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 February 17-23, 2025.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17
A Night With Hornswoggle + Mike Stricker, Aaron Clark @ X-Ray Arcade
“The odds at making it to the WWE are tall. They’re even taller when you’re a little person. One man overcame all of the odds and more! Spend an evening with former WWE Superstar Hornswoggle as he recounts anecdotes and shenanigans from his nearly decade long career in the WWE. From meeting WWE Chairman Vince McMahon for the first time to portraying his son in storyline; Swoggle is filled with hilarious stories from his career. Being the mascot for one of the most popular factions in wrestling history D-Generation X, announced as the mystery Raw General Manager, and the epic Wee LC match with El Torito, nothing is off limits when it comes to the fun and humorous storytelling of the evening. Swoggle also takes you on a brief journey of his small (no pun intended) movie career in the films, Muppets Most Wanted and Leprechaun: Origins.”
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Flat Out Friday Presents: World’s Smallest Flat Track Races @ The Cooperage
“The Cooperage is happy to welcome the first of two official Flat Out Friday/Mama Tried week events! The World’s Smallest Flat Track Races! It is exactly what it sounds like. We’ve built a mini flat track inside The Cooperage for a night fun, frights and mayhem! So grab your friends, and local hooligans, get a couple of drinks rippin, suck some exhaust and witness the most electrifying spectacle to kick off the festivities of the greatest part of Milwaukee’s year! THIS THING IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! MUST BE 21+.”
2025 Spring Primary @ Your Polling Location
On Tuesday, February 18, Wisconsin will vote in the 2025 Spring Primary election. It’s not a super flashy primary, but, like all local elections, it’s super important and individual votes matter. Here’s the deal: Everyone in Wisconsin will vote in the primary for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Three candidates are running, and the top two vote-getters will move on to the general Spring Election on April 1. The winner will be responsible for setting education standards and policies for the entire state. In Milwaukee, East Side and some Riverwest residents will vote in the primary for District 3 Alderperson. The position was left vacant following the death of Jonathan Brostoff in November 2024. There are eight candidates running, and the top two vote-getters will move on to the general Spring Election on April 1. The winner will represent their district on the Milwaukee Common Council. Find a super-simple voting guide to the 2025 Spring Primary HERE.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Milwaukee Record Presents: 50 First Dates @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
50 First Dates tells a tale as old as time: swinging bachelor marine veterinarian (Adam Sandler) falls for beautiful art teacher with anterograde amnesia (Drew Barrymore). Romantic hijinks—a.k.a. Sandler repeatedly having to woo Barrymore because she can’t remember him from day to day—ensue. Think of it like Groundhog Day, but set in Hawaii and starring the ’90s/’00s cinematic power couple from The Wedding Singer. Also, Sean Astin, Dan Aykroyd, and Rob Schneider are in it. Tickets still available!
Midweek Music: Nick Maas @ Crafty Cow (Bay View)
Hey! We’re bringing our free Midweek Music concert series back to Crafty Cow in Bay View! There’s NO COVER for these all-ages shows, which run from 7-8:30 p.m. The series continues this week with a performance from singer-songwriter Nick Maas. And if a free weeknight show isn’t already great enough on its own, Crafty Cow will offer $4 pints of its delicious Crafty Cow Lager (made by 3 Sheeps Brewing) during all Midweek Music concerts. They’ll also have meal deals available during each show.
Joe Bonamassa @ The Riverside Theater
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Official Mama Tried Pre-Party @ Harley-Davidson Museum
“Kick off Mama Tried Show weekend at the official pre-party on Thursday, February 20! Meet Flat Out Friday racers and Mama Tried builders, cheer on the boonie bike races, and enjoy DJs, raffles, outdoor fire pits, and MOTOR Bar & Restaurant specials.
Catch a special 5 p.m. screening of Angels Of Dirt in Rumble, the award-winning documentary celebrating the life of AMA Pro Racer Charlotte Kainz—her XR750 will be on display! Then stick around for a Q&A hosted by Scottie Deubler (The Voice Of American Flat Track) and Director Wendy Schneider with racers Brooke Chromy, Hannah Lange, and Leah Orloff. Down in MOTOR, DJ KEV (Flat Out Friday’s official DJ) spins from 6-9 p.m. Stop by for tattoos by The Skin Museum, beats from DJ Joey Hollywood, and great vibes all night long.”
Coleman Williams + Lightnin’ Luke, Jayke Orvis @ Shank Hall
“There are family traditions, and then there is the Williams Family Tradition. Beginning with the legendary Hank Williams, then his son, Hank Jr. and grandson, Hank 3, now the fourth generation of Williams (Coleman Williams or IV) is ready to take his place in the music world with his band, IV and the Strange Band.”
ATLYS + Violet Wilder @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“ATLYS is a classically trained, crossover string quartet founded in 2016 and lauded for their passionate and dynamic performances and signature sound. Equipped with the power of stringed instruments, ATLYS is both an ambassador for Shar Music as well as Swiss audio teach company, Schertler, whose microphones allow ATLYS to harness the dynamism of the 21st century. Curating programs that are both diverse and intriguing, ATLYS has graced stages such as Red Rocks and the Gorge with over 1000 performances under their belt, and over 10 million streams on Spotify, they have inspired listeners across the globe.”
Sushi Cowboy + Will Pfrang & The Good Land Gang, Royal Mill @ Falcon Nest
Commonwealth + Tiny Voices, Bouquet, Graysea, Tanner Larkins @ Cactus Club
Cameron Webb’s Valentine’s Day Soul Revue @ The Estate (through February 22)
Saoirse The + Dead Dead Swans, No Parking (solo) Misselismo @ Sugar Maple
Thursday Nights At MAM @ Milwaukee Art Museum
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Flat Out Friday @ Fiserv Forum
“Part race, part rock show and part circus, Flat Out Friday adds up to 110% entertainment. More than 300 riders in 12 classes are anticipated to participate, including Open Hooligan, Women’s Hooligan, Open Women’s, 50cc, Open Amateur, Pro, Electric, Boonie (Minibikes), Vintage, Brakeless, 65cc-85cc and Goofball. Originating in 2014, Flat Out Friday is indoor flat track motorcycle racing that takes place on a sticky soda syrup track. Riders from the ages of six to 79 years old come from across the country to compete at the largest and most distinguished indoor flat track race in the U.S.A.”
Riverwest Radio Spotlight Series: Wave Chapelle + Barely Civil, Caley Conway, 2hi @ Amorphic Beer
For the last year or so, the Riverwest Radio Spotlight Series has featured host Wave Chapelle and an eclectic group of supporting acts putting on intimate shows at the titular Riverwest radio station. But now the series has found a new home: Amorphic Beer, at 3700 N. Fratney St.. To celebrate, Chapelle and company are putting on quite possibly their most stacked show yet. Wave Chapelle, Barely Civil, Caley Conway, AND 2hi? Don’t miss this one, folks.
Horny Hawg Hootenanny (Flat Out Friday After Party): Ladybird + Bronco, Justin Witte Trio, The Cult Of Nasty @ Boone & Crockett
“Y’all hungry for some rockin Cuntry, Sexy fun, and Dynamic races? Well babes, you can call us OLD COUNTRY BUFFET! We are an official part of Flat Out Fridays after parties! A true time honored part of Mama Tried. Featuring performances by: Ladybird, Bronco, Justin Witte Trio, and The Cult of Nasty! Tattoo Flash by Gilly & Lora-Shock Treatment! 50/50 raffle! Spaghetti wrestling! Races and more!”
MAM After Dark: New York Nights @ Milwaukee Art Museum
“Join us for MAM After Dark and be transported to the rad streets of 1980s New York City, where Robert Longo’s iconic career began. Channel your inner club kid and dance the night away to the iconic hits of the decade. Bust a move with the breakdancers and strike a pose (vogue!) in the photo booth. Your ticket includes access to the galleries and complimentary light bites. Looking for a VIP experience? Become a Member! Museum Members enjoy discounted tickets and a private lounge. Inspired by Longo’s charcoal drawings, black and white attire is encouraged!”
Friday Night Freak Show: CB4 @ Oriental Theatre
2025 Adult Spelling Bee @ The Cooperage
Adorner + Motherwind, Whiskey & The Devil @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Eddie Spaghetti & Metal Marty (Supersuckers) + Jayke Orvis @ Sabbatic
Camping In Alaska + Silver Fern, Lagrimas, Human Ant Farm @ Cactus Club
Neva Dinova + Rainbow Cobra, New Beliefs @ X-Ray Arcade
Future Misters + The Taxmen, 5pm To Nowhere @ Falcon Nest
Identity Shock + Brainwash Victims, Natural Abuse, Nightmare Unit @ Sky High Skate Shop
Luma Knotty + Peppers And Pineapples @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Lost Orange Cat @ Ope! Brewing Co.
The Moth: Love Hurts @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Retro Dance Party: DJ Paul H @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Justin Timberlake @ Fiserv Forum
“On Justin’s first tour in five years, the unstoppable showman delivers a flawless performance, captivating fans across the two hours of back-to-back timeless hits and new favorites off his new sixth studio album Everything I Thought It Was. The medley style performance of 29 songs across two stages includes a stacked set of fan-favorites like ‘My Love,’ ‘Cry Me A River,’ ‘Suit & Tie,’ ‘Rock Your Body,’ ‘SexyBack’ and more including ‘Technicolor,’ ‘Infinity Sex,’ ‘Imagination,’ ‘Drown,’ ‘My Favorite Drug,’ ‘F****n’ Up the Disco,’ ‘Play’ and ‘Flame’ off of his new sixth studio album Everything I Thought It Was. The night concludes with a jaw-dropping performance of ‘Mirrors’ where Timberlake floats over the audience on the LED screen of tiny mirrors. The screen tilts in multiple angles allowing Timberlake to lean towards the crowd during the last chorus singalong.”
Vivarium 1 Year Anniversary Party: Immortal Girlfriend + Caley Conway, Holy Pinto @ Vivarium
“Can you believe it? Vivarium has been thriving on Milwaukee’s East Side for an entire year already! We can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with you and some of our favorite local artists! So join us Saturday, February 22 for a $10 show featuring Immortal Girlfriend, Caley Conway, & Holy Pinto. Proceeds will benefit Friendship Circle of Wisconsin in memory of Alderman Jonathan Brostoff. We’ll also be giving away tickets and goodies to say THANK YOU! You’re going to like what we have in store for year 2.”
Mama Tried Motorcycle Show @ The Rave/Eagles Ballroom (also February 23)
“Tired of the winter blues? Stoke your inner biker at the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show, a huge indoor motorcycle expo, taking place over a wild weekend (Feb 22-23) at the legendary Eagles Ballroom! This invitational-only event showcases over 100 incredible custom motorcycles built by the world’s finest crafters. Witness the glorious diversity of two wheels: From lightning-fast flat-trackers to mountain-mauling hill climbers, from chrome-clad choppers to aerodynamic baggers, and even some jaw dropping stunt machines – Mama Tried celebrates the unifying spirit of motorcycling.”
Burn Bright MKE Day One @ X-Ray Arcade (sold out)
“Burn Bright MKE is a Milwaukee area festival that showcases some of the best up and coming bands in the emo/alternative space.” Saturday’s lineup includes Harrison Gordon, Your Arms Are My Cocoon, Slow Joy, Combat, Red Sun, Palette Knife, and Garden Home.
Milwaukee Comic Con @ Wisconsin State Fair Park
“That’s right fans, we’re back again in 2025! Wisconsins biggest comic book and pop culture convention is invading the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, and we’ve got some great stuff up our sleeves for you this time around! We can’t wait for Feb. 22nd to get together at the Milwaukee Comic Con!”
Crystal Gayle @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Psychedelic Rodeo: Modern Joey + Diet Lite, Sugar Lads, Greyhound @ Mad Planet
Shoobie + Glittermouth, Humid, Brindled @ Falcon Nest
Kelsy Karter & The Heroines + Ace Monroe, Sunday Cruise, DJ Kelly Aiglon @ Cactus Club
Horace Green @ Ope! Brewing Co.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Wückfinter VII @ Ray’s Wine & Spirits
This Sunday, Ray’s will host the seventh annual Wückfinter! From 12-5 p.m., the lot outside the store will feature a wide range of 3 Floyds beers (including some rarities) on tap. Bavette, La Dama, Morel, and Offshore will be on-site to serve up food, and DJ Fuzzy Logic will handle the music. Save the date for what!s sure to be a wücking good time in the Rayborhood!
Burn Bright MKE Day Two @ X-Ray Arcade (sold out)
“Burn Bright MKE is a Milwaukee area festival that showcases some of the best up and coming bands in the emo/alternative space.” Sunday’s lineup includes Sincere Engineer, Michael Cera Palin, Frail Body, Excuse Me Who Are You?, Summerbruise, Muted Color, and Moosecreek Park.
The Truck (record release) + Kitty Soft Paw @ Club Garibaldi
Francesca & The Night Sky (record release) + Bernie Bernhoft @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Mr.Phylzzz + Primitive Broadcast Service, Bunk Bed @ Cactus Club
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