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 for August 24-30, 2026.
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
Musical Mondays: Mama Said String Band @ Lake Park Summer Stage
“Delivering a refreshing reinvention of sounds once forgohen, Mama Said String Band has been impacting the bluegrass scene and beyond since its 2016 debut. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, the band’s four songwriters and players feature exquisite vocal harmonies and contemporary instrumentation.”
The Pentagram String Band + Swamp Rats, Dead Dead Swans, Wylie Jakobs @ X-Ray Arcade
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
clovers daughter + Blind Hill, Wonderful Bluffer @ Shank Hall
“clovers daughter is the indie pop/alternative project of Minneapolis-based songwriter Noor Shami. The Palestinian-American artist blends the emotional honesty of Big Thief, the depth of Ethel Cain, and the dreamy textures of The Marías into an intimate yet expansive indie pop sound.”
Chill On The Hill: Crimes Against Nature + Electricity Kills @ Humboldt Park
“Playing music together in various forms over the past decades, Crimes Against Nature (cXn) brings a healthy mixture of riot grrrl, queercore, alt, indie, pop and punk rock from Milwaukee, WI. Featuring guitars, bass, keyboards, and drums—we collectively write music we enjoy and have fun playing for people. We also believe our local art communities are powerful levers for change.”
The Fever Dreams + Stallis Cowboys, Local Memory @ Cactus Club
Riverwalk Commons Concert Series: Ladybird @ Milwaukee Public Market
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
Todd Rundgren @ The Pabst Theater
“Todd Rundgren first broke into the music business in the late ’60s with the band Nazz, for whom he wrote ‘Open Your Eyes’ and ‘Hello It’s Me.’ He then released several solo albums, including 1972’s Something/Anything?, and then founded the rock band Utopia, a group that drew on prog, power-pop and new wave. In 1983, Rundgren released one of his best-known songs, ‘Bang The Drum All Day.'” In addition to his own work, Rundgren is also a well-respected studio artist who’s produced albums for Hall & Oates, XTC, Psychedelic Furs, and Meat Loaf. Rundgren has also continued to release solo albums, including 2017’s White Knight, which featured guest spots from Robyn, Joe Walsh and Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor.”
Washington Park Wednesdays: Gnarrenschiff + Maximiano @ Washington Park Bandshell
“Planet to Park closes the 2026 WPW season with a celebration of the environment, public green space, and the community that makes this series possible. Maximiano opens with intimacy and atmosphere; Gnarrenschiff closes with spectacle and energy. The Milwaukee Flyers activate the park at the grass level—and together, the evening says thank you to everyone who showed up this summer.”
Rüfüs Du Sol + Ben Böhmer @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
MKE River Roundup: Erotic Adventures Of The Static Chicken @ Twisted Fisherman Crab Shack
Shorewood Summer Sounds: Pat McCurdy @ Hubbard Park
Heart(beats) Of The City: Judson Brown Band @ Red Arrow Park
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Daikaiju + Devils Teeth @ Falcon Hall
“Daikaiju is a mysterious chimera of sound and imagery that was first sighted in the winter of 1999. Entities of sonic mayhem, Daikaiju takes the sound of waves crashing and shrieking atomic lizards and makes it rock in a way that instills shock and awe in all who experience their shows-a highly interactive and confrontational performance that literally draws the audience into the massive vortex of sound generated by the band. Concealed behind masks, this troupe of mystery people create a mutant style of epic, high energy instrumental rock that seamlessly incorporates a wide variety of musical styles including surf, punk, noise, metal, psychedelic and progressive rock.”
Jacob Augustine + Marielle Allschwang And The Visitations, The Hallelujah Ward @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“Jacob Augustine is a Maine-born, Philadelphia-based indie folk musician. Over his nearly two decades as one of the most influential and beloved vocalists and songwriters in the northeast, he’s reached an enigmatic, near mythic status; touring the country back and forth, releasing records in a flurry, headlining bigger and bigger stages, then disappearing from public eye for years at a time, and back again. Augustine’s records range from heavily-orchestrated, bombastic full-band affairs to raw, stripped-down solo recordings to eccentric, genre-hopping studio projects, but they always center his immediately recognizable voice.”
The Marshall Tucker Band + Ladybird @ The Pabst Theater
“When you wake up and want to put a smile on your face, you think of the songs that always manage to reach down and touch your soul the moment you hear the first note. The Marshall Tucker Band is one such group that continues to have a profound level of impact on successive generations of listeners who’ve been ‘Searchin’ For A Rainbow’ and found it perfectly represented by this tried-and-true Southern institution over the decades.”
Summer Chamber Music Festival @ Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens (also August 28, 30)
“Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens is hosting a three-day Chamber Music Festival August 27, 28 and 30. The festival is led by Yaniv Dinur, an accomplished pianist and the former resident conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The third rendition of the Milwaukee Chamber Music Festival presents the complete cycle of Beethoven’s Razumovsky String Quartets—three pieces that changed the genre of the string quartet in their symphonic scope and emotional depth. Divided into three concerts, these iconic pieces will be performed by members of the Milwaukee Symphony and paired with Russian, Czech, Estonian, German and French music.”
Panalure + Denny Rauen @ Charles Allis Art Museum
“Founded in 2012, Panalure is a Milwaukee band with an eclectic mix of rock, folk, country, blues and jazz. If you’re looking for a label, Americana will do. Sharply crafted lyrics collide with genre-twisting elements take the listener across a vast musical landscape. Master luthier and internationally-acclaimed acoustic guitarist, Denny Rauen will open the evening with wordless songs of the soul, written with pluck and twang telling the stories of life.”
Haunter + Large Print, Apollo Vermouth @ Cactus Club
Cathedral Square Market @ Cathedral Square Park
Jazz In The Park: 52nd Street: The Music Of Billy Joel @ Cathedral Square Park
Play Pickleball with Your Local Politician @ Jackson Park
Edelweiss Concert Cruise Series: Vintage Groove @ Milwaukee River, 205 W. Highland Ave.
Lounj Acts: Carl Erikstrup @ The Wicked Hop
John Kocher @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Thursday Bike Nights: Brewtown Beat @ Harley-Davidson Museum Campus
Tunes@Noon: 90s Jake Band @ Courtyard of 411 East Wisconsin Center
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
The Sadies + Trolley @ Shank Hall
“The Sadies have played all over the world where, for the last 30 years, they have astonished audiences with their earthy arsenal of roots music, country, spaghetti western, surf, garage rock, psychedelia, and the slippery beast known as alt rock, all with uncanny precision and passion.”
The Copyrights + The Brokedowns, Avenues, M545 @ X-Ray Arcade
The pride of Carbondale, Illinois! The Copyrights manage to ably blend punk rock swagger and intensity with criminally catchy melodies and anthemic hooks. That combination has helped the band endure for almost 25 years. They return to X-Ray Arcade for a can’t-miss Cudahy bill that also features The Brokedowns and local support from Avenues and M545.
Bellends (record release) + Fight Dice, Hot Mess @ Club Garibaldi
“Recorded at High Five Studios in the Riverwest Neighborhood of Milwaukee, Bellends’ sophomore album comes out raw and unfiltered. Soaked in late nights, revelry, and deeply honest story telling, the record weaves through a fusion of gritty bar-room Rock ‘n’ Roll, Folk, Punk, and Americana. So It Goes captures the band’s relentless live energy, where they are known for their crowd pleasing sing-a-long hooks and uncompromising attitude. Eoin McCarthy’s lyrics dive deep into difficult and personal subject matter: love, loss, depression, and struggles with sobriety all told with a sense of Midwest swagger.”
Graceful Warrior @ Skylight Music Theatre (also August 29)
“Graceful Warrior is a moving concert experience on the Cabot Stage featuring the orchestral music of McCanna (Mac) Sinise, performed by a 25-piece orchestra and guided by narration from his father, Gary Sinise. Inspired by Mac’s courageous battle with a rare spinal cancer and the music he created throughout his life, the evening weaves together powerful compositions, personal stories, and accompanying video elements. Presented in conjunction with Gary’s upcoming book, Graceful Warrior, this one-of-a-kind event offers a profound reflection on love, loss, resilience, and hope.”
Subtropolis + Primitive Broadcast Service, Vile Bees, 10KCK @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
“Subtropolis is an electro-prog-noir duo based in St. Louis, Missouri. Known for their blend of future-garage, ‘trash-prog,’ and dark synthesizer sounds, the project frequently plays local venues around the Midwest.”
Danny Gonzalez + Goeff Dow, AJ Leidig, Kieron Harrell, Tory Ward @ The Pabst Theater
Crash House + Breakup Tour, Super Brick, Mural Hall @ Last Rites
Goth Night Chapter 1: Bellhead + Spectra, Vic Dagger @ Cactus Club
Goth Night Chapter 2: Paul H + DJ Salinger, DJ Mya, DJ Fang @ Cactus Club
Steve Cohen @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Deer District Summer Concert Series: Party 2 Go @ The Deer Garden
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
LuLu’s 25th Anniversary Street Festival @ Lulu Café And Bar
“Lulu Café and Bar will celebrate 25 years as a Bay View neighborhood favorite with a free anniversary street festival on Saturday, August 29, featuring a live broadcast from WMSE 91.7 FM’s Boogie Bang, food and drinks, DJs, and multiple live sets from some of Milwaukee’s finest original bands. The celebration begins at noon with WMSE broadcasting Saturday Afternoon Boogie Bang live until 3:00 p.m. Live music follows beginning at 3:15 p.m., featuring five bands representing the depth and diversity of Milwaukee’s vibrant independent music scene.” Those bands (in order of appearance): Book Of Johns, Sleepersound, Electricity Kills, The Dirty Sweet, and Wisconsin Space Program.
414BigFrank @ The Rave / Eagles Club
One of Milwaukee’s most popular/viral rappers, 414BigFrank, brings his “Takeover Tour” to The Rave. Expect big beats, top-shelf dance moves, irresistible vibes, and probably six new 414BigFrank videos released on Saturday morning alone.
Bloom Beach Festival @ Bradford Beach
The big Bradford Beach EDM fest is back! “You’ve seen what Bloom looks like. Sand underfoot, Lake Michigan at your back, thousands of people moving to a sunset set. Year three goes bigger: a longer day, a larger stage, more names on the bill.” Those names: Noizu, Daniel Allan, Lost Kings, Jake Shore, and more.
Current Sounds: Caley Conway @ Lakefront Brewery
There are moments in Caley Conway’s 2024 album Partner when the ever-busy Milwaukee singer-songwriter finds herself caught in the humdrum duties of daily life. There are things to do—or not—people to see—or not—and the ones and zeros of technology to attend to. And then, suddenly, she’s off and dreaming, belly laughing with a distant friend or considering taking up “the work of birds.” When she comes back down to Earth, more often than not, she finds bliss in a comforting middle ground. “There aren’t enough hours in the day, I’ve counted,” Conway sings early in the record, before slyly adding, “For loving you.”
Sierra Ferrell + The Brudi Brothers @ Landmark Credit Union Live
Smart Shoppers + The Golf Dolls, Resurrectionists, Future Trash @ Quarters Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace
The Mosleys @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Fake My Death + Frantic Repair, In Shining Armour, Dust Cover @ X-Ray Arcade
Crow Eater + The Sweet Sheiks @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Brew City Cigar Festival @ Heidelberg Park at The Bavarian Bierhaus (Glendale)
Pulpa de Guayaba @ Nashville North
South Shore Farmers’ Market: The Honolulu Millionaires @ South Shore Park
Y2K! All 2000s Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
Out There Presents: SWANS @ Veterans Park Lagoon
“Composer Lia Kohl and visual artist Jess Bass announce SWANS, a free and open-to-the-public performance on the water in Milwaukee’s Veterans Park Lagoon on August 30th, utilizing swan paddle boats as a stage. In a spirit of play, curiosity, and wonder, SWANS is suitable for all ages, and aims to bring art and performance to people in an accessible and non-institutional setting. Six boats will move around the lagoon in choreographed formations, each holding dancers waving wing sculptures, and saxophones playing from the back of each boat. The music is inspired by the calls of trumpeter swans and informed by the unique acoustics of music across water. The choreography draws from swans’ flight and swimming patterns, creating a gliding processional parade across Veterans Park Lagoon. Audiences can view the performance from any point around the lagoon.”
Sincerely In Song Presents: The 4th Annual Wildflowers On The Water @ Lakeshore State Park
“Join us for a day of family-friendly activities, connect with nature and support the stewardship of Lakeshore State Park! The event will include live music, a sound bowl experience, goat yoga and art-inspired activities for all ages—led by artists and creators who are passionate about the work of Friends of Lakeshore State Park—and more! Musical line-up includes: Zara Katt, The Ukuladies, Kavon Cortez Jones, Malik Johnson, Angie Mack, Sarah Fierek, Aidan Muse & Friends, Jack Tell, Marcya Daneille, Death is a Business and more!”
Hong Kong Fuck You + Milorganaut, Snuffed, Backstabber, I.C.U.P. @ X-Ray Arcade
ILUKA + VANITY, Kitty Coen @ Cactus Club
Coop 60: Milwaukee’s Only 60-Hour Film Fest @ The Cooperage
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