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 December 1-7, 2025.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1
Visual AIDS Presents: Day With(out) Art 2025: Meet Us Where We’re At @ Cactus Club
“Cactus Club is proud to partner with @visual_aids for Day With(out) Art 2025 by presenting Meet Us Where We’re At, a program of six videos that forefront the experiences of drug users and harm reduction practices as they intersect with the ongoing HIV crisis. The program features new work by Camilo Tapia Flores, Camila Flores-Fernández, Hoàng Thái Anh, Kenneth Idongesit Usoro, José Luis Cortés, and Gustavo Vinagre & Vinicius Couto. A day of mourning and action that uses art to respond to the ongoing HIV and AIDS crisis, Day With(out) Art encourages museums, universities, museums, and art institutions to present related programming on or around December 1, World AIDS Day. Because AIDS is not over! We are excited to be hosting this event for the 6th year in a row. The organization was introduced to us by our late and beloved friend, Carl Bogner. This event is free and all ages with viewer discretion advised for heavy content related to drug use.”
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2
WMSE’s Local/Live: Tyler And Ashley’s Holiday Show @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“During the height of the lockdown a holiday hero was born, with local musician Tyler Chicorel (Call Me Lightning, Whips, Spaceraft) and his original hit ‘Christmas At Home.’ Upon hearing such a hit, holiday enthusiast and former bandmate Ashley Smith threatened death upon Chicorel if he dared not collaborate on more Christmas songs, and in 2022 the pair put out ‘Give It All Away.’ In 2024 the duo again went in the studio and released two more original holiday songs, ‘Christmas Lites’ and ‘Bad Habit.’ Please join us for this free, all ages show. Can’t make it in person? Tune in live on 91.7FM, stream it at wmse.org, or listen on the free WMSE app.”
Hugh Jackman @ Kopp’s (Greenfield)
Actor Hugh Jackman (along with director Craig Brewer) will be at Kopp’s Frozen Custard in Greenfield, 7631 W. Layton Ave., serving free scoops of Kopp’s special flavor of the day, “Song Sung Blueberry.” The event is to promote Brewer’s new film Song Sung Blue, which tells the story of Milwaukee’s Mike and Claire Sardina and their long-running Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning & Thunder. (It stars Jackman and Kate Hudson.) Folks can begin lining up in a designated area at 1:30 p.m., and the first 500 people in line at 2:30 p.m. will get a free scoop of “Song Sung Blueberry” from Jackman and Brewer.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
S. Carey @ Vivarium
“Join S. Carey in celebration of the release of his new EP Watercress! Joined by a talented band of longtime friends and collaborators, S. Carey will premiere never-before-played songs from the EP and classic favorites, reflecting on a beautiful year of touring and studio work.”
’90s Middle School Dance Jams @ Wiggle Room
“Aaron Miller-Santiago and Tyler Maas will be stepping behind the decks at Wiggle Room and doling out (at least) three hours of ’90s—and maybe some late 1980s and early aughts—jams that are sure to transport you back to your school dances of yesteryear. The fun starts at 6 p.m. No cover. Be there.”
Cowboy Killers Comedy Show @ Falcon Nest
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
Cursive + AJJ @ X-Ray Arcade (sold out)
“Very few bands manage to last decades, and for the ones that do, it’s often easy to settle down and get a little too comfortable. But there’s nothing comfortable about Devourer, the explosive new album from Cursive. The iconic Omaha group is known for their intensity, ambition, and execution, and has spent 30 years creating a bold discography that’s defined as much by its cathartic sound as its weighty, challenging lyrical themes. And Devourer is as daring as ever. Full of intense and incisive songs, the album proves exactly why Cursive have been so influential and enduring–and why they remain so vital today.”
Midweek Music: Liv Weiss (Bitch Creek) @ Crafty Cow Tosa
Every fall since 2021, Milwaukee Record has brought live music to Crafty Cow Tosa with Midweek Music. The series concludes its 2025 run tonight with a rescheduled set from Bitch Creek singer-songwriter Liv Weiss. Stop by and enjoy some free music! There is NO COVER for this all-ages shows, which runs 7 -8:30 p.m.
Rhett Miller + Anna Daley Young @ Vivarium
“The tenth solo album from Rhett Miller, A Lifetime Of Riding By Night, is a study in surrender. Days before undergoing potentially damaging surgery on his vocal cords, the Texas-born singer/songwriter headed into the studio with his Old 97’s bandmate Murry Hammond and recorded a batch of songs, then handed them off for Hammond to complete as he recovered. Threaded with his lived-in reflection on mortality and love in all forms, the album contains some of Miller’s most unguarded material yet—an achievement he attributes to revelations gleaned through his recent work in teaching songwriting at The New School in Manhattan, as well as the open-hearted nature of his collaborations with an eclectic lineup of co-writers.”
Rory Scovel @ Turner Hall Ballroom
In addition to his ever-growing list of acting roles, Rory Scovel is one of the funniest and most original comedians working today. Don’t miss your chance to see the innovative humorist do what he does best at Turner Hall when he drops by Milwaukee as part of his “Know Your Enemy Tour.”
Combustor @ Ope! Brewing Co.
“Combustor is Milwaukee’s explosive rock outfit, cranking out gritty riffs, thunderous drums, and lyrics that hit like a keg tap to the gut. These firestarters blend punk edge with heavy grooves, turning every set into a high-octane bonfire of sound—dontcha know, it’s the kinda chaos that pairs perfect with an OPE! IPA. Catch ’em live and feel the burn, ya wild ones. No fluff, just pure ignition.”
Sludge Hawking (record release) + Natalie Sue & The Steed, Mystical Zenith @ Cactus Club
The Claudettes (record release) + Elephonic @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Tech N9ne + King ISO, X-Raided, Joey Cool @ The Rave / Eagles Club
Shrinestone + Cassini Echoes, Buenos Aires
GIL Jazz Christmas @ The Estate
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
Samantha Fish, Cedric Burnside & Jon Spencer @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“Get ready for an unforgettable night of blues and rock ‘n’ roll featuring three great Grammy-nominated bands that define the current day and future of blues rock. Grammy-nominated artist Samantha Fish, known for her exceptional guitar skills and captivating vocals, has made a significant mark on the blues scene, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Jon Spencer’s boundary-pushing artistry has redefined rock and blues for decades. Rounding out the lineup is the legendary Grammy Award winning Cedric Burnside, the grandson of the legendary R.L. Burnside, whose deep-rooted Mississippi blues heritage shines through in his music, bringing authenticity and passion to the stage.”
The Argo Soft Opening @ The Argo
There’s a new venue in Whitefish Bay! That’s right, folks, The Argo is opening this month in the former Fox Bay Cinema location. This Friday, the brand new live entertainment destination will host a soft opening event that will feature VEAUX from Nashville and Milwaukee-based openers Zach Pietrini and Chris Haise Band. And if you need another reason to check out The Argo this weekend, all net profits from Friday’s show will be donated to Whitefish Bay School District’s music programs.
Hit The Lights + Gold Steps, Walk Off @ Cactus Club
“Exploding from a basement in Lima, Ohio, Hit The Lights has been an electrifying spark in pop-punk since 2003. Known for delivering a kinetic blend of high-energy punk rock with emo-tinged arrangements and hardcore-inspired breakdowns, the band gained traction with their debut EP followed by their first full-length, This Is A Stickup…Don’t Make It A Murder, released on Triple Crown Records in 2006. Through their infectious sound and relentless touring, they have earned themselves a loyal fan base which remain devoted to this day.”
Christmas In The Ward @ Catalano Square
Seasonal music, theatrical performances of holiday classics, a visit from Santa, and a tree lighting ceremony all await you in Historic Third Ward at the Christmas In The Ward event. There will also be hot chocolate and beer available for purchase.
Henhouse Prowlers + Valley Fox, Ogburn & Cerny @ Vivarium
Davina And The Vagabonds @ Shank Hall
J.R. & The Strangers + Dropbear Collective, Ben Harold Trio, Genesee @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone In Concert @ The Riverside Theater (through December 7)
Arlen + Simon Cropp @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
A Jerry Grillo Christmas @ The Estate (early and late shows)
Ex Fabula Season 17 Storyslam: Date Night @ Falcon Hall
A Very Theremin Christmas @ Quarters Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace
SAUCED Night Market @ Pilot Project Brewing (also December 6)
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Paul H @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Ryan Necci And The Buffalo Gospel @ Vivarium
Even though Ryan Necci—the founding member, bandleader, and namesake of Ryan Necci And The Buffalo Gospel—now calls Tennessee home, the Milwaukee expat and professional songwriter returns to his home region every fall and brings the band out for a local concert. For the second straight year, Necci and company will perform at Vivarium. The homecoming doubles as a release show for Buffalo Gospel’s brand new album, The Dead Can’t Take A Hint.
mgk + Julia Wolf @ Fiserv Forum
“Following his record-setting Mainstream Sellout Tour—which saw him headline arenas across North America and Europe, including a historic stadium show in his hometown of Cleveland—mgk is raising the bar yet again. The Lost Americana Tour is set to be his biggest global headline run yet, bringing him to major arenas, amphitheaters and festivals across North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. With more than 20.6 billion streams and millions of albums sold globally, mgk continues to push boundaries as a genre-defying artist and electrifying live act.”
Samiam + Avenues, Hello Face @ X-Ray Arcade
Samiam has done it all. Since starting out on Gilman Street in the late ’80s, the legendary punk band has released eight influential albums and a mess of excellent EPs. The group has toured extensively, played all over the world, spent time on a major label, and shared the stage with some of the planet’s biggest bands. Despite lineup changes and side ventures aplenty, the band is still going strong. After a long-awaited return to Milwaukee in 2019 and an X-Ray Arcade show in 2023, Samiam comes back to the region to headline Cudahy’s X-Ray Arcade again.
Driveway Thriftdwellers (record release) + Joseph Huber Band @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Milwaukee’s own Driveway Thriftdwellers will take the stage at Linneman’s on Saturday to play a belated release show for High Top Van, the album the band released last month. Joseph Huber Band will offer another dash of local support.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet @ Miller High Life Theatre
The Dead Bolts + Mojo Thunder @ Falcon Hall
Dustin Laurenzi Quartet @ The Estate (early and late shows)
Lex Bauman @ Irving Place Records
Emo Ever After Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
Milwaukee Krampusnacht @ Brewery District
Since 2017, Milwaukee Krampusnacht has celebrated the half-goat/half-demon Krampus—a.k.a. a figure from Alpine folklore who punishes naughty children and acts as a foil to the do-gooding Saint Nicholas. The annual blowout is a family-friendly night of costumes, music, food and drink, parades, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and more. Milwaukee is the city of festivals, after all, so why not an annual Krampusnacht?
Milwaukee Record Halftime Show: Poet22 + DJ Zeb @ Cactus Club
The Pack is back! And so is the Milwaukee Record Halftime Show concert series at Cactus Club! We’ve assembled a stacked roster of 15 acts that will provide FREE all-ages entertainment at Cactus Club during halftime of Green Bay’s games. 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.
Malört Fest @ Busby’s
People typically feel one of two ways about Jeppson’s Malört: they either hate it, or they absolutely love it…as something to buy for someone who’s never tried it before. Despite being the textbook definition of an “acquired taste,” the daunting Chicago spiri has become a lip-puckering point of pride in the Windy City and, in recent years, has established something of a presence behind the pine at watering holes here in Milwaukee. With the Packers and Bears set to square off for the first time this season, Busby’sis creating a haven where fans of both teams can enjoy this historic rivalry together while also celebrating the polarizing spirit. Malört Fest 2025 will begin at 11:30 a.m. to give people a chance to settle in before the noon kickoff, and will run until bar close.
WMSE’s 11th Annual Big Band Grandstand @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“You do not want to miss the awe-inspiring talent of Gunhild Carling, Sweden’s Queen of Swing, on full display once again as she graces the stage for another unforgettable WMSE Big Band Grandstand performance!”
Hover Craft @ The Pritzlaff Building
Since 2009, Hover Craft has brought skilled local artists, crafters, retailers, and others residing beneath the broad “maker” umbrella together to bring Milwaukee-made goods to area consumers during the holiday season. It returns to The Pritzlaff Building for another installment on Sunday.
11th Annual Larry Penn Tribute Concert @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Handcrafted: Lakefront Makers Market @ Lakefront Brewery
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