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 July 13-19, 2026, brought to you by Wynk.
MONDAY, JULY 13
WNBA Watch Party (Los Angeles vs. Atlanta): Dana Ehrmann @ Cactus Club
Once a month, we’re highlighting a specific WNBA game that will be shown (with sound on) at Cactus Club, both on the bar’s televisions and on a projector in the back room. There will be specials on WYNK and Pacifico (and you’ll get a ticket when purchasing either brand for a raffle that will be held after the third quarter). DJs will play music during commercial breaks. We’ve also lined up some halftime entertainment for you. Yep! This month, comedian and Milwaukee Record State Fair Correspondent Dana Ehrmann will treat hoopsters to a FREE set that will take place between the second and third quarters.
Musical Mondays: Flow Tribe @ Lake Park Summer Stage
“New Orleans’s Flow Tribe brings the fire to audiences through genres of music ranging from soul, funk, blues, rock and more. At the heart of each tune is their passion for the beautiful music of the Crescent City, and the melting pot of influences can be heard in their music and performance.”
Harry Connick, Jr. @ The Riverside Theater
“A consummate performer, Harry Connick, Jr. has exemplified excellence in the entertainment world for decades—be it music, film, television or Broadway. His prodigious talent has earned him Grammy, Emmy and Tony recognition, plus album sales in excess of 30 million and sold-out concerts around the world. Backed by his stellar band, this special concert will showcase the full breadth of Connick’s artistry—from jazz standards and New Orleans classics to his masterful originals and career-defining hits.”
TUESDAY, JULY 14
Drivin N Cryin + Laid Back Country Picker @ Shank Hall
“Drivin N Cryin is an enduring American rock band whose roots-forward sound and uncompromising spirit have made them a vital force since forming in Atlanta, Georgia in 1985. Blending Southern rock grit, folk storytelling, and hard-charging rock & roll, the band built a reputation early on as a must-see live act and a songwriter’s band with depth far beyond trends. Led by singer-songwriter Kevn Kinney and anchored by bassist Tim Nielsen and drummer Dave Johnson, Drivin N Cryin broke through nationally with a run of influential albums that helped define late-’80s and early-’90s American rock.”
Chill On The Hill: SSAANN + Full Nude, Allison Mahal @ Humboldt Park
“Join us July 14 for an extra special Chill On The Hill! There will be women-fronted bands, a women-focused makers market, photo ops, special merch, and neighborhood magic! Enjoy the music from Allison Mahal, Full Nude and SSAANN (in order of appearance).”
Rainbow Summer: Americana Night ft. Goldpine @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
Marcus Performing Arts Center’s six-day Rainbow Summer series will take place outside the venue July 14 through July 19. During that span, the South Lawn will host family activities and vendors, and the Peck Pavilion will feature a different live music performance. The grounds will open at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and at 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Rainbow Summer is free to attend. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site (and carry-ins are not permitted).
37 Houses + Brief Candles, Pecking Order @ MKeUltra
Riverwalk Commons Concert Series: Learning To Fly @ Milwaukee Public Market
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
Milwaukee Record Presents: The Foot Fist Way @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
Before he was Kenny Powers, Neil Gamby, Jesse Gemstone, or part of the Alien cinematic universe, Danny McBride first made his mark as Fred Simmons—a small town Taekwondo instructor with an inflated ego and a destructive marriage—in The Foot Fist Way. The daaaaark and raunchy comedy is both McBride’s first starring role in a feature film and the directorial debut of his longtime collaborator Jody Hill. The 85-minute flick has it all: action, a flawed-yet-identifiable underdog quite literally fighting adversity and overcoming the odds, and hilarious dialogue delivered in a distinctly Danny McBride-y cadence. BUT THERE’S MORE!!! Immediately after the movie, we’ll be heading to Blackbird Bar for a “Post Credit” event from 9-11 p.m., which will feature “Danny McBridal Shower” activities and a pinball tournament with prizes for top performers.
Washington Park Wednesdays: Vincent Van Great & Amanda Huff + The Art Of 3 @ Washington Park Bandshell
If Musical Mondays, Chill On The Hill, and Jazz In The Park aren’t enough park-based summer music series for you, may we suggest Washington Park Wednesdays? Tonight’s “Ride On!” installment will feature music from frequent collaborators Vincent Van Great and Amanda Huff, plus the always stellar Art Of 3. (The latter’s 2025 single “Amen” is a Milwaukee all-timer.) The fun takes place at the Washington Park Bandshell and gets underway at 6 p.m. Art, food trucks, and other activities begin at 5 p.m.
Wonderful Wednesdays: The Last Bees @ Lake Park Summer Stage
If Musical Mondays, Chill On The Hill, Jazz In The Park, and Washington Park Wednesdays aren’t enough park-based summer music series for you, may we suggest Wonderful Wednesdays? The more kid/family-focused accompaniment to Lake Park’s Musical Mondays kicks off this week with a performance from the ’60s-inspired Last Bees. The free series takes place on the Lake Park Summer Stage, and gets underway at 6:30 p.m.
Waukesha County Fair @ Waukesha County Expo Grounds, Waukesha (through July 19)
It’s county fair time, and nothing beats the annual Waukesha County Fair! You’ve got it all: food, drink, livestock, pig races, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and more. Oh, and music! Sebastian Bach headlines the Fair Thursday night; Hoobastank and Eve 6 headline Friday night; and 38 Special headlines Saturday night.
Rainbow Summer: Soul Night ft. The Soul Rebels @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
Heart(beats) Of The City: Wire And Nail @ Red Arrow Park
Summer Sounds: The Deep Blue Crew @ Hubbard Park
Tosa Tonight @ Hart Park, Wauwatosa
THURSDAY, JULY 16
Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets @ Vivarium
“Nick Lowe has made his mark as a producer (Elvis Costello-Graham Parker-Pretenders-The Damned), songwriter of at least three songs you know by heart, short-lived career as a pop star, and a lengthy term as a musicians’ musician. But in his current ‘second act’ as a silver-haired, tender-hearted but sharp-tongued singer-songwriter, he has no equal. Los Straitjackets are the leading practitioners of the lost art of the guitar instrumental. Using the music of the Ventures, The Shadows, and with Link Wray and Dick Dale as a jumping off point, the band has taken their unique, high energy brand of original rock & roll around the world. Clad in their trademark Lucha Libre Mexican wrestling masks, the ‘Jackets’ have delivered their trademark guitar licks to 16 albums, thousands of concerts and dozens of films and TV shows.”
Joseph Huber + Lily Slay & The Vertebrae, Joe’s Truck Stop @ Falcon Hall
“Joseph Huber hails from the state of Wisconsin, and seems to bring forth the varied voices of whatever it may be that lies dormant within either the fertile soil or the callous concrete of that world. It has been said, ‘You don’t just like Joseph Huber’s music. You feel it’s something that the rest of the world needs to hear, and how criminal it is that it isn’t spreading far and wide.’ That sentiment could be related to the fact that the voices which Huber unearths are subtle and take more than a hurried listen to truly absorb. A person who appears reserved and matter-of-fact in everyday speech brings forth songs that are anything but that.”
Lounj Acts: Caley Conway @ The Wicked Hop
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.”
Breakup Tour + Red Quean, North By North, Osseo @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
About halfway through Sorry For Your Loss, the 2025 debut album from Milwaukee “bubble grunge” group Breakup Tour, two characters grapple with the unrelenting march of time. “The older that you get, the harder the hangovers hit,” Breakup Tour sings. Too true, Breakup Tour. Too true. The song is fantastic “Maddy Says (You’re Ruining Your Life),” and it’s a song about aging out of a scene that once gave you life. But it’s also a song about relationships. And the end of relationships. And fentanyl and opioid abuse. And Twin Peaks references. And it’s dedicated to the memory of David Lynch and to the importance of learning how to administer Narcan.
The Fray + Dashboard Confessional, Colony House @ Landmark Credit Union Live
R.J. Ziebarth + Ann Marie & The Fever Dreams, Lila Rose @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Tedworth + Shontrail, Ray Gun Death Machine @ MKeUltra
Rainbow Summer: Feel Good Pop Night ft. Boy Band Review @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
Edelweiss Concert Cruise Series: Landline @ Milwaukee River, 205 W. Highland Ave.
The Midnight Purchase + Delta Vice @ Nashville North
Tommy Odetto @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Música del Lago: Orquesta Rumba @ Colectivo (lakefront)
Thursday Bike Nights: American Progress @ Harley-Davidson Museum Campus
Tunes@Noon: Jenny Thiel @ Courtyard of 411 East Wisconsin Center
FRIDAY, JULY 17
The Strokes + Cage The Elephant, Thundercat @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Let’s keep this real simple: The Strokes will play Milwaukee’s American Family Insurance Amphitheater tonight. They’ll be joined by Cage The Elephant and Thundercat. There you go. The Strokes rule. They have a new album coming out next week called Reality Awaits. Judging by the advance singles, it rules, too.
Gallery Night MKE @ various locations (also July 18)
“Gallery Night MKE—Milwaukee’s original gallery hop event—has been uniting the city through art for nearly 40 years. Experience the vast creative culture in Milwaukee while you discover local galleries, art and artists. This free, quarterly event offers visitors the opportunity to purchase and enjoy art while visiting Milwaukee’s most dynamic neighborhoods.”
East Side Gallery Night @ East Side, Ivanhoe Plaza
“Join us from 5 to 10 p.m. as Milwaukee’s East Side comes alive with local art, creativity, music, shopping, and dining. From artist showcases and gallery pop-ups to community art and special offerings from neighborhood businesses, East Side Gallery Night is your chance to discover local talent, support small businesses, and experience the neighborhood in a new way. This free, all-ages event invites you to explore the East Side at your own pace while enjoying creative experiences around every corner.”
Pedro The Lion + Advance Base @ Vivarium
“On the occasion of Pedro the Lion’s 30th anniversary, David Bazan is doing what he does best: stepping onto a stage with long-time musical collaborator, Erik Walters on guitar and backing vocals, along with recent addition to the band, Andrew Rudd on drums, and making these songs feel brand new again. The anniversary shows are less about commemoration than they are continuation, a chance to revisit their 30-year catalog in a way that is still active, still evolving.”
Wavves + Bass Drum Of Death, Worlds Worst @ The Argo
Make your way to Whitefish Bay and soak up the psych-tinged indie-rock sounds of Wavves, who are coming to the region a few months removed from releasing its king size deluxe album Spun.
Raegan Niemela + Luisa Noé @ The Laughing Tap (also July 18)
The bad news: two of Milwaukee’s best and busiest comedians, Raegan Niemela and Luisa Noé, are moving to Chicago this summer to take the next steps on their stand up journeys. The good news: they’re saying goodbye with a pair of co-headlining performances at The Laughing Tap. While we’re sure they won’t be complete strangers to our city going forward—at least we hope they won’t!—you shouldn’t miss this if you want to catch them before they depart.
Godfrey @ Milwaukee Improv (through July 19)
Beyond being an actor, TV talking head, and former 7-Up pitchman, Godfrey has been performing stand up comedy for decades. The tireless, accomplished, and pretty damn funny comedian will heat up The Improv in nearby Brookfield with a total of five performances spread over three mid-July nights.
Seabunni + Courtesy Call, Mizzy, ange1grr1, Blissom x Chriad @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Electrophonic Tonic + Combustor @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Rainbow Summer: Latin Night ft. Zonk Rolan + Nicole Nicolalde @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
Port Fish Days @ Port Washington harbor, Port Washington (through July 19)
Peter Thomas @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Deer District Summer Concert Series: Marr’Lo Parada @ The Deer Garden
Music On The Beerline: Love Peace & Soul @ Beerline Trail
Starry Nights: Kal Bergendahl Project @ Sharon Lynn Wilson Center For The Arts
Summer Sounds: Saxsquatch + DJ4000 @ Cedar Creek Park, Cedarburg
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Don Black @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, JULY 18
Bikes, Bourbon & Barbecue @ Davidson Park
“Fire up your appetite for Bikes, Bourbon & Barbecue at Davidson Park on July 18th from 3–6PM. This event celebrates bold flavors, motorcycle heritage, and live music all in one high-octane afternoon. Taste your way through mouthwatering creations and help crown the champion of the Barbecue-Off, as pitmasters from Smokey Woods, PS Seasoning, Smoking Pastor, Belle Starr BBQ, Barbecue Supply Company, and Kinzie Foods go head-to-head. Soak in the chrome, leather, and pure Harley energy that makes Davidson Park one-of-a-kind. Explore a vintage Harley-Davidson bike show courtesy of Badger Heritage; crank up the volume with live rock music from Brian Cactus and Friends. Enjoy Central Standard canned cocktails or level up your experience and learn the art of bourbon tasting. Celebrate beyond the glass with creative bourbon-inspired products.”
Incredible India Festival @ Henry Maier Festival Park
Incredible India Festival returns to the Summerfest grounds for its second annual bash. What to expect? Live performances and fashion shows, authentic Indian food trucks and stalls, art exhibits and cultural activities, games for young and old alike, and much more. Tickets are only $10 per person.
Taco Fest @ Bavarian Bierhaus, Glendale
“Better find your taco-eating pants, because it’s almost time to celebrate one of the world’s most beloved foods. Taco Fest, presented by OnMilwaukee and Discover North Shore, returns this summer to a new location and with new opportunities for all. Taco Fest takes place Saturday, July 18, on the gorgeous outdoor grounds of The Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 W. Lexington in Glendale, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lively, family-friendly event is free to attend and features ample, free parking.”
Frida Fest MKE @ Farmhouse Paint Bar & Hall (also July 19)
“Our festival aims to promote artists in South Eastern Wisconsin by using the platform of the icon Frida Kahlo in a two-day interactive cultural art festival, with local vendors live music, educational pieces, interactive art exhibits, and food trucks!”
Riverwest Blueberry Fest @ Seven Swan’s Crêperie
“This July 18 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., join the Riverwest neighborhood in celebrating summer’s sweetest fruit! At Milwaukee’s Riverwest Blueberry Fest, expect fresh blueberries & blueberry treats (including berries picked fresh from a local orchard!), a custom brew from Amorphic Beer, and all kinds of sweet and savory blueberry goodies. Browse 65+ vendors selling local art, vintage, food & drinks. Plus, there’ll be live music, craft and activity stations, face-painting, tarot, community orgs and a whole lot of blueberry everything.”
Midwest Mudfest: Triple Threat @ The Cooperage
Adding to the allure of mud wrestling taking place on the Boone & Crockett Patio and inside the Cooperage, Midwest Mudfest will also feature live music from Chicago’s Bussy Queen Power Trip and a potent trio of Milwaukee acts including Sex Scenes, Chapped Lips, and The Cult Of Nasty.
Death Valley Girls + Jinksie, Death Is A Business @ Anodyne’s Walker’s Point Roastery
snag. (record release) + Angelica, Frantic Repair @ Cactus Club (early show)
snag. (record release) + Garden Home, Viscacha @ Cactus Club (late show)
Lavish Waste + Florida Brothers Band, Bob Piggins @ MKeUltra
Oh Well Ok + LoBi And The Big Sleep, Tooms, Disposable Thumbs @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Panalure + Denny Rauen @ Bar Centro
Cavern + Pecking Order, The Naima @ Jazz Gallery Center For The Arts
Rainbow Summer: Family Day And Night @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
Current Sounds: Chris Haise @ Lakefront Brewery
South Shore Farmers’ Market: Holly Haebig & Jeff Bray @ South Shore Park
Charli xcx vs. Kesha vs. Chappell Roan @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, JULY 19
Dillinger Four + The Slow Death, Constant Insult, Hellcat @ X-Ray Arcade
When you’re presented with an opportunity to see Minneapolis punk greats Dillinger Four in the greater Milwaukee area, you take it! Don’t miss your chance to see D4 head up an X-Ray Arcade bill that also features The Slow Death, Constant Insult, and Hellcat.
Milwaukee Armenian Fest @ St. John Armenian Church
“At this year’s Armenian Fest, held rain or shine 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 19, on the grounds of St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church, 7825 W. Layton Ave., the menu will include chicken and beef kebob, cheese and spinach beoreg, lahmajoun (a pizza-like meat dish served on thin tortilla dough), humus (a dip made of chick peas), choreg (bread sticks), vegetarian sarma (stuffed grape leaves) and a mouthwatering array of baklava and other traditional pastries. Armenian wine will be served, along with beer and soft drinks. In addition to food, Armenian Fest offers a cultural booth selling books and artifacts relating to Armenia, a nation that already existed at the time of the Mesopotamians and has outlasted many of its larger, more powerful neighbors. There will also be live Armenian music.”
South Milwaukee Heritage Days @ various locations, South Milwaukee (through July 25)
The weeklong South Milwaukee Heritage Days has something for everyone: art fairs, golf outings, car shows, brat frys, farmers markets, a block party outside of Moran’s Pub on the 23rd, and more. Oh, and a festival-capping parade, of course!
Milwaukee Makers Market @ Discovery World
Rainbow Cobra (record release) + Teenage Ice Agek Poor Ridley @ Cactus Club
Cafe Sopra Mare: Frogwater (Bluegrass) @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Current Sounds: Violet Wilder @ Lakefront Brewery
Sunday Sessions: Donna Woodall + Old Pup, DJ Erin Wolf @ Third Ward Beer Garden (Catalano Square)
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