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 23-29, 2025.
MONDAY, JUNE 23
NIVA ’25 @ various locations (through June 25)
“The premier gathering of the nation’s independent live concert, comedy, promoter, venue, and festival industry, NIVA ’25 will once again unite the independent live entertainment community with an immersive experience, featuring dynamic programming, educational panels, networking opportunities, live performances, and notable speakers from Meta, YouTube Music, Eventbrite, Wasserman, Riot Fest, Bandsintown, Billboard, Summerfest, and more.”
Hannibal Buress @ Vivarium
In addition to being an incredible comedian, an accomplished actor, and a self-proclaimed “passionate bandwagon Bucks fan,” Hannibal Buress also keeps busy moonlighting as a skilled rapper called Eshu Tune. The multi-talented Buress will be on hand this Monday for a last-minute (seated) show at Vivarium, and will also be a speaker for the opening session of NIVA ’25.
Ganser + Primitive Broadcast Service, Courtesy @ Cactus Club
“Animal Hospital, the new LP from Chicago art punks Ganser, is a monument to observation, a tome of stray thoughts gathered while moving through a crowd coalesced into a collective take on the absurd contradictions of lives moving past. This is the band at their most dynamic, stretching the confines of their sonic boundaries into new territory, testing the elastic limits of sound.”
King Pink + The Low Blow, Heavy Bend, Royal Mill, I’ll Remember April @ Sugar Maple
TUESDAY, JUNE 24
NIVA MKE Indie Showcase: Social Cig + Diet Lite, Bug Moment @ Falcon Hall
It’s easy to love Social Cig. The self-described “indie-skate-rock” project of Milwaukee musician Parker Schultz is arguably the most enjoyable (and popular) local DIY acts to emerge in the last few years. Dozens upon dozens of high-profile shows have solidified the group as a can’t-miss live act. Alternately peppy and shaggy guitar-rock ditties about hazy days and young love have populated a handful of winning records since 2020. The latest, In The Pocket, was released in late 2023. A new record, Patchwork: A Road Dog Story is coming soon.
Chill On The Hill: Devils Teeth + Pulpa de Guayaba @ 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. Just as it’s done in recent years, Chill has expanded its footprint by designating the space between the band chalet and the Vine Beer Garden for show-goers. The park road will 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. This week: a headlining set from garage/surf-rock outfit Devils Teeth.
Kyle Kinane @ Vivarium (also June 25)
Beloved comedian, actor, and Illinois native Kyle Kinane returns to the Midwest to take the stage at Vivarium on Tuesday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 25. Tickets to this show—Kinane’s first Milwaukee appearance since headlining the Milwaukee Comedy Festival is 2023—are running low, so act fast!
Isolation Tank Ensemble + Gore Area II @ MKE Ultra
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit @ The Riverside Theater
“Critically acclaimed for his raw emotional honesty, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor Jason Isbell has steadily earned his place as one of music’s greatest performing songwriters. The six-time Grammy Award winner and rock ‘n’ roll icon celebrated a remarkable year in 2023, starring in Martin Scorsese’s Killers Of The Flower Moon, releasing his ninth studio album, Weathervanes, and adding two more Grammy Award wins to his growing list of accolades.”
Porch Light + Miloe @ Cactus Club
“Porch Light is an indie-rock group based out of Minneapolis, consisting of members Zac Fogarty (guitar), Jackie Uhas (vocals), Henry Hughes (bass), Kyle Siemon (guitar) and Isaiah Trimbo (drums). The project quickly came together in the summer of 2024 with a mission to break the barriers that they have been accustomed to in the indie world. Leaning into a raw and authentic live process, Porch Light creates a sense of relatability and intimacy for anyone experiencing this group.”
NIVA MKE Folk Showcase: The Spine Stealers + Wire And Nail, The MilBillies @ Falcon Hall
Cicadahead + i h8 it here, Suroor, drey dk @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Tosa Tonight: Mucca Pazza + Wisconsin Space Program @ Hart Park, Wauwatosa
Summer Sounds: Third Coast Blues @ Hubbard Park
Heart(beats) Of The City: Charambo Latin Jazz @ Red Arrow Park
Mayfair Collection Summer Concert Series: 7000apart @ Keady Plaza
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
Summerfest (Weekend 2) @ Henry Maier Festival Park (through June 28)
Summerfest! The affordable nine-day music festival spread out over three consecutive Thursday-Friday-Saturday blocks with a little something for everyone that takes place in a lovely and well-appointed lakeshore park where you can eat and drink and relax and grumble about it for some reason! It’s back! Some Weekend 2 headliner highlights include Megan Thee Stallion, Lainey Wilson, The Killers, The Avett Brothers, Devo, Motion City Soundtrack, Billy Corgan, The Psychedelic Furs, Cake, and Young The Giant. Some homegrown highlights include Brett Newski & The Bad Inventions, Xposed 4Heads, The Quilz, Ladybird, Social Cig, HOSTS, IshDARR, The Zach Pietrini Band, Chicken P, Wire And Nail, and many more. And you can usually get in free by donating a few cans of beans or something! Grumble grumble! Find our easy-to-read schedule HERE!
Tour Of America’s Dairyland: Centraal Bay View Classic @ Cafe Centraal (Bay View)
“Bay View and the Neighborhood Association welcome the Tour of America’s Dairyland, presented by Kwik Trip pro/am competitive bicycle racing series at the intersection of Kinnickinnic and Lincoln. The Centraal Cafe + Tappery Bay View Classic, brings some of the fastest professional bicycle racers (women and men) from across the nation alongside international riders from 15 different countries to participate in the largest multi-day road race series in the United States. An average of 500 racers per day participate in ToAD over its 11-day run. Other races occur annually in Shorewood, Downer Avenue, Wauwatosa and suburbs of Milwaukee.”
Moonroof + Royal Mill, Alley Eyes @ Falcon Nest
America Runs On Disco Dance Party: Ric Wilson + DJ Kenny Perez, Moonglow @ Cactus Club
Under The Bridge: Jake Greenwood @ Third Space Brewing
Edelweiss Concert Cruise Series: AR/YR @ Milwaukee River, 205 W. Highland Ave.
It’s Alive: Rojo @ Milwaukee Public Market
Jazz At The Vine: John Christensen Quartet @ Humboldt Park
Thursday Bike Night Concert Series: Deadelijk @ Harley-Davidson Museum
Tunes@Noon: Jorge Vallentine @ Courtyard of 411 East Wisconsin Center
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
Tommy Stinson + Karla Rose @ Champion’s Pub
It isn’t very often that a founding member of The Replacements plays an intimate show at a tucked-away East Side bar. In fact, this might be the first time such a thing has happened. Don’t miss your opportunity to see Tommy Stinson performing at Champion’s. Tickets and square footage are extremely limited.
Tour Of America’s Dairyland: Shorewood Criterium Cycling Classic @ Shorewood
“Shorewood will return to playing host for a day to the largest cycling event in the country, the 21st Annual Shorewood Criterium Classic on Friday, June 27, 2025! The Tour of America’s Dairyland features 11 days of competitive racing around Wisconsin and brings in riders from amateurs to professionals. In addition, our local event includes kids races (littles, middles and tweens) and more fun at the Kensington Square block party!”
Motel Breakfast + Fellow Kinsman, Hotel Burgundy, Killer High Life @ Falcon Hall
Jane O’Neill + Allison Mahal @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Starry Nights: Altered Five Blues Band @ Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts
Sounds Of Summer: 5 Card Studs @ Bayshore
Current Sounds: Cullah @ Lakefront Brewery
Lilie Collins @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Don Black @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
Tommy Stinson + Karla Rose @ The Estate
It isn’t very often that a founding member of The Replacements plays an intimate show at a tucked-away East Side jazz club. In fact, this might be the first time such a thing has happened. Don’t miss your opportunity to see Tommy Stinson performing at The Estate. Tickets and square footage are extremely limited.
Tour Of America’s Dairyland: Café Hollander Otto Wenz Downer Classic @ Café Hollander (East Side)
“Historic Downer Avenue is home to one of the most famous urban criterium courses in the country. Global in reach and extremely local in flavor, The Cafe Hollander Otto Wenz Downer Classic presented by ISCorp, promises to be one of the highlights of cycling in Wisconsin this summer. The full day of racing, Saturday, June 28, 2025, features a popular kids’ race, Dairyland Mile race as well as a full slate of racing all afternoon and evening. Food, beer, and family fun complement the twilight pro race that promises to bring pro teams and riders from around the world.”
Gaze At Tha Moon 2025: All Under Heaven + Sign Language, Interlay, Mourning Star, Precocious Neophyte, Mizzy, Dogs Run Free, Pressure Heaven, Standstill, Human Ant Farm @ X-Ray Arcade
One week after hosting an inaugural festival dedicated to hardcore music, X-Ray Arcade is hosting another new festival—this one celebrating all things shoegaze. The inaugural Gaze At Tha Moon brings a total of 10 acts to Cudahy from 1-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 28. The lineup blends local outfits like Mizzy, Standstill, and Human Ant Farm with noted shoegaze acts from New Jersey, Colorado, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee.
Disposable Thumbs (record release) + Oh Well Ok, North Warren, Socially Suspect @ Cactus Club
Strawberry Festival @ Downtown Historic District, Cedarburg (also June 29)
Current Sounds: Jack Tell @ Lakefront Brewery
Summer Night Movies: Moana 2 @ Veterans Park
SUNDAY, JUNE 29
Brady Street Pride Celebration: One Last Slay @ Brady Street
“Join us as we transform Brady Street into a lively festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and allies. The festivities will kick off at 12 p.m., featuring an incredible lineup of DJs who will keep the energy high as participants dance the day away. Local food vendors will offer a variety of delicious options, while local bars serve up refreshing drinks to quench your thirst. In addition to music and food, local boutiques and artisans will showcase their products, offering a perfect opportunity to shop and support our local businesses. This is more than just a celebration; it’s a statement of pride and unity within our vibrant community.”
Tour Of America’s Dairyland: Café Hollander Tosa Village Classic @ Café Hollander (Wauwatosa)
“The Tour of America’s Dairyland bike race returns to the Tosa Village on Sunday, June 29! Tosa’s scenic, walkable village brings European flavor to a race course that winds through the charming streets and offers plenty of great viewing. This event is the final race of the series and spectators will enjoy a day of thrilling races and fun for the whole family—including a kids’ race—plus race-day specials on food, drinks, and merchandise from Village businesses.”
Wisconsin Vintage Fest @ Harley-Davidson Museum
“Wisconsin Vintage Fest is the state’s premiere vintage shopping market. At WVF we celebrate the charm and nostalgia of vintage culture. You’ll find a hand picked selection of vendors offering clothing, accessories, home goods, records and more from Y2K and before! Our mission is to connect enthusiasts with unique vintage items and experiences that bring the past back to life!”
Resonant Rogues + Maximiano @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Weekend Nachos + World I Hate, Snuffed, Livid, Sublet @ X-Ray Arcade
Cafe Sopra Mare: Corey Klunk @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Cathedral Square Market: Mighty Ms. Erica @ Cathedral Square Park
Summer Patio Music Series: Madame Furie @ Great Lakes Distillery
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