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 June 2-8, 2025.
MONDAY, JUNE 2
Peelander-Z + Fight Dice, Nasty Boys @ Cactus Club
What do you get when you combine a “Japanese Action Comic Punk” project from Austin, a D&D-themed rock band with members of Braid and The Promise Ring in its ranks, and a “Nasty” thong-donning duo from Milwaukee? You get the lineup for this can’t-miss Cactus Club bill, of course.
Scott H. Biram + Volk @ Shank Hall
“Scott H. Biram unleashes a fervent display of conviction through, not only the genuine blues, classic country, bluegrass, and rock n roll, but he seals the deal with punk, heavy metal, and frankly, anything else he wants to. He’s The Dirty Old One Man Band.”
TUESDAY, JUNE 3
Chill On The Hill: Grim Paddle + Louie & The Flash Bombs, Bright Eyed & Blind @ Humboldt Park
For two decades, Bay View Neighborhood Association’s Chill On The Hill music series has brought music to Humboldt Park’s band chalet every Tuesday between the beginning of June and the end of August. And Chill’s 20th season kicks off this week! Just as it’s done in recent years, Chill will expand its footprint by designating the space between the band chalet and the Vine Beer Garden for show-goers. The park road will also be closed between Howell Avenue and Idaho Street on Tuesdays to allow more space for food vendors and guests. Food trucks will open at 5 p.m., the music begins at 6:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
Caroline Rose + DJ Libra BOGO @ Cactus Club (also June 5)
“‘I’m not a McDonald’s hamburger,’ says Caroline Rose, a Grammy-nominated artist who has become known for being somewhat of an impish indie rebel, playfully blending psychobilly, pop, shoegaze, alt-country, folk and experimental electronica into their songs. ‘I’ve just been trying to make music diverse enough that AI can’t reproduce it.’ For years an outspoken champion of the working class of the music industry, Rose will perform solo this summer in all small independent venues hand-picked by the artist and their team. ‘I love these little clubs, I can connect with the audience so much more. I honestly just miss it and am mostly doing this because I think it’ll be really fun.'”
Pride Kickoff: Roxie Beane + Femme Noir, auntie @ Radio Milwaukee
“We’re kicking off Pride Month in unforgettable fashion at our home base, 220 E. Pittsburgh Ave., and you’re invited. Expect electrifying DJ sets from DJ Femme Noir and auntie, plus a powerful live performance by the incomparable Roxie Beane, all hosted by the dazzling Coco Monet. This free, all-ages event is open to the public and packed with love, liberation, and high vibes. Come ready to dance, connect, and celebrate in community. We’re also honored to welcome Sun-Seekers MKE, Milwaukee’s Black Trans abolitionist collective, who’ll be on hand to share their mission and incredible work.”
Bad Suns + Little Image, The Ramona Flowers @ Vivarium
Cowboy Killers Comedy Show @ Falcon Nest
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
PrideFest Milwaukee @ Henry Maier Festival Park (through June 7)
It’s PrideFest! “Coming off the heels of a successful 2024 festival, PrideFest leadership couldn’t be more excited for what’s in store for this year’s event. An expanded footprint to the south will create more usable and walkable space for festival goers. Utilizing more food buildings and available square footage, vendor accommodations will increase to allow even more attractive marketplace participants as well as local food options. Festival organizers will also bring back the ‘Red Light District,’ an activation that transitions from daytime programming featuring panel presentations and workshops to an active stage featuring performances such as cabaret acts, acoustic local musicians, comedy, and more in the evening.” Find the full lineup HERE.
Jazz In The Park: Salsa In The City with Orquesta Ayala Salsa Band + Mezclando Dance Company @ Cathedral Square Park
“Everyone’s favorite seat in the house is back for the 2025 season, thanks to Johnson Financial Group and OnMilwaukee. Enjoy the show from a reserved picnic table in a private area next to the stage. Each reservation includes a bottle of wine, a charcuterie board from Lupi & Iris, assorted cupcakes from Classy Girl Cupcakes, and access to a private restroom. Tables seat up to six guests, and only five packages are available for each night of the series.”
Bird Law + Vow, Snag, Blind Equation, .Zipbomb @ X-Ray Arcade
Trapt (full band acoustic) @ Shank Hall
Edelweiss Concert Cruise Series: Boney Fingers @ Milwaukee River, 205 W. Highland Ave.
Thursday Bike Night Concert Series: Betsy Ade & The Well-Known Strangers @ Harley-Davidson Museum
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
The Hallelujah Ward (record release) + Caley Conway, Foreign Leisure Records, DJ Josh Modell @ Cactus Club
Come to Cactus Club on June 6 to celebrate the release of Everybody Swoons, the long-awaited album from the Mark Waldoch-fronted The Hallelujah Ward. Waldoch and company will be joined by Milwaukee music mainstay Caley Conway, Foreign Legion Records, and DJ Josh Modell. Speaking of local treasures, this show doubles as the birthday party for certified local treasure Shea Frevele!
Robyn Hitchcock @ Vivarium
“With a career now spanning six decades, Robyn Hitchcock remains a truly one-of-a-kind artist: surrealist rock ‘n’ roller, acoustic troubadour, poet, painter, and writer. From The Soft Boys’ art-rock and The Egyptians’ Dadaist pop to solo masterpieces like 1984’s milestone I Often Dream Of Trains and 1990’s Eye, Hitchcock has crafted a striking oeuvre rife with recurring marine life, obsolete electric transport, ghosts, cheese and what one writer has described as ‘morbid eroticism.'”
Thee Sacred Souls + Tré Burt @ The Riverside Theater
“Since 2022, Thee Sacred Souls have toured North America and Europe, playing their sweet soul music at dozens and dozens of sold-out headlining shows, and in the process they went from young musicians to a tight-knit, stress-tested band who knew each other like family. All the great bands were made better by life on the road, and Thee Sacred Souls is ready to join that pantheon. Got A Story To Tell is in every way a tighter and emotionally richer record because of their journey.”
Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas + Willie Watson @ BMO Pavilion
Oh Well Ok (record release) + Bug Moment, Shoobie @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Lavish Waste + Smart Shoppers, Modern Haunting @ Last Rites
Counterpunch + Avenues, Mulva, Rad Skulls @ X-Ray Arcade
Spare Change Trio + Faded Places (record release), YaYa Biggs @ Falcon Hall
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Paul H @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Todd Barry @ Shank Hall
With more than 40 years of stage time beneath his belt, along with an often-imitated, never replicated wry and soft-spoken comedic style, Todd Barry is on the fringe of comedy legend status. Barry—who has been a recurring visitor to Milwaukee in recent years, including a couple of Milwaukee Comedy Festival appearances—comes back to town to head up a show at Shank Hall.
Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival @ Bavarian Bierhaus, Glendale
“Back by popular demand, Wisconsin Brewers Guild is thrilled to present the 2025 Wisconsin & Beer Lovers Festival in partnership with The Bavarian Bierhaus and Discover the North Shore of Milwaukee. You won’t want to miss the premier beer and food tasting event of the summer—featuring craft beverages from across the state, local restaurants and cuisine partners, food trucks, music and more! Your ticket includes free beverage and food samples, music, mingling with craft brewmasters, and fellow enthusiasts.”
Brewtown Rumble @ Davidson Park
“The Brewtown Rumble features a ride-in vintage motorcycle show. It doesn’t matter the make, model or condition of the bike. It just matters that you ride it! Everyone is welcome—riders and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. Featuring music by DJ Paul H.”
Water Lantern Festival @ Veterans Park
“Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience.”
Milwaukee Highland Games @ Croatian Park, Franklin
Video Sex Priest + Chrystal Gales @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Kitty South Paw (record release) @ Ope! Brewing Co.
808s & Skates III @ 4Seasons Skate Park
Blind Pilot + Zach Pietrini @ Vivarium
Razor Toast + Orange Drink, June Gloom @ Bremen Cafe
Drouth + Nothingness, Drillbit, Scroll @ Sabbatic
House Your Body: Jonn Hawley + Andrew Optimist, The DJ Milkman @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
Milwaukee Pride Parade @ Walker’s Point
The Milwaukee Pride Parade is celebrating its 21st year in 2025! It will step off at 2 p.m. on 2nd and Scott streets (rain or shine), and will make its way north to 2nd and Seeboth streets. (Attendees are asked to stay on the sidewalks and behind barricades.) This year’s theme is “Remember, Resist, Rejoice.” Per a press release, it reflects “the importance of honoring the LGBTQ+ community’s history, standing against ongoing challenges, and celebrating resilience and joy.”
Chastity Washington @ Milwaukee Improv
Roughly two years removed from the release of her Live At Dandy Amazon special, Milwaukee’s funniest human will be live in nearby Brookfield when she headlines a show at Milwaukee Improv.
Milwaukee Pride Metal Fest @ X-Ray Arcade
Okay Omen + Static Palms, Dwells, Forest Animal @ Sugar Maple
Eliza & The Delusionals + Grace Gardner, Rat Bath, Tiny Vamp @ Anodyne Walker’s Point
Mei Semones + John Roseboro @ Cactus Club
The Hungry Williams @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Cafe Sopra Mare: Ben Dameron @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
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