlist, activities inspired by the film, and a performance by Pete from Ladybird. There’s no cover for the 21+ Post Credit event, just stop by and hang out with us!

Thursday, April 16
Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club: Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley @ Lion’s Tooth
Do you like books? Do you like music? Do you like books about music? Then you’re in luck, because we’ve partnered with beloved Bay View bookstore Lion’s Tooth for the Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club! How does it work? Just stop by Lion’s Tooth on the third Thursday of the month, from 6-8 p.m., and discuss a new music-related book. That’s it!

Sunday, April 26
Turner Hall Tiki Takedown @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Following five successful installments, Turner Hall Tiki Takedown will once again bring warm vibes and cool cocktails back to the eponymous downtown ballroom. From 1-4 p.m., Turner Hall will host mixologists from a variety of local bars and restaurants, each of whom will be serving up their own unique tiki cocktail creations using TIKI LOVERS spirits as they compete for votes from those in attendance so they might claim the coveted Tiki Takedown Trophy and Tiki Master title. In addition to the delicious drinks on hand, this event will feature live DJ sets by DJ E.Rich. Guests will also be able to purchase food from Ian’s Pizza. Milwaukee Record—the proud media sponsor of Turner Hall Tiki Takedown—will also be on-site to help emcee the event.

MARCH 2026

Wednesday, March 4
Milwaukee Record Club: Women’s History Month (Celebrating Female Artists) @ Wiggle Room
We’re taking over the Wiggle Room decks for a Wednesday night monthly collaborative vinyl spin we’re calling “Milwaukee Record Club.” From 6-9 p.m., we’ll drop the needle on vinyl releases that adhere to the month’s specific theme. Though we’ll bring enough music to cover a full set, we’re asking—no, we’re strongly encouraging—people to bring in their own vinyl that fits our chosen theme. If we think it’s a fit, we’ll play it!

Sunday, March 8
Meatless Raffle @ Cactus Club
We here at Milwaukee Record feel everyone deserves an opportunity to day drink in a bar while trying to win food (and other items). In that inclusive spirit, we’re proud to bring back our Meatless Raffle. From 1-4 p.m., the second annual 100% vegetarian version of a Midwest mainstay will feature raffles of 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. In addition to the primary raffles we’ll do every 30 minutes, we’ll also have a few 10-liners going as well as our Prize Wheel.

Wednesday, March 18
Milwaukee Record Presents: Ghost World @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
This offbeat indie gem directed by Appleton native Terry Zwigoff stars Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson—the latter in one of her first starring roles—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. Brad Renfro and Illeana Douglas are also in it! 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? (Free beer for anyone wearing a Blues Hammer shirt.)

Thursday, March 19
Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club: Bread Of Angels, by Patti Smith @ Lion’s Tooth
Do you like books? Do you like music? Do you like books about music? Then you’re in luck, because we’ve partnered with beloved Bay View bookstore Lion’s Tooth for the Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club!’How does it work? Just stop by Lion’s Tooth on one Thursday per month, from 6-8 p.m., and discuss a new music-related book. That’s it!

Tuesday, March 31
The Gathering @ Blackbird Bar
Along with Lilliput Records, we’re partnering with the fine folks at Fiserv Forum to promote the Weezer/The Shins/Silversun Pickups show at Fiserv on October 7. On March 31, from 4-6 p.m., we’ll be playing a steady diet of the three bands at Blackbird Bar. Every drink purchase will get you a raffle ticket to give you a chance at prizes, which we’ll be raffling off every half hour starting at 4:30 p.m. (including merch and even a pair of tickets to the concert). We’ll also be holding a pinball tournament on Blackbird’s King Kong: Myth Of Terror Island table, with a grand prize—that includes a pair of tickets to the concert—for the player who posts the highest score.

FEBRUARY 2026

Wednesday, February 4
Milwaukee Record Club: Heartbreak Hotel (Songs About Love Gone Wrong) @ Wiggle Room
We’re taking over the Wiggle Room decks for a Wednesday night monthly collaborative vinyl spin we’re calling “Milwaukee Record Club.” From 6-9 p.m., we’ll drop the needle on vinyl releases that adhere to the month’s specific theme. Though we’ll bring enough music to cover a full set, we’re asking—no, we’re strongly encouraging—people to bring in their own vinyl that fits our chosen theme. If we think it’s a fit, we’ll play it!

Saturday, February 14
The Great Milwaukee Can Koozie Swap & Bar Chip Bonanza @ Club Garibaldi
Join Milwaukee Record and Lakefront Brewery from 1-4 p.m., where we’ll have tables set up in the back room of the bar to serve as a makeshift marketplace where people can make some koozie-related transactions. Don’t have any koozies? We’ll give you one from our koozie box just for attending. Heck, take two! Dale On Sale will also be there selling some of their unique koozie designs and printing designs on your koozies on-site for a small charge. Speaking of small charges, Club Garibaldi will offer specials on Lakefront Brewery beers for the duration of the event. But there’s more! Give us a drink chip—from ANY bar, restaurant, or brewery…even places that are no longer open or located nowhere near Milwaukee—and we’ll let you spin our prize wheel for a chance to win prizes like Lakefront Brewery swag, Milwaukee Record merch, your choice of treasures from “The Prize Pile,” and more. Don’t have any bar chips to trade? Spins can also be purchased for $2 apiece.

Wednesday, February 18
Milwaukee Record Presents: Jackie Brown @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
To the unfamiliar, this woefully under-sung cult classic stars the incomparable Pam Grier as the eponymous Jackie Brown, a flight attendant who finds herself in a predicament when she’s busted smuggling money in from Mexico. Hilarity, violence, and plenty of twists ensue. Along the way, viewers encounter the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster (at his absolute best), Robert De Niro, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, and an indisputably kick-ass soundtrack.

Thursday, February 19
Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club: The Royal We, by Roddy Bottum @ Lion’s Tooth
Do you like books? Do you like music? Do you like books about music? Then you’re in luck, because we’ve partnered with beloved Bay View bookstore Lion’s Tooth for the Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club!’How does it work? Just stop by Lion’s Tooth on one Thursday per month, from 6-8 p.m., and discuss a new music-related book. That’s it!

JANUARY 2026

Saturday, January 3
Milwaukee Record Presents: N/A Day @ The Cooperage
From noon to 4 p.m. we’re hosting 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.

Sunday, January 4
Milwaukee Record Halftime Show: Chinese Telephones @ Cactus Club
This is it! The final regular season Green Bay Packers game of the year! (And yes, we’ll be doing the playoffs, too.) Join us as we watch a sure-to-be-thrilling (?) contest against the Minnesota Vikings, and then enjoy a quick halftime set from classic Milwaukee punk outfit Chinese Telephones. Our pals at Hamm’s are sponsoring the series, meaning fans can enjoy specials on cans and buckets of the beer “from the Land of Sky Blue Waters” and Miller High Life all game long. WYNK has also come on as a sponsor and its THC seltzer is available at a discount during all games. Last and certainly not least, Transfer Pizzeria Cafe is once again coming by most games to drop off some complementary pizza. Games are shown in the bar as usual, and also shown on a projector screen in Cactus Club’s back room.

Wednesday, January 7
Milwaukee Record Club: Made In Milwaukee (All Local Music) @ Wiggle Room
We’re taking over the Wiggle Room decks for a Wednesday night monthly collaborative vinyl spin we’re calling “Milwaukee Record Club.” From 6-9 p.m., we’ll drop the needle on vinyl releases that adhere to the month’s specific theme. Though we’ll bring enough music to cover a full set, we’re asking—no, we’re strongly encouraging—people to bring in their own vinyl that fits our chosen theme. If we think it’s a fit, we’ll play it!

Saturday, January 10
Milwaukee Record Presents: N/A Day @ The Bur Oak (Madison)
Just as we did in 2024 and 2025, we’re once again bringing N/A Day to Madison. The “Dry January Beverage Festival’s” return to Madison’s Bur Oak—which is sponsored by Athletic Brewing Company, Clausthaler, WYNK, and Gruber Law Offices—will also give attendees an opportunity to enjoy unlimited samples of more than 50 products from all over the non-alcoholic beverage spectrum. Vendors will range from local operations to nationally regarded brands for all over the non-alcoholic spectrum. The Bur Oak’s basement space will also be open for the event to host regional vendors in the hemp/CBD realm. Tickets (which are limited to 150 for a noon-2 p.m. block and 150 for a 2-4 p.m. block) cost $20 in advance and $30 at the door.

Saturday, January 20
Milwaukee Record Halftime Show: Diet Lite @ Cactus Club
The Green Bay Football Team™ is in the playoffs! Not only does that mean “The Pack” lives on for another week, it also means our Milwaukee Record Halftime Show series will continue on at Cactus Club until Green Bay either loses…or wins it all (unless there’s a show-related conflict at the venue). Milwaukee rockers Diet Lite will perform a FREE set during halftime of the Green Bay-Chicago playoff game on Saturday, January 10. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Diet Lite will also be headlining a show at Cactus Club that’s taking place before the game on Saturday if you’re looking for a full dose of the band.

Wednesday, January 21
Milwaukee Record Presents: Children Of Men @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
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.

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