Milwaukee is chock full of things to do, but only a handful of Milwaukee events are worthy of the lofty honor of “Record Recommended” (patent pending). Here are our recommendations—brought to you by Lilliput Records—for August 11-17, 2025.
MONDAY, AUGUST 11
Musical Mondays: Dwayne Dopsie And The Zydeco Hellraisers @ Lake Park Summer Stage
No Milwaukee outdoor summer concert series is quite as cozy—or quite as eclectic—as Musical Mondays. The free summertime series takes place on the Lake Park Summer Stage, near the playground, throughout July and August. And this year’s season—Musical Monday’s 27th!—is another winner. As for this week: “Hailing from one of the most influential Zydeco families in the world, Dwayne (Dopsie) Rubin has been bringing his own high-octane version of this danceable artform to audiences around the world since debuting his own band at age 19.”
Febuary + Cash Only Tony’s, Excuse Me Who Are You?, Snag @ X-Ray Arcade
“Girls to the front! Febuary’s coming through all the way from Las Vegas with the emo/screamo you know you love (and yes, that’s how you spell it).”
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12
Chill On The Hill: Browns Crew + Peshtigo @ Humboldt Park
For two decades, Bay View Neighborhood Association’s Chill On The Hill music series —presented in partnership with Milwaukee County Parks—has brought music to Humboldt Park’s band chalet every Tuesday between the beginning of June and the end of August. The entire 20th anniversary lineup is great, and this week is no exception. Latin American hip-hop duo Browns Crew (El Sebas and Cristo Paz) headline tonight’s show, while synth-pop outfit Peshtigo opens.
Riverwalk Commons Concert Series: Evan Christian @ Milwaukee Public Market
Poetry In The Park @ Juneau Park
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13
Summer Of Soul: Madison McFerrin + Grace Weber, DJ Gemini Gilly @ Marcus Performing Arts Center (Peck Pavilion)
“Milwaukee’s cherished summer tradition is back! Summer of Soul 2025 brings the rhythm, flavor, and soul of the city to the heart of downtown. Ranging from R&B and Latin jazz to funk, soul, and hip-hop, it’s just the start of what makes this event extraordinary. More than a free concert series, Summer of Soul transforms into a vibrant block party, featuring a rotating marketplace with local artisans, makers, and community vendors, along with delicious bites from Milwaukee’s top food trucks.”
Milwaukee Night Market @ Wisconsin Avenue, between 2nd and Vel R. Phillips
“The Milwaukee Night Market is a free, outdoor event showcasing a variety of local vendors, performers, and artists. The Milwaukee Night Market transforms the heart of downtown into an exciting fusion of all the city has to offer.” Two more Night Markets will follow tonight’s shindig: September 10 and October 1 (the latter a make-up date for the canceled July installment).
Joey Turbo + James Marlon Magas, Aluminum Knot Eye @ Cactus Club
“This album was written and recorded at Promises, St. Luke’s Hospital, St. Francis hospital, and my home over the course of the past two years.” That self-penned blurb gives you just a hint of the turmoil surrounding Up Against The Wall Motherfucker, the latest solo album from Milwaukee musician/treasure Joey Turbo. Back in January 2024, Turbo was hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery. The long road to recovery included a GoFundMe and plenty of ups and downs. Then, in January 2025, Turbo’s popular Walker’s Point bar, Promises, closed its doors. As for the record, its 14 tracks share more DNA with Turbo’s previous electro-pop Rio Turbo project than they do with his garage-rock Platinum Boys. But if old Rio Turbo records were the party, Up Against The Wall is the hangover.
Washington Park Wednesdays: Milwaukee Hot Club + Mambo Surfers @ Washington Park Bandshell
“Spend your summers with us! Every year on Wednesday from July to August. Happy Hour starts at 5 p.m., concerts at 6! Washington Park Wednesdays hosts innovative local bands, Milwaukee’s finest food trucks, and activities sure to energize and entertain will fill the park each Wednesday. Theme nights promise diverse pairings of music, art, and fun with outstanding regional talent.”
Stress Positions + Commitment, Sex Scenes, World I Hate, I H8 It Here @ 4Seasons Skatepark
Wonderful Wednesdays: Susan Salidor @ Lake Park Summer Stage
Tosa Tonight: Kila + The Howley Brothers @ Hart Park, Wauwatosa
MKE River Roundup: Wire And Nail @ Twisted Fisherman Crab Shack
Heart(beats) Of The City: Natty Nation @ Red Arrow Park
Mayfair Collection Summer Concert Series: Jonny T-Bird & The MPs @ Keady Plaza
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
Milwaukee Irish Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park (through August 17)
“Milwaukee Irish Fest has come to be known as the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and Celtic culture, with an average attendance of 100,000. The success of the festival also depends on more than 4,000 dedicated volunteers. Each year, Milwaukee Irish Fest presents new themes, performers, cultural exhibits and special events at its annual festival. Known as a family friendly festival, it has been said that Irish Fest truly is a taste of Ireland. While the festival only lasts four days each year, the commitment to promote and preserve Irish culture throughout the year has earned Milwaukee Irish Fest national and worldwide acclaim.”
A La Carte At The Zoo @ Milwaukee County Zoo (through August 17)
“Enjoy a variety of cuisines like BBQ, pizza, empanadas and sweet treats at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Plus, catch local and national bands performing on five stages throughout the Zoo. From hip-hop and jazz to Top 40 and everything in between, there’s something for everyone’s musical tastes along with taste buds. Musical entertainment is included with admission.” Phillip Phillips headlines on Thursday, Los Lonely Boys on Friday, and LOCASH on Saturday.
Author Sahan Jayasuriya Discusses Don’t Say Please: The Oral History Of Die Kreuzen @ Boswell Book Company
Few bands in Milwaukee music history have a legacy that even comes close to matching that of Die Kreuzen. The seminal outfit defied genre distinction, anchored the local scene, toured relentlessly, and was a favorite band to many of your favorite bands. Now more than 30 years after calling it quits at the height of their popularity, Die Kreuzen is the subject of a new book, Don’t Say Please: The Oral History Of Die Kreuzen. Written and assembled by Milwaukee author Sahan Jayasuriya, the book is an inside look at the origin, development, standout experiences, and the abrupt end of the iconic band, as told in extensive detail by members Keith Brammer, Brian Egeness, Dan Kubinski, and Erik Tunison.
Under The Bridge: Jinksie + Devils Teeth @ Third Space Brewing
Less than halfway through the debut record from Milwaukee punk-rock trio Jinksie, singer-guitarist Wendy Norton and singer-bassist Amelinda Burich shout out what could be either a sentiment of kinship or a veiled threat. “We’re just like you! We’re just like you!” they snarl on the song of the same name. The group’s old-school punk sound may be inviting, but something about its overall vibe suggests running into its members in a dark alley would be—like its name suggests—a bit of bad luck.
America: The Encore Tour 2025 @ The Riverside Theater
Balladmen + Chinese Telephones, dREW & ASSOCIATES @ Sabbatic
Jazz In The Park: Respect! A Tribute to The Queen of Soul @ Cathedral Square Park
HYFIN Anti-Gala: Harlem Nights @ The Fitzgerald
Pretend Friend + Joe Wais and Jordan Kroeger @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Concerts On The Green: The Gleasons + Tom & Evan Leahy @ Enderis Park
Edelweiss Concert Cruise Series: Vintage Groove @ Milwaukee River, 205 W. Highland Ave.
Thursday Bike Night Concert Series: Hearthfire @ Harley-Davidson Museum
Tunes@Noon: El Sebas @ Courtyard of 411 East Wisconsin Center
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
LCD Soundsystem @ The Rave / Eagles Club (also August 16)
“For the first time in 15 years, LCD Soundsystem returns to Milwaukee to play The Spectacular Eagles Ballroom for two shows; Friday, August 15 and Saturday August 16. LCD Soundsystem exist at the point of a Venn diagram where the loose grooves of disco bump up against the wiry spikiness of post-punk, and their songs hover between sharp-edged humor and heartfelt emotion. Their M.O. was note-perfect from the beginning and when they debuted in 2002 with the hilarious, hipster-spoofing single ‘Losing My Edge,’ it set up the band and their label DFA, as the coolest things around. The band also became a huge live draw, eventually selling out a farewell show at Madison Square Garden in 2011. The re-formed Soundsystem returned with the vintage-sounding American Dream in 2017, then sporadically returned to fill clubs and in 2022 cranked out ‘New Body Rhumba,’ a dancefloor-filling single that had the same sharp edge as ever.”
A Live Conversation With Rainn Wilson + A Screening Of An Episode Of The Office @ The Riverside Theater
“Get ready to relive the magic of The Office with a special screening of one of the show’s most iconic episodes. Then Rainn Wilson will take the stage to share behind-the-scenes stories, memorable moments, and the secrets of bringing Dwight Schrute to life. But the excitement doesn’t end there! For those looking for an extra-special experience, a limited number of VIP tickets will be available which include a personal post-show photo opportunity with Rainn Wilson himself. As if that’s not enough, fans are encouraged to channel their inner Dwight and participate in the ultimate Dwight Schrute lookalike contest. Accolades await the most convincing Dwight doppelgänger, so come dressed to impress in your finest mustard-colored shirts, glasses, and perfectly coiffed hair.”
MKE Music Night 100: Rob Knapp & The Soul Patrol + Shell Bells, TRIPTYCH, Que So What, West Nile Crows, Shady Cove, Torcado, Sunkin Suns, Kieran Porter, Whitney Rose, Mike Yellick, Tlalok Rodriguez @ The Cooperage
“MKE Music Night is an organization dedicated to supporting our local musician & artist community! We host monthly events showcasing some of the incredible talent our local community has to offer, at numerous venues throughout Milwaukee! MKE Music Night 100 will be held at The Cooperage on Friday, August 15 from 5 – 11:30 p.m. Come witness our local art and music as we join forces to create this showcase for the ages!”
Known Moons + Shontrail, Heavy Bend, Online Blunt @ Cactus Club
Sunday Cruise + Scam Likely, Pleaser @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Modern Tigers (record release) @ Sugar Maple
HOSTS + Swallows, Cassini Echoes, New Beliefs @ Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall
Nathan Graham + Dovekeeper @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Current Sounds: Wildered @ Lakefront Brewery
Music On The Beerline: Love Peace & Soul @ Beerline Plaza
Soulful Summer: Mighty Ms. Erica And The Sound Production @ Gordon Park
Sounds Of Summer: VO5 @ Bayshore
Friday Night Retro Mixtape: Sage “Champagne” Schwarm + Mosh Wah @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
Center Street Daze Festival @ Center Street
“Center Street Daze Festival is a street festival held in Milwaukee’s vibrant Riverwest neighborhood between Holton and Humboldt on Center Street. Currently in its 26th year, Center Street Daze Festival has been happening annually since 1997. Center Street Daze Festival is operated by the Riverwest Business Association and is meant to showcase the businesses, artists, and other vendors of the Riverwest neighborhood and beyond. Each year Center Street Daze Festival grows larger while retaining its community-oriented emphasis and this year is no exception.”
Sleepersound + Deep Tunnel Project, Human Ant Farm, Glowingtide @ X-Ray Arcade
“Sleepersound’s My Own Dead Love is the absolute loveliest miserable experience you’ll ever have. It’s the Milwaukee band’s third full-length album of vivid and picturesque post-rock, following up the praised In Medias Rias and Idle Voices, which were highly recommended by All Songs Considered, Outburn Magazine, and The Big Takeover, among many more of you. Musically, singer and lyricist Dave D’Antonio notes that Sleepersound ‘shifted their vantage point with this album to lean more into our influences ranging from Mogwai and Radiohead and Godspeed! You Black Emperor and Sahara-African artists like Tinarwin, Ali Farka Touré, Mdou Moctar,’ D’Antonio says. ‘It also features a few direct influences from Chopin’s first piano concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Symphonie Pathetique.'”
Rap J @ Shank Hall
“Rap J is an artist born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the age of six years old, he started freestyling and discovered his passion for hip hop. Born with cerebral palsy, Rap J uses music to express himself and showcase that the condition does not define him. His musical influences include Michael Jackson, Biggie, and Tyler, The Creator. Since the release of Rap J’s latest album Unstoppable, the rapper has been featured on CBS 58, Fox 6, TMJ4, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and Spectrum News. Rap J’s biggest goal is to give hope through music and prove that any dream is attainable with the right mindset!”
Station 1846 MKE Block Party: Brett Newski & The Bad Inventions @ Station 1846 Block Party
“Summer Finale Show! Free Block Party at Station 1846 all day. Brett Newski & the Bad Inventions play 7 – 9 p.m. Join us for a full day of celebration featuring: street vendors, live music all day, cold drinks & good vibes. Brett hits the stage to close out the night—don’t miss it!”
Vintage’s 15th Anniversary Carnival Bash @ Vintage
“Vintage is 15, and it’s time to celebrate the bad decisions, belly laughs, and unforgettable nights that got us here—with YOU! Join us for our 15th Anniversary Carnival Bash! We couldn’t have done this without our incredible regulars, and now it’s time to throw the kind of party only Vintage can. Here’s what’s going down: carnival games, cornhole, popcorn, cotton candy & carnival treats, drink specials + giveaways, shot wheel (spin wisely!), DJs from Riverwest Department of Party Works spinning from 7 p.m. This is a regulars’ reunion, a carnival of chaos, and an anniversary blowout rolled into one—and it won’t be the same without YOU.”
Okay Omen + William Covert, Cannabinol Synapse, The Paper Flames @ MKE Ultra
I H8 It Here + Star Student, Anita Velveeta, Ellee Grim @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee Jazz Institute Presents: Alyssa Allgood @ The Estate (two shows)
$uicideboy$ + Bones, Night Lovell, Germ @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Current Sounds: Chris Haise @ Lakefront Brewery
Summer Night Movies: Captain America: Brave New World @ Veterans Park
Charli & Chappell: Drag Show & Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17
Clipse + EARTHGANG @ The Rave / Eagles Club
“In the more than 15 years since the last Clipse album hit the shelves of record stores, the music world has been upended several times over. ‘You see great rappers all the time,’ Pusha-T says, before contrasting he and his older brother Malice with those who are not truly of the culture. ‘But there’s something a little off about it.’ Let God Sort ‘Em Out has no such problems. Over 13 taut, kinetic beats from longtime collaborator Pharrell, Pusha and Malice exorcise demons and catalog areas of personal growth—without ever sacrificing the menace and minimalism that made them legends of the genre. It is a master class in maturing without abandoning one’s core identity, but rather deepening it, making it more three-dimensional.”
Cabeza De Chivo + Werewolf Detective @ Cactus Club
Modern Tigers + Faded Places, Offtide, Rare Visions @ X-Ray Arcade
Anne Heaton + Edie Carey @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Girls Rock MKE Showcase II @ Vivarium
Cafe Sopra Mare: Neal Bardele @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Cathedral Square Market: Holly Haebig + Dena Aronson @ Cathedral Square Park
Milwaukee Makers Market @ The Ivy House
Summer Patio Music Series: Jude & The Dude @ Great Lakes Distillery
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