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 January 26 – February 2-8, 2026, brought to you by Wynk.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Groundhog Day @ Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
We’ll give you a winter prediction: It’s gonna be cold, it’s gonna be gray, and it’s gonna last you for the rest of your life.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3
WMSE’s Local/Live: Emmitt James @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“When you think of hip-hop infused with jazz, or the seamless fusion of jazz rap, Emmitt James comes to mind. When you think of an independent artist redefining what it means to create on their own terms, Emmitt James stands out. A Milwaukee-based hip-hop/jazz artist and barista, James has carved out a unique lane that blends genre, culture, and craft. After spending time in Los Angeles, James shared stages with legendary acts like The Pharcyde and Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), as well as contemporary artists including Duckwrth, Joey Purp, and Cuco. Now, he brings that same magic back to Anodyne, just ahead of his birthday show on February 7 at 5 Points Gallery.”
Runo Plum + Lutalo (solo), Jacob Slade @ Cactus Club
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Cowboy Killers: A Comedy Show @ Falcon Nest
It’s another installment of Cowboy Killers! Roll on over to Falcon Bowl and enjoy a night of stand-up comedy from Raegan Niemela, Will Isenberg, Vanessa Tortolano, and David Schendlinger!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Tropical Rabbit Release Party @ Lakefront Brewery
“Our new Tropical Rabbit is bursting with citrusy, tropical fruit flavors in this 6.8% unfiltered IPA made with eclipse, galaxy, and vic secret hops. In celebration of Tropical Rabbit’s release, on Thursday, February 5 at 5 p.m., we’re giving away a FREE HALF BARREL of this tasty new brew at the Beer Hall (while supplies last)! We’re also giving away a free Tropical Rabbit pint glass to every attendee to add to their collection or to start a new one. Take that old Hula Hoop out and start preparing to outlast the competition in our Hula Hoop Contest (6 p.m.) or start up your morning stretches again and get in on the Limbo Competition (6:30 p.m.) Wear your best Hawaiian Shirt and dress for the occasion to win our Hawaiian Shirt Contest (7 p.m.) The winners of each contest will each take home a case of Tropical Rabbit IPA.”
Coolzey + Lily Slay, Guerrilla Ghost @ Cactus Club
Thyone + People In Trouble, Primitive Broadcast Service, FakeTwin @ X-Ray Arcade
Leroy Airmaster @ Ope! Brewing Co.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6
WMSE’s Art & Music @ The Pritzlaff Building
For the ninth year, Art & Music—an art auction fundraiser for WMSE 91.7FM—will showcase art and music as a means of generating support for the public radio station. This event is billed as multi-sensory and immersive, touting “art, music, food, and entertainment” for the whole family. At the center is an auction of hundreds of album-sized, 12″ x 12″ pieces of original art from local and national artists.
Group Of The Altos + Astral Hand, Exitstatements @ X-Ray Arcade
Shows from cinematic post-rock outfit Group Of The Altos are few and far between these days, so any chance to see the Group live should not be missed. Sure, you can regularly see members of the Altos perform in other fantastic local groups—Collections Of Colonies Of Bees, Marielle Allschwang & The Visitations, Hello Death, more—but there’s something special about a real-deal Altos show.
Barely Civil + Known Moons (split release) + Frantic Repair, The Hallelujah Ward @ Cactus Club
What’s better than one of the best Milwaukee bands releasing new music? Well, two of the best Milwaukee bands releasing new music on a split EP, of course. Enter Barely Known, a new EP featuring two new tracks from Milwaukee emo band Barely Civil, and two new tracks from Milwaukee indie band Known Moons. (Remember that 2019 split from SIN BAD and Bad Wig called SIN BAD WIG? It’s kind of like that!) “Known Moons is our favorite band in the city,” says Barely Civil frontman Connor Erickson. “Collaborating with them on this release was a no-brainer for us.”
Greg Koch & The Koch Marshall Trio + Ila Rose, Woody Mankowski @ The Argo
Hannah Berner: None Of My Business Tour @ The Riverside Theater
Hi Score: Live Video Game Music @ The Estate (early and late shows)
Club Ritual Vol. 2 @ The Cooperage
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Paul H @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Mitten Fest @ Burnhearts
Over its 12-year run, Mitten Fest has earned the undisputed distinction of being Milwaukee’s favorite wintertime celebration. From noon to 8 p.m., Mitten Fest will once again heat up the neighborhood with live music, craft beer and cocktails, tasty treats from area food vendors, and philanthropy (as a means of collecting donations for Hunger Task Force). Music will be provided by The Hallelujah Ward; Shrinestone; Hello, Face; Bellends; and DJ Christreater. Find everything else you need to know about this year’s Mitten Fest HERE.
Hello Death + Alicia Rytlewski @ Jazz Gallery Center For The Arts
“Indie-folk group Hello Death is a staple of the Milwaukee music scene. Their live performances explore a vast cinematic range, from minimalist piano and vocal arrangements, to soaring guitars and three-part harmonies. Pulling from porch hymns and funeral dirges, they call to mind folk greats like Elizabeth Cotten, Odetta, and Leonard Cohen, as well as indie contemporaries like Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, and Nina Nastasia. Alicia Rytlewski is a pianist, composer and vocalist from Milwaukee, Wis. Brimming with movement and wonder, her debut album, When We Were Bears soundtracks transition and transformation, chronicling the rhythms of the seasons and the heart alike.”
Maximiano + Bitch Creek, Marble Teeth @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
“Maximiano is a Milwaukee-based singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist whose debut full-length, The Real Truth, was called a ‘towering artistic achievement’ and named a favorite album of 2024 by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Shepherd Express, and Milwaukee Record. Now, Maximiano brings us Rokeby (releasing April 1), an introspective and innovative new LP written over the course of a ten-day dog-sitting gig in the Hudson River Valley. The collection explores themes of grief, healing, and hope during times of personal and political upheaval.”
Wire And Nail @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Since forming back in 2017 on account of its members’ shared love of outlaw country and classic rock, Wire And Nail has crafted timeless tunes that just beg to be played loud while driving around town with your windows down on a warm day. Though the conditions outside likely won’t be conducive to that on Saturday, you’ll fortunately be able to see Wire And Nail live in West Allis at Ope! Brewing Co. for free.
Voces De La Frontera Fundraiser: Adrenochrome + Curbsitter, Sublet, Death Fiend @ MKE Ultra
Mike Dunn + Twan, Phlury & Riptide @ Falcon Hall
Alley Eyes + Varsity Mac, Bowvee, Fakeout @ Cactus Club
Neil Davis Quintet @ The Estate (early and late shows)
WMSE Presents: Pirate Steve’s Reggae Jam @ The Cooperage
Ladies Of Hip Hop: DJ Milkman @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Adam Blackwood + John Stanford, Bowvee @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“Adam Blackwood, born and raised in Milwaukee, is a singer-songwriter who blends musical genres such as pop, rock, funk, and so much more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Adam took it upon himself to write his own solo music. His debut single, ‘One Of A Kind,’ was released in 2022. His debut album Underdressed was released shortly after in early 2023. His creative juices kept flowing into 2024, where his sophomore album Pessimistic Jellyfish was released. Adam has continued to challenge himself artistically as his third eponymous album, Adam Blackwood, was released in 2025 with much more mature and broader themes, so people can get to know him.”
Teenage Ice Age + Jenny Matrix, Ladyslipper, Radio Caroline @ MKE Ultra
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