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 9-15, 2025.
MONDAY, JUNE 9
Johnny Manchild And The Poor Bastards + Fake Shark, Paper Valley @ X-Ray Arcade
“Johnny Manchild And The Poor Bastards is an American multi-genre ensemble founded by Johnny Manchild. Since its founding in 2016, the band took the internet by storm, with a unique conundrum of jazz idioms, grunge, alt-rock, world music, and funk that prompted even Anthony Fantano himself (known as ‘The Only Music Critic Who Matters’ by the NYT) ask ‘what gives them the right to be this good?'”
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
Chill On The Hill: The Whiskeybelles + The Haggardlys, Grim Paddle @ 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, following a weather cancelation last week, Chill’s 20th season begins 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.
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals @ The Pabst Theater
“Ben Harper is one of the premiere songwriters of his generation. He is also one of the most versatile and brave songwriters, fearlessly working in a cross-section of genres, ranging from pop, reggae and soul, to blues, rock, funk and folk. He has recorded 18 studio albums and amassed a worldwide following having sold over 16 million records worldwide and 3 Grammy Awards.”
The Kooks + lovelytheband @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“The Kooks, whose 2006 debut sold over 2 million copies, have unexpectedly found themselves beloved by a new generation. While their original fans remain, they’ve layered on a fervent Gen Z following, headlining festivals and selling out shows worldwide. Social media has made them a generations’ new favourite band again, introducing their unmistakable Brit-pop joy to fresh ears.”
World’s Greatest Dad + Barely Civil, Dear Mr. Watterson, In Shining Armour @ Sugar Maple
Sun Junkies + Clementine, Career Day, Lunar Moth @ X-Ray Arcade
Poetry In The Park @ Juneau Park
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11
Milwaukee Night Market @ Wisconsin Avenue, between 2nd and Vel R. Phillips
“On four nights each summer, experience the transformation of West Wisconsin Avenue as it goes from central business district during the day to an open-air market and dance floor at night. The Milwaukee Night Market features a variety of artists, restaurateurs, performers and makers of all sorts, creating a vibrant place for Milwaukee to gather.”
Mayfair Collection Summer Concert Series: Esquires II @ Keady Plaza
Heart(beats) Of The City: Listening Party @ Red Arrow Park
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
Social Cig + Chutes, Beauty Filter @ Cactus Club
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 from the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.
Sleeping Trees + Shoulderbird, The Hallelujah Ward @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“Sleeping Trees is an alternative folk band from Bloomington, IN. Comprised of musicians from a variety of backgrounds, Sleeping Trees uses elements of folk, indie rock, songwriting and improvised music to create an eclectic, focused sound. Sleeping Trees explores the relationship we have with our natural surroundings, and how that relationship underscores our personal experiences. Musically, the band is characterized lush, layered instrumental work paired wth lyrics exploring doubt, nostalgia, loss, and hope.”
Diva Bleach + 5ever, Risk, lolitsleawas, Lake Drive @ X-Ray Arcade
The Unlikely Candidates + Bloom The Arctic, Well + Good @ Falcon Hall
Spike Pit + Sublet, Habitat For Insanity @ Sabbatic
Edelweiss Concert Cruise Series: Brewtown Beat @ Milwaukee River, 205 W. Highland Ave.
Jazz At The Vine: Tlalok Rodriguez Quintet @ Humboldt Park
Thursday Bike Night Concert Series: Ten Feet Tall @ Harley-Davidson Museum
Under The Bridge: dak duBois @ Third Space Brewing
Tunes@Noon: Roxie Beane @ Courtyard of 411 East Wisconsin Center
Summer Film Series: Moana 2 @ Deer District
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
Lakefront Festival Of Art @ Milwaukee Art Museum (through June 15)
“Celebrate 60 years of the Lakefront Festival Of Art! A summertime tradition, the three-day event brings together established and emerging artists with festivalgoers of all ages at the Milwaukee Art Museum’s lakeside campus. With 30 more artist booths this year, there’s even more to explore and enjoy. Discover and purchase one-of-a-kind art from 145 jury-selected artists from across the country and Wisconsin; enjoy live performances by local acts; dine on delicious food; relax in the wine and beer gardens; and try your hand at fun art projects.”
Polish Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park (through June 15)
“Celebrating Polish arts, culture, and traditions—sharing the gift of heritage with future generations! Live Polish music and dance performances! Traditional Polish food and drink! Cultural exhibits and workshops! Little Miss Polish Fest Pageant! Family-friendly activities! Vendors and artisans!”
Greek Fest @ Wisconsin State Fair Park (through June 15)
“As Milwaukee’s longest-running Greek Orthodox festival, Greek Fest is a summer tradition. For six decades, the festival has invited the community to experience the cultures, traditions, and authentic flavors of Greece. This year’s 60th anniversary Greek Fest will be bigger than ever, and feature expanded drive-thru service and new food menu items. That’s on top of popular Greek Fest traditions like spit-roasted lamb and chicken, and performances by Annunciation Greek-Orthodox Church’s Greek dancers.”
Peter Mulvey + Trapper Schoepp @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Over the course of his 35-year music career, Peter Mulvey has released more than 20 albums, written hundreds of songs, played thousands of shows all over the world, shared bills with a wealth of notable performers, and helped to enact change though his efforts as an activist and environmentalist. Before the Massachusetts-based singer and songwriter was gathering experiences and sharing his perspective with audiences spread far and wide, he was growing up in Milwaukee.
Wiscansin State Fear Drifting Event @ Road America
“On Friday, June 13, T-Pain will commandeer Road America with Wiscansin State Fear—a full day of open drifting, carnival rides and games for all. As night falls, T-Pain and Nappy Boy Automotive President Hert will turn up the energy with a wild karaoke showdown where anyone can take the stage.”
HartFest @ Hart Park, Wauwatosa (also June 14)
“HartFest 2025, presented by Lakefront Brewery: It’s all about BBQ and the Blues! Kick off your summer with Dave Matthews tribute band Trippin Billies on Friday night, while local blues standouts The Jimmys headline on Saturday. Plus enjoy a BBQ Competition, food trucks, and other amazing live music acts. Free admission.”
Sandra Bernhard @ Vivarium
“As a successful performer, actress, singer and author for five decades in the industry, Sandra Bernhard is an American icon that has blazed a trail for many who have come after her.”
Oops…All Headliners! @ The Laughing Tap (also June 14)
After more than five fruitful and largely hilarious years in its current Walker’s Point digs, The Laughing Tap is closing down…for a few months. Before they spend the summer moving into a new spot (we’ll have more on that eventually), they’re saying goodbye with a few June shows. Excluding a June 18 open mic, the last performers to take their stage will be a stacked cast of local comics that will take part in a two-night, two-show “Oops…All Headliners!” bill. See some of the city’s best stand-ups and say farewell to The Laughing Tap (for now).
Take Me Back To Warped Tour II: Callback + Our Vanity, Gold Steps @ Falcon Hall
Robot Witch + 5 In The Sky, Rockodile (record releases) @ Club Garibaldi
Nineteen Thirteen + The Slow Harvest @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Glitzy + Blind Hill, Dicot @ Cactus Club
Creeping Death + Kruelty, Morbidity, World Of Fear @ X-Ray Arcade
Dusty String Band @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Orange Drink + Edie Current, Razor Toast @ High Dive
Current Sounds: Emmitt James @ Lakefront Brewery
Riverwalk Commons Concert Series: De La Buena @ Milwaukee Public Market
Sounds Of Summer: Wire & Nail @ Bayshore
Friday The 13th Video Dance Party: Goth Barge @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
Summer Soulstice Music Festival @ North & Farwell
Let’s keep this simple: The 2025 installment of Summer Soulstice will take place this Saturday, from noon to midnight, in the orbit of North and Farwell on the city’s east side. It’ll feature a whopping five stages of music, plus DJs spinning all day in Black Cat Alley. The ridiculously stacked local lineup includes NilexNile, Collections Of Colonies Of Bees, Wave Chapelle, Bug Moment, Ladybird, The Hallelujah Ward, Caley Conway, El Sebas, Asher Gray and Greyhound, Something To Do, and more. It’s gonna be a blast.
T-Pain’s “Back To Wiscansin Fest IV” @ The Rave / Eagles Club
In 2022, singer, rapper, and producer T-Pain embarked on an 18-show jaunt he called his “Road To Wiscansin” tour. That run of shows culminated with a show at The Rave / Eagles Club, which was dubbed “Wiscansin Fest.” The fourth annual installment (called “Back To Wiscansin Fest”) takes place this weekend. This time around, the worldwide sensation will be joined by the likes of Feid, Keyshia Cole, Pusha T, Wale, Jermaine Dupri, DJ Diesel (Shaq’s DJ alias), NLE Choppa, Kash Doll, Dreezy, Prof, Durand Bernarr, Armani White, Milwaukee’s own DJay Mando and NilexNile, and more.
Brady Street Art Walk @ Brady Street
“On Saturday, June 14, Brady Street BID will feature some of Milwaukee’s finest artists in this one-day art extravaganza. Come walk around Brady and see talented creators at work! Artists will line the sidewalks of Brady Street to create and sell their art. Grab a drink or a meal, and enjoy seeing imagination in action.”
IfIHadAHiFi + Weaklung, Primitive Broadcast Service @ MKE Ultra
Wisconsin Space Program (record release) + Dead Feathers, Blind Hill @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
FACS + Shrinestone @ Cactus Club
Current Sounds: Max & The Fellow Travlers @ Lakefront Brewery
Madonna vs. Lady Gaga @ Mad Planet
Summer Night Movies: Inside Out 2 @ Veterans Park
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs + Shannon McNally @ The Pabst Theater
“Mike Campbell was a member, architect and co-captain of the Heartbreakers, a band he co-founded with Tom Petty, whom he met in a Gainesville, Florida carport in 1972. The Heartbreakers lead guitarist, Campbell co-wrote many of the Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers hits and also co-produced many of their albums—in addition to penning songs for Don Henley (‘Boys Of Summer’), Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks and playing on records by Aretha Franklin, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash.”
Hyperbolic (record release) + Lagoon, Gracie @ Cactus Club
Cafe Sopra Mare: Arron Crook @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Cathedral Square Market: Field Trip @ Cathedral Square Park
Summer Patio Music Series: Francesca & The Night Sky @ Great Lakes Distillery
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