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 for March 30 – April 5, 2026, brought to you by Wynk.
MONDAY, MARCH 30
Gary Numan @ The Pabst Theater
“May, 1979. It’s an ordinary Thursday evening, which means it’s time for Top of the Pops. Amidst a zeitgeist of punk and disco, the show suddenly appears to be interrupted by a transmission from the future. A luminous synth riff echoes out, a beat drives on and up steps an otherworldly figure—part robot, part alien—to deliver an enigmatic lyric depicting some kind of android existence in a dystopian future. It’s Gary Numan fronting Tubeway Army for their breakthrough hit ‘Are “Friends” Electric?’. Of the millions that are watching, few would’ve recognised that this moment foreshadows the shape of music to come, from synth-pop to industrial and alt-pop. That, however, can’t stop it igniting the imagination of an audience that would swell into a devoted following.”
HIRS + Commitment, Jivebomb @ Cactus Club
“The HIRS Collective rely on an ethos of de-individualization. It is their strength, and their love. Through co-opting the anarchist phrase ‘No Gods. No cops. No masters,’ as a ‘fuck you’ to the disingenuity of too much art and life of the capitalist world at large, the group introduced themselves as humanly as possible.”
Small Batch Songwriter Sessions: Max Niemann @ Indeed Brewing Company
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
Diorama-Rama: Dioramas Revisited, Reinvented, Reimagined @ Milwaukee Public Museum
“MPM is partnering to host the 10-year anniversary of the 1st National Diorama Month Diorama-Rama! The theme for 2026 is ‘NDM/MPM: Dioramas Revisited, Reinvented, Reimagined.’ Local artists will be putting their own spin on MPM’s famous Milwaukee-style dioramas. Visitors can vote for their favorite dioramas; the winner will be announced at the end of the evening. A cash bar will also be available.”
A Gathering Before The Gathering: Happy Hour & Pinball Tournament @ Blackbird Bar
Along with Lilliput Records, we’re partnering with the fine folks at Fiserv Forum to promote the Weezer/The Shins/Silversun Pickups show at Fiserv on October 7. Tonight, from 4-6 p.m., we’ll be playing a steady diet of the three bands at Blackbird Bar. Every drink purchase will get you a raffle ticket to give you a chance at prizes, which we’ll be raffling off every half hour starting at 4:30 p.m. (including merch and even a pair of tickets to the concert). We’ll also be holding a pinball tournament on Blackbird’s King Kong: Myth Of Terror Island table, with a grand prize—that includes a pair of tickets to the concert—for the player who posts the highest score.
Dead, Dead Swans + Sana All, Tiny Vamp @ Cactus Club
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
Milwaukee Record Club: April Fools (Comedy & Novelty Albums) @ Wiggle Room
We’re taking over the Wiggle Room decks for a Wednesday night monthly collaborative vinyl spin we’re calling Milwaukee Record Club. From 6-9 p.m., we’ll drop the needle on vinyl releases that adhere to the month’s specific theme. Though we’ll bring enough music to cover a full set, we’re asking—no, we’re strongly encouraging—people to bring in their own vinyl that fits our chosen theme. If we think it’s a fit, we’ll play it!
Pile + THYONE @ Falcon Hall
“Pile formed in 2007 as Rick Maguire’s solo outlet, soon joined by time-warping drummer Kris Kuss (in 2009) and fuzzed-yet-melodic bassist Matt Connery (in 2010), among other friends; with its explosively intricate take on heavy music, the band found devoted fans amid Boston’s bustling punk scene. Since then, Pile’s released eight acclaimed albums, each showcasing different facets of its members’ talents.”
Matt Pryor + Small Uncle, Human Ant Farm @ Anodyne Coffee Walker’s Point Roastery
There’s no April fooling here, people! Matt Pryor, the singer and founding member of seminal Midwest emo outfit The Get Up Kids, is coming to Milwaukee for a headlining solo performance at Anodyne Coffee Walker’s Point Roastery!
Adam Blackwood + The Taxmen, Gypsum Sunflower @ X-Ray Arcade
Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage + Marble Teeth @ Cactus Club
Bluegrass Whatevers @ Ope! Brewing Co.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
Milwaukee Record Beer Release: HOSTS + Gold Steps, Dana Ehrmann @ Ope! Brewing
We’re partnering with Ope! Brewing in West Allis to produce a collaborative beer we think a lot of you are going to love. Milwaukee Record Bee-Side Honey Lager is a light-bodied lager that gets a dash of locally sourced sweetness from Kallas Honey. The beer will officially hit tap lines and cans on April 2. That same night, Milwaukee Record will host a beer release event at Ope! Brewing’s taproom. In addition to being able to enjoy Bee-Side Honey Lager for the very first time, there will also be performances by HOSTS, Gold Steps, and West Allis-born comedian Dana Ehrmann. The fun kicks off at 7 p.m. and the show is FREE.
Rosenau & Sanborn @ Vivarium
“Rosenau & Sanborn is a duo composed of Chris Rosenau (Volcano Choir, Collections Of Colonies Of Bees) and Nick Sanborn (Sylvan Esso, Megafaun, Made Of Oak). The pair have been friends and collaborators for years, however it wasn’t until they played an improvised set together at 2015’s Eaux Claires music festival that they realized the potential of making a record together. Two, the duo’s second project together, was recorded in 2024 at Betty’s in North Carolina.”
Milwaukee Film Festival Friends & Family Preview Night @ Oriental Theatre
The 2026 Milwaukee Film Festival will take over the screens of the Oriental and Downer theaters April 16-30. Want a sneak peak of some of MFF26’s 200-plus films? Even better, how about a FREE sneak peak? Then hop on over to the Oriental on Thursday for the open-to-the-public Friends & Family Preview Night, featuring trailers, recommendations, and popcorn! Doors open at 6 p.m. and the fun starts at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Milwaukee Record and Milwaukee Magazine!
Clue: The Movie With Lesley Ann Warren 40th Anniversary Tour @ Marcus Performing Arts Center
“Join the original Miss Scarlet—Lesley Ann Warren—as she hosts a screening of the cult cinema hit Clue! Based on the popular board game, this iconic comedy is now celebrating its 40th anniversary with a national tour. The film begins at a dinner party hosted by Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving), where he admits to blackmailing his visitors. These guests, who have been given aliases, are Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan), Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren), Mr. Green (Michael McKean), Professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd), Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn) and Col. Mustard (Martin Mull). When Boddy turns up murdered, all are suspects, and together they try to figure out who is the killer. The evening will offer in-depth conversation, stories from set, Q&As with attendees and more. VIP meet-and-greet packages available!”
B2K + Bow Wow, Amerie, Yung Joc, B5, more @ Fiserv Forum
Steve Peplin & The MATC Honors Ensemble @ The Estate
Pool Kids + Dikembe, Barely Civil @ Cactus Club
Sushi Cowboy + Venturer, Triptych @ Falcon Nest
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
Poliça @ The Cooperage
“Minneapolis legends Polica return to the Harborfront for the first time since 2019 for a very special performance. Since their emergence from Minneapolis’ vibrant underground in 2011, Poliça has carved out a singular space in electronic indie-pop, blending shadowy synths, pulsating rhythms, and the unmistakable vocal presence of Channy Leaneagh—a voice that bends and refracts like light through water, shaped by intricate processing yet deeply human at its core. Co-founded by producer Ryan Olson, the band’s alchemy has long been defined by its balance of warmth and detachment, with Chris Bierden’s melodic basslines and the dueling drums of Ben Ivascu and Drew Christophersonanchoring their hypnotic sound.”
Couch Dog + Diet Lite @ Cactus Club
“Diet Lite’s eclectic style has been described as where ‘garage rock meets power pop,’ showcasing catchy riffs, creative songwriting, and a brand of energy that could be canned and sold. Diet Lite is gritty, feel-good rock ‘n’ roll at its finest. The group takes pride in active bass lines, melodically forward verses, and familiar yet fresh material.”
Wonderful Bluffer @ Nashville North
“Since their formation in 2018, Wonderful Bluffer has sought nothing more than to disarm and enchant audiences with the undying spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. In the years since, the Milwaukee-based rock band has managed to craft a style of music all their own, with influences spanning many genres.”
Agita + Levalarie, Evil Pack, Where I Stand @ Sugar Maple
Smoke N’ Mirrors @ The Estate (early and late shows)
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Paul H @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
Maximiano (record release) + Field Report, Ava Brennan @ Cactus Club
In 2024, Maximiano—the eponymous project of Milwaukee-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Maximiano Janairo—burst into local music consciousness with the release of their formal debut album, The Real Truth. While matching the quality and overwhelmingly positive response of that record will be tough to do, Janairo seems up to the task. They’ll take the stage at Cactus Club on Saturday to formally release Rokeby, a collection of homespun songs written in the Hudson River Valley during “a 10-day dog-sitting gig.”
MX Lonely + Shamewave, Superglue, Hypersleep @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“MX Lonely formed in 2022 out of the ashes of other projects. Rae Haas (lead vocals/synth) and Jake Harms (vocals/guitar) sought to create a heavier, more punk rock version of a dual-vocal, spidery songwriting style they had begun exploring. After a few lineup changes, the group solidified with Gabriel Garman (bass) and Andrew Rapp (drums), who together add a heavy, propulsive rhythm section to the band. Since early 2024 MX Lonely has been touring nationally. The live show aspect of their sound has a huge hand in shaping the dynamics and feeling of their recorded music. They describe themselves as ‘Loud As F*ck,’ and tow multiple amps to every show.”
Milwaukee Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2026 @ Baird Center (also April 5)
“The Oddities & Curiosities Expo is the world’s largest traveling oddities event showcasing hand selected vendors, dealers, artists and small businesses with all things weird. You’ll find items such as: taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror/halloween inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, quack medical devices, creepy clothing, odd jewelry, skulls/bones, funeral collectibles & much more. We truly have something weird for everyone at our shows.”
Jason Shapiro + Poor Ridley, Resurrectionists, Royal Jelly @ MKE Ultra
Yolk + Killer High Life, Tiny Vamp @ Sugar Maple
Kyle Feerick Band @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Berman/Stein Quartet @ The Estate (early and late shows)
ELOUR + Jene Jackson, Thick Needles @ Bremen Cafe
The New New: A Popular Music Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
Zack Keim + David Shane, Max & The Fellow Travelers @ Cactus Club
“Zack Keim is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh, PA, whose soulful melodies and introspective lyrics have captivated audiences worldwide. From 2022 to 2025, he embarked on an extensive tour across the U.S. and Europe, bringing his unique sound to fans everywhere. Known for his electrifying live shows, Keim has shared the stage with legendary artists such as Peter Case (The Nerves/Plimsouls), indie icon Calvin Johnson (Beat Happening/ K Records), JD Wilkes (Legendary Shack Shackers), Marty Wilson Piper (The Church), Evan Westfall (Caamp), and acclaimed indie songwriter Matt Costa.”
Shitstorm + Deterioration, Mellow Harsher, Milorganaut @ X-Ray Arcade
Want more Milwaukee Record? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and/or support us on Patreon.