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 7-13, 2025.
MONDAY, JULY 7
Musical Mondays: Sinkane @ Lake Park Summer Stage
No Milwaukee outdoor summer concert series is quite as cozy—or quite as eclectic—as Musical Mondays. The free summertime series takes place on the Lake Park Summer Stage, near the playground, throughout July and August. And this year’s season—Musical Monday’s 27th!—looks to be another winner. “Sinkane (aka Ahmed Gallab) and his high-energy six-piece band bring ambitious, dazzling sounds of a world of music—from funk to free jazz to pop—set to the foundational soul of the rhythms of his native Sudan.”
Pomfret + Delirium, Buena Cara, Clementine, My Melody @ X-Ray Arcade
TUESDAY, JULY 8
Chill On The Hill: Long Mama + Driveway Thriftdwellers @ Humboldt Park
Chilling in the woods and living simply: that’s the back-to-basics sentiment behind the gentle and soothing “Corduroy Road,” the 2023 single from Milwaukee indie-folk/Americana group Long Mama. “Corduroy Road” finds singer-songwriter-guitarist Kat Wodtke reflecting on their time spent living in Alaska; at the age of 22, Wodtke took a job building scenery for the Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre, and lived in a small trailer six miles from town. Poor Pretender, Long Mama’s fantastic full-length debut, was released in 2022.
Jaff Graffner + Andrew H. Smith, Joey Turbo, DJ ZERO LOAN$ @ Cactus Club
Poetry In The Park @ Juneau Park
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9
Heart Attack Man + The Dirty Nil, Carpool, Dear Seattle @ Vivarium
“Exploring our existential fate, Heart Attack Man ponder not just death, but life in between the crunch of palm-muted pop-punk guitar chords and snappy hooks you just can’t shake. As such, the Cleveland, OH trio—Eric Egan (vocals, guitar), Adam Paduch (drums), and Ty Sickels (guitar)—stare down fate with an ear-to-ear smile on their fourth full-length LP, Joyride The Pale Horse.
Summer Sounds: Pat McCurdy @ Hubbard Park
Wonderful Wednesdays: Fox And Branch @ Lake Park Summer Stage
Heart(beats) Of The City: Jenny Thiel Group @ Red Arrow Park
Mayfair Collection Summer Concert Series: Donna Woodall @ Keady Plaza
Tosa Tonight: Jenny Teator + Driveway Thriftdwellers @ Hart Park, Wauwatosa
THURSDAY, JULY 10
Harley-Davidson Homecoming @ Veterans Park, various locations (through July 13)
“The annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival will shake the Milwaukee area with the rumble of revving engines and a foot stompin’ celebration of music and moto-culture July 10-13, 2025. The festival kicks off with a free opening concert headlined by Buckcherry at the Harley-Davidson Museum on Thursday, July 10. Festival concert headliners Chris Stapleton (July 12) and Hank Williams Jr. (July 11) will take over the Harley-Davidson Stage at Veterans Park on the Milwaukee lakefront. Other Harley-Davidson Homecoming events and activities will be held at both free and ticketed venues across the Milwaukee area, including Veterans Park, the Harley-Davidson Museum, Harley-Davidson Headquarters on Juneau Ave., Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations in Menomonee Falls, and at local authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships.”
Friendship + 2nd Grade, Vanity Plates, Life In Public @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
The Crane Wives @ The Pabst Theater
Mekons + Jake La Botz @ Vivarium
John Garcia (ex-Kyuss) + Telekinetic Yeti, Conniption @ Club Garibaldi
Diggy Graves + Resentvul @ X-Ray Arcade (sold out)
Under The Bridge: Heavy Bend + Lighter Co. @ Third Space Brewing
Concerts On The Green: JD Rankin & The Solomon Royals + Alex Wilson @ Enderis Park
Edelweiss Concert Cruise Series: Landline @ Milwaukee River, 205 W. Highland Ave.
It’s Alive: Arabesque @ Milwaukee Public Market
Jazz At The Vine: Faith Hatch & Garrett Waite @ Humboldt Park
Tunes@Noon: Kal Bergendahl Trio @ Courtyard of 411 East Wisconsin Center
FRIDAY, JULY 11
Von Munz One Night Retrospective @ Magnet Factory
“Scout Gallery is excited to bring you the Von Munz One Night Retrospective! This exclusive, one-night-only event showcases nearly 30 years of iconic, hand-printed concert posters by the legendary Von Munz. From The White Stripes and Queens of the Stone Age to DEVO, Primus, Clutch, and Gary Numan—Von Munz has created artwork for some of the most influential names in music. This is a rare chance to view and collect pieces from his celebrated body of work. WMSE’s DJ Ascot from the Jing Jong Triple Play will be spinning vinyl all evening. There will be beverages, amazing art and interesting people.”
Maximiano + Valley Fox, Lone Rock Bride @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
It’s safe to say 2024 was an unparalleled year for Maximiano Janairo. The Milwaukee-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and namesake of Maximiano garnered heaps of well-deserved praise from the release of their formal debut album, The Real Truth. The groundbreaking year also found Maximiano releasing a live album, amassing some impressive support slots, touring sporadically, performing at some notable local festivals, and earning a variety of other artistic opportunities along the way.
Ten Buck Show: Sleepy Gaucho + Jacob Slade, The Racing Pulses @ The Pabst Theater
The Argo Free Concert Series: Wire & Nail @ Ivanhoe Plaza
Current Sounds: Blacktop @ Lakefront Brewery
Starry Nights: Rockin’ Robins (w/ Classic Car Show) @ Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts
Chuck Prophet And His Cumbia Shoes @ Shank Hall
Romantic Assassins + The Mothman Cacophony, Tea Service @ Bremen Cafe
Bummerfest: A Retro Video Dance Party ft. Goth Barge @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, JULY 12
Incredible India Festival @ Henry Maier Festival Park
“This summer, Milwaukee will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of India as the first annual Incredible India Festival kicks off on Saturday, July 12 at the Henry Maier Festival Park. The one-day cultural celebration invites people of all backgrounds to experience the richness and diversity of the traditions of India right on the shores of Lake Michigan. From mesmerizing folk dances and classical music to aromatic curries and colorful crafts, the Incredible India Festival offers a dynamic and immersive journey through the many states and cultures of India. Visitors will enjoy live performances, regional cuisine, artisan markets, traditional fashion, henna art, yoga sessions, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. There will also be a games arena where you can try your luck at classic Indian board games, playing against senior citizens from India. The event will conclude with a celebration of Holi and the traditional throwing of colors.”
Smoke On The Water – MKE’s BBQ & Brews Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park
“The ultimate lakeside party for motorcycle enthusiasts, foodies, and music lovers alike. Featuring some of Milwaukee’s best barbeque, beverage sampling, and rock ‘n’ roll music from festival favorite Bobby Friss at the Uline Warehouse Stage with Miller Lite—it’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.”
Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival @ Lakeshore State Park
“The Milwaukee Chinese Community Center, in partnership with the Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce are proud to present the Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival.
Rock Party Block Party @ Puddler’s Hall
Puddler’s Hall will again shut down the street in front of the bar in order to host the 5th annual Rock Party Block Party. From 2-9 p.m., the Bay View happening will feature a winning mix of homegrown live music, food from local vendors, and goods from area retailers. True to its name, Rock Party Block Party will offer a steady diet of guitar-driven local bands, including the legendary Louie & the Flashbombs, the return of Two And A Half Stars, and an appearance by The Dirty Sweet. Buzz from WMSE’s “Buzz’s Garage” will also be DJing between sets.
Jeff Ott + Miski Dee, Economy Superstar, Mark Adams Son Of Bill @ Quarters Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace
Frida Fest MKE @ Farmhouse Paint Bar & Hall (also July 13)
Whitefish Bay Art Fest @ E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay (also July 13)
Robin Trower @ The Pabst Theater
Cassini Echoes + Offtide, Chet Garrett @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Chapped Lips + Shoobie, Bug Moment, Lunar Moth, Aergo @ Cactus Club
Stomach Book + Blind Equation, Anita Velveeta, Slut Intent, I H8 It Here @ X-Ray Arcade
Hanna Simone + Gabriel Harris, Rachel Is Kozi @ Falcon Nest
Current Sounds: Belle Weather @ Lakefront Brewery
The New New: A New Popular Music Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, JULY 13
Graham Hunt (record release) + Impish Tips, Royal Jelly @ Cactus Club
“If you know how to work the angles, you can fit a lot into the container of a three- or four-minute pop song. Graham Hunt understands this. Since he was a teenager, he’s been working at perfecting the form, writing songs that get to the heart of what makes Midwestern guitar pop so essential, and doing it while sidestepping any of the dead-end creative moves that weigh down many in the genre.” Tonight, Hunt will celebrate the release of his excellent new album, Timeless World Forever.
Ramy Youssef @ Turner Hall Ballroom
In addition to being an actor who’s best-known for starring opposite Emma Stone in Poor Things and as the creator/lead/namesake of RAMY, Ramy Youssef also dabbles in standup comedy. Actually, he more than just dabbles in the art form. He’s an award-nominated comedic storyteller with two acclaimed specials to his credit. Watch Youssef doing his thing when he takes the stage at Turner Hall as part of his “Love Beam 7000” tour.
Killer High Life + North By North, Cripes! @ Falcon Hall
200 Stab Wounds + Vomit Forth, Weeping, Enervate @ Club Garibaldi
Cafe Sopra Mare: School Of Rock @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Cathedral Square Market: Christopher’s Project @ Cathedral Square Park
Summer Patio Music Series: Brett Gaertner @ Great Lakes Distillery
The Hungry Williams @ Ope! Brewing Co.
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