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 4-10, 2025.
MONDAY, AUGUST 4
Wisconsin State Fair @ Wisconsin State Fair Park (through August 10)
The 2025 Wisconsin State Fair continues! For seven more days, hundreds of thousands of proud Wisconsinites will flock to the State Fair Grounds in West Allis to take in all the sights, sounds, and zany food the fest has to offer. Want to watch some racing pigs? The State Fair has you covered. Want to slide down the Giant Slide? The State Fair has you covered. Want to catch music from Darius Rucker, Lynyrd Skynyrd, that “Happy Together” revue featuring one of the guys from The Turtles, and more? The State Fair has you covered. Support the West Allis lawn parking economy! We love you, Wisconsin State Fair!
Musical Mondays: The Kentucky Gentlemen @ 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!—looks to be another winner. As for this week: “With smooth harmonies and a sound that fuses country storytelling with R&B swagger and pop sensibility, The Kentucky Gentlemen, are led by Bourbon Country twins Derek and Brandon Campbell. The brothers are rewriting the rules of country music and have performed with The Black Opry and been recognized by GLADD as ‘New Voices in Country.'”
Boundaries + Stick To Your Guns, Gates Of Hell, Psycho-Frame @ X-Ray Arcade (sold out)
It’s Alive: Kuj Magic @ Bronze Fonz
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5
Chill On The Hill: Scam Likely + NilexNile @ 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. Former-Milwaukee-but-now-Chicago indie-rock band Scam Likely headlines the show, and tireless rapper NilexNile opens things up.
Gold Steps + Brea Fournier & The Dream Ballet, Kat And The Hurricane, Othertones @ Sugar Maple
Last month, emo-tinted Milwaukee band Gold Steps released a brand new song. “Rent Free” is the first of four singles the group has planned for 2025. There’s no question why they’re leading with this one, as it’s a shimmering and sun-kissed throwback to early-aughts pop-punk that comes complete with vibrant instrumentation and super catchy lyrics about living your best life regardless of what people think.
Galactic Empire + Nini, Arcade Mode @ X-Ray Arcade
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6
Wanda Chrome And The Leather Pharaohs + The Strains @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“Wanda Chrome and the Leather Pharaohs have been DIY or die before most of you were born. Comprised of the loudest couple to ever storm outta beer city, Cliff and Wanda wrote the blueprint on sticking it to the man and doing whatever pleases them. Unfazed by wishy washy trends, they have stayed true to their guns and have been pounding out the rock and roll since the early ’90s . With the thundering drums of Joel Beskow, they have been blowing out eardrums across the wild wasteland and sipping brewskis the whole way. In the spirit of the Sonics, Flaming Groovies, The Dictators and Dead Moon, with a style and flair that is entirely their own. Salt of the earth midwestern rock and roll for the undeserving masses.”
Pantera + Amon Amarth, King Parrot @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
“Get ready for The Heaviest Tour Of The Summer! Featuring classic members, vocalist Philip H. Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, alongside guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante. Pantera with special guests Amon Amarth and King Parrot at American Family Insurance Amphitheater August 6, 2025!”
Wonderful Wednesdays: Duke Otherwise @ Lake Park Summer Stage
Heart(beats) Of The City: Kal Bergendahl Project @ Red Arrow Park
Mayfair Collection Summer Concert Series: 5pm To Nowhere @ Keady Plaza
Cowboy Killer Comedy Show @ Falcon Nest
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7
ArtBlaze Beach Party @ McKinley Beach
Local public art nonprofit Joy Engine gave the Milwaukee summer a jolt of unexpected fun last year with a series of so-called ArtBlaze beach parties. The free all-ages shindigs return to McKinley Beach this year, complete with local music, local vendors, and plenty of s’mores. Oh, and 25-foot “HydroBloom” inflatable sculptures from FuzzPop! Musical entertainment includes Pulpa De Guayaba, *aya, Allison Mahal, and more.
Run Along Forever Presents: 414bigfrank + Kill.Dawn, Superstar Sel, Sabbath, TTG Rio @ Cactus Club
“414bigfrank is a rapper hailing from Milwaukee’s north side, known for his energetic performances and distinctive style. Inspired by artists like Bow Wow, he began crafting his musical persona by creating parodies of local rap tracks, showcasing his deep understanding of Milwaukee’s rap culture. In July 2024, he made his debut at Summerfest, opening the stage for artists such as Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty. Later that year, he released his album Can Never Make Me Hate You, further solidifying his presence in the Milwaukee music scene.”
Under The Bridge: Fuzzysurf @ Third Space Brewing
Fuzzysurf’s long-awaited follow-up to 2020’s super poppy Sweet Tooth is a 20-track, genre-jumping double LP that comes after a two-year hiatus. True to the album’s name, Chameleons takes many different forms—capably veering from the band’s expected surf-tinged indie rock to downtrodden ballads, and even some uncharacteristically dark flourishes—over the course of its 67-minute runtime. Fuzzysurf members also flexed new instrumental muscles by adding keys, accordion, mandolin, banjo, lap steel, bells, trumpet, timpani, and harmonica to reach new and unfamiliar places throughout the ambitious and shapeshifting record.
Father Sky + John Davey @ The Cooperage
Worst Party Ever + Good Sleepy, If Kansas Had Trees, Barely Civil, New Age Thief @ X-Ray Arcade
Selina Boland @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Edelweiss Concert Cruise Series: Twang Dragons @ Milwaukee River, 205 W. Highland Ave.
Jazz At The Vine: Sugo @ Humboldt Park
Thursday Bike Night Concert Series: FallBack @ Harley-Davidson Museum
Tunes@Noon: Mighty Ms. Erica @ Courtyard of 411 East Wisconsin Center
Summer Film Series: Encanto @ Deer District
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8
Waukesha Rotary BluesFest @ Naga-Waukee Park, Delafield (also August 9)
“Waukesha Rotary BluesFest is a celebration of the ‘Roots’ of American Music which includes blues, rock and roll, country, gospel, soul, jazz, folk and so much more! Our mission is to present a widely diverse line up of musical styles that will thrill and entertain any lover of good music and the history behind the music.” The legendary Mitch Ryder of Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels headlines Friday’s lineup, while Tracy Nelson (with The Jimmys) headlines Saturday.
Broncho @ Cactus Club
Fresh off the release of Natural Pleasure, which has been described as “Radiohead’s Kid A filtered through a haze of pot smoke and reimagined for a generation craving both grit and transcendence,” Oklahoma indie rock outfit Broncho returns to Cactus Club for what’s sure to be a sellout. If there are still tickets available when you’re reading this, you should probably get them now.
Billy Strings @ Fiserv Forum
Just shy of four years removed from his sold-out show at The Riverside Theater, finger-picking and Grammy-winning bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings will return to Milwaukee to headline Fiserv Forum.
Cat Video Fest @ Oriental Theatre
“The annual family-friendly Cat Video Fest is a compilation reel of cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and, of course, classic internet powerhouses. Cat Video Fest is a joyous communal experience, only in theaters, and raises money for local cats in need through partnerships with cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters.”
Full Nude + Bimbo, Red Quean @ Uptowner
Long Line Riders @ Wiggle Room
Shadeseeker + Milou Moon, Fuzzysurf @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Bloom The Arctic + Sheebie, Pretoria, Ur Mom @ Falcon Hall
Red · Mage + Cathedral Becomes Tomb, Apollo Vermouth @ MKE Ultra
Clay Fulton & The Lost Forty @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Nick Amadeus @ Ope! Brewing Co.
The Argo Free Concert Series: Chris Haise Band @ Ivanhoe Plaza
It’s Alive: Gene Gruber @ Lakefront Brewery
Starry Nights: Taste Of Irish Fest @ Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts
Mall Goth: Retro Video Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9
Fellow Kinsman + Ladybird, Mol Sullivan @ Cactus Club
Though Nate Kinsman has been releasing music under the Fellow Kinsman moniker since 2017, the South Dakota-born and Milwaukee-raised multi-instrumentalist really seemed to hit his stride coming out of the pandemic. In 2022, Kinsman’s “Land-Locked-Surf-Rock” came into widespread local consciousness with the release of his sophomore album, Where Were You, that ably melds aspects of psych, indie, folk, and (yes) surf rock into something glistening, emotive, and genre-jumping. A new album, Break Room, is expected in October.
Morning Glory Art Fair @ Deer District (also August 10)
“Our art fair has proudly featured over 100 high-quality artists, and this year promises to be an event you do not want to miss! Hosted at the vibrant Deer District in Downtown Milwaukee, the event offers a fantastic atmosphere with dining, entertainment, and easy parking, making it convenient and enjoyable for all attendees. With a diverse range of art in ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, photography, and more, the fair continues to be a destination art show.”
Anime 414 @ Baird Center (also August 10)
“Welcome to Anime 414, Milwaukee’s premier celebrity anime convention, taking place in the heart of downtown! Join us on August 9-10, 2025, for a weekend packed with excitement and anime culture. Don’t miss the chance to meet beloved voice-over celebrities, collect unique autographs, and explore an incredible selection of top-notch vendors from around the globe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the world of anime, there’s something for everyone at Anime 414.”
Twiztid + Blaze, ABK, SorryX, $pliff Gang @ The Rave / Eagles Club
Earth, Wind & Fire @ Miller High Life Theatre
The Judge + Dead Feathers, ADORNER, High Gallows @ Falcon Hall
Shoobie + Waterspouts, Samwise Baker, Her Haunting Melody, secret band @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Will Evans + Sierra Marin @ Shank Hall
Reign Of Ferns + Lorna Dune, Mahlmeister / Schoenecker, Wavefiler @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Graphics + Genau, Fake Twin, Free Country @ Jazz Gallery Center For The Arts
Current Sounds: Jack Eyke @ Lakefront Brewery
Y2K All 2000s Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, AUGUST 10
Eli White & The Art Of + *aya, Nzinga, Sau! @ Cactus Club
“Eli White is a local rapper hailing from the Southside of Milwaukee. His love for different genres of music growing up influence his sound and his upbringing in the city influences his message. He recently dropped his 3rd mixtape The Art Of, a rap project with heavy jazz influence. Don’t miss out on catching it here live.”
Jewish Food Festival @ Rotary Park, Mequon (also August 11)
“The Jewish Food Festival, an annual celebration of Jewish culture, cuisine, and community! Held in Mequon, this year we’re anticipating a grand turnout of 7,500+ enthusiastic attendees. The Jewish Food Festival brings together residents and visitors from all backgrounds to experience the rich traditions and delicious flavors of Jewish heritage. The Jewish Food Festival features an array of mouthwatering dishes, from classic pastrami sandwiches to savory knishes and comforting matzo ball soup. Beyond the culinary delights, attendees can enjoy live music, captivating shows, and engaging workshops that showcase the beauty and diversity of Jewish culture.”
Human Ant Farm + Atheena, Flatwounds, Superglue @ Sugar Maple
Summer Patio Music Series: Bernie Bernhoft @ Great Lakes Distillery
Cafe Sopra Mare: Jorge Vallentine @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Cathedral Square Market: Charlie Short @ Cathedral Square Park
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