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 July 22-28, 2024.

MONDAY, JULY 22

Musical Mondays: Wesli @ Lake Park Summer Stage
“Wesli is the stage name of Haitian / Canadian Wesley Louissaint, one of Haiti’s most revered and accomplished musicians. Bringing together Montreal and Haitian talents, Wesli’s music unites Haitian vodou and rara with roots, reggae, Afrobeat, electronic music and hip-hop flavors.”

Colin Bracewell + Social Cig, Jacob Slade, Micah Emrich @ Cactus Club
“Colin Bracewell, a 22-year-old indie pop artist from Minneapolis, MN is paving his own, fresh path within the Midwest music scene. Originally hailing from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Colin blends inspiration from the likes of Justin Vernon and John Mayer, though his music holds a raw and unabashed post-Frank Ocean R&B quality. His instrumentation sets Bracewell apart from other singer-songwriters of the same genre, often adding gentle synths, a killer trumpet solo or a moody saxophone riff to bring a jazzier feel that offsets lyrics of heartbreak (or amplifies them, depending on the listener).”

Dark Divine + Uncured, These Fading Visions, Haunter @ X-Ray Arcade

TUESDAY, JULY 23

Misery Signals + For The Fallen Dreams, Foreign Hands, Trench @ Turner Hall Ballroom
After more than 20 years, five albums, and thousands of shows in front of adoring fans all over the world, Misery Signals—a project that actually started in Wisconsin—returns to its home state for one more show. As part of the band’s “Blood Is Forever Love Is Forever Farewell Tour,” will deliver a performance that will feature material from much of its catalog, and will feature both of the band’s vocalists. Barring an unexpected reunion down the road, this will be your last chance to ever see Misery Signals in Wisconsin.

Rainbow Summer @ Marcus Performing Arts Center Outdoor Grounds (through July 27)

Chill On The Hill: Adi Armour + Emmitt James @ Humboldt Park

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

Milwaukee Record Presents: Cruel Intentions @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
It’s summer, which means it’s a perfect time to duck into the air conditioned confines of a movie theater and enjoy some steamy flicks. And flicks don’t get much steamier (well, flicks we’re able to screen, anyway) than 1999’s Cruel Intentions. Want to see Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, and, hell, even Tara Reid and Joshua Jackson vamp it up on the big screen, in a modern retelling of Dangerous Liaisons? Want to re-experience a few…key scenes that have been burned in your memory for 25 years? Then reserve your seat NOW for our screening at the Avalon Atmospheric Theater!

Summer Of Soul: Outdoor Marketplace & Concert Series: The Robert Randolph Band @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
Curated and organized by local engagement marketing firm Culture x Design, Summer Of Soul will take place every other Wednesday, from July 10 through September 18, on the Peck Pavilion and outdoor lawn of the downtown Marcus Performing Arts Center. The series will feature free shows from national artists like The Robert Randolph Band and Talib Kweli, as well as local stars like Growing Nation and De La Buena. All Summer Of Soul events will be free and open to the public, and will run from 5-10 p.m.

Milwaukee Night Market @ Wisconsin Avenue, between 2nd and Vel R. Phillips
“The 2024 Night Markets will be held on June 26, July 24, August 14 and September 11 from 5 to 10 p.m. on West Wisconsin Avenue between 2nd Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Milwaukee Night Market. Over 220 local businesses will participate in the summer event, transforming West Wisconsin Avenue into a unique environment for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to experience the best that Milwaukee has to offer.”

Washington Park Wednesdays @ Washington Park Bandshell

Wonderful Wednesdays: Frogwater @ Lake Park Summer Stage

Hubbard Park Summer Sounds: Pat McCurdy @ Hubbard Park

MKE River Roundup: De la Buena @ Twisted Fisherman

Mayfair Collection Music Spotlight @ Keady Plaza

THURSDAY, JULY 25

Harley-Davidson Homecoming @ Veterans Park, various locations (through July 28)
If you’re looking for Milwaukee’s most ridiculously packed weekend of summer 2024, well, here it is. There’s German Fest July 26-28. There’s the Riverwest 24 July 26-27. There’s the Air & Water Show July 27-28. There’s Milwaukee Brewfest July 27. And, yes, there’s the now annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming July 25-28. Sheesh. Anyway, there’s a ton of events and demos and workshops and food and drink scheduled for Harley’s big shindig, but let’s focus on the live music. There are big-name acts headlining Veterans Park on Friday and Saturday (Jelly Roll on Friday, Red Hot Chili Peppers on Saturday), and there are other acts playing the H-D Museum throughout the long weekend, too. Here’s the full lineup!

Christian Yelich Home Plate Charity Charity Concert: Charlie Berens + Scotty McCreery @ The Pabst Theater
“Christian Yelich and the Yelich family are proud to host their second annual Home Plate Charity Event with a show at the Pabst Theater featuring country artist Scotty McCreery, Charlie Berens, Nicotine Dolls and more special guests!”

Local H + Tuff Sudz @ Shank Hall (also July 26)
Illinois duo Local H—of “Bound For The Floor” fame—play Milwaukee so often that they could be considered adopted sons. For further proof, consider that the band is playing Shank Hall on Thursday and Friday. Far from one-hit wonders, Local H has never stopped releasing music; Lifers, from 2020, is the band’s latest (and appropriately titled) release.

Harley Homecoming Kickoff Party: Thelma And The Sleaze + Bellends, Robot Witch, Hanna Simone @ The Cooperage

Sparta + Lower Automation @ X-Ray Arcade

Bowling For Soup + Keep Flying, Eternal Boy @ The Rave / Eagles Ballroom

Lily Slay + Jenny Parrott, Highlonesome @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn

Jazz In The Park: The Stephen Hull Experience @ Cathedral Square Park

Third Space Presents: Cripes @ Third Space Brewing

Chastity Washington @ Milwaukee Improv

FRIDAY, JULY 26

Riverwest 24 @ Riverwest (also July 27)
“The RW24 was born through community block watches throughout Riverwest. It is a way for our neighborhood to welcome new people, strengthen relationships within the community (and beyond), and show everyone why Riverwest is amazing. From riders to volunteers, organizers to community sponsors, everyone brings a different talent and interest to the table. There is no way a few people talking about a bike race in their back yards could have come up with something like this. A whole neighborhood made this. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say, VIVA LA RIVERWEST!”

German Fest Milwaukee @ Henry Maier Festival Park (through July 28)
“Welcome to German Fest, a Milwaukee tradition held annually on the Summerfest grounds, along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan. One of the largest German festivals in North America, German Fest Milwaukee is known for its authentic food, culture and entertainment. We invite you to bring the family, raise a stein, polka the night away and make it YOUR tradition.”

Santana + Counting Crows @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
“Grammy-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Santana and Grammy and Academy Award-nominated rock band Counting Crows are hitting the road together for the Oneness Tour 2024 this summer. They will be stopping in Milwaukee on July 26, 2024 at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater.”

MishMash Fest @ Art*Bar

Lambrini Girls + Shoobie @ Vivarium

Guerilla Toss + Rainbow Cobra, bdwthr @ Cactus Club

Catie Lausten + So Zuppy @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery

A Day To Remember + The Story So Far, Four Year Strong, Scowl @ The Rave / Eagles Ballroom (sold out)

SATURDAY, JULY 27

WaterStone Bank Air and Water Show @ lakefront, the sky (also July 28)
“The WaterStone Bank Air and Water Show will bring to Milwaukee and the surrounding areas the thrill of aerial aerobatics in a wholesome, family-friendly environment. We will instill fascination and love in our audience for the armed forces and aviation fun while stimulating the local economy and highlighting the natural beauty of our scenic lakefront.”

Valerie Lighthart: Small Town Starlet @ Cactus Club + Black Cat Alley
Valerie Lighthart has always had a flair for the theatrical in both her music and videos, so it only makes sense that the tireless Milwaukee singer-songwriter would enter the world of film. Saturday finds Lighthart presiding over a screening of her new feature film Small Town Starlet at the Cactus Club at 3 p.m.; later, at 7:30, she’ll perform the film’s soundtrack at a free show at Black Cat Alley on the city’s east side.

David Cross @ Vivarium (also July 28)
Actor, comedian, two-time Emmy winner, and Mr. Show co-creator David Cross will grace the still-quite-new stage at Vivarium twice this weekend, with performances scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. It’s sure to be positively pumpkinninnky!

Milwaukee Brewfest @ McKinley Park
“Taste your way through unlimited pours offered by the world’s best brewmasters. There’s something for everyone! Gates open at 2 p.m. for VIP, and 3 p.m. for general admission.”

DIIV + Horse Jumper Of Love, Full Body 2 @ Turner Hall Ballroom

All Time Low @ The Rave / Eagles Ballroom

Candy Cigarette + Pete’s Diary, Wonderful Bluffer @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery

SUNDAY, JULY 28

Alanis Morissette + Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Morgan Wade @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Almost exactly two years after bringing her “Jagged Little Pill Tour” to Milwaukee’s American Family Insurance Amphitheater, Alanis Morissette returns! “I am inspired and heartened and feel giddy inside to be going on this upcoming summer tour with Joan and Morgan and all our teams,” ​​Morissette said in a press release. “Can’t wait to see you, can’t wait to perform!”

Dead To Fall + Hive, Still Stayer, Cuss @ X-Ray Arcade

Heavy Temple + Valley Of The Sun, Asatta @ Club Garibaldi

Detention + Clementine, Oh Well OK, Ink @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn

Summer Patio Music Series @ Great Lakes Distillery

Cafe Sopra Mare @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

Milwaukee Makers Market @ Discovery World

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