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 9-15, 2026, brought to you by Wynk.
MONDAY, MARCH 9
Gaelic Storm + JigJam @ The Pabst Theater
“It’s hard to imagine a band just coming into their own after 20 years of success, but that’s exactly what makes a true anomaly. Gaelic Storm, a multi-national, Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and after two decades and over 2,000 shows, they are a true force to be reckoned with.”
TUESDAY, MARCH 10
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
Julia Graves + Maxwell James • B N’ The Spice Cabinet @ Cactus Club
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
Live In The Lounge: Wire And Nail (Acoustic Duo) @ The Argo
“Wire And Nail (Acoustic Duo) strips Milwaukee’s favorite honky-tonk rock-and-roll band down to its raw essentials—songs, stories, and soul. This acoustic set highlights the band’s gritty songwriting, tight harmonies, and roots-driven sound in a more intimate, laid-back format that still carries all the heart and swagger they’re known for. Expect a mix of original Wire And Nail favorites, classic country and rock influences, and the kind of easygoing barroom charm that feels right at home in a room built for listening. It’s a closer, more personal take on the band—perfect for a night of great songs, great drinks, and real connection.”
Moonchild + Brittney Carter @ Vivarium
“Moonchild is the genre-defying trio that has quietly but powerfully carved their own worldwide lane in the world of alternative R&B and neo-soul. Comprised of multi-instrumentalists Amber Navran, Max Bryk, and Andris Mattson, the Los Angeles-based band blends velvety vocals, intricate horn arrangements, jazz-rooted harmony, and forward-thinking production into a signature sound that’s as intimate as it is expansive.”
Melting Ice — Voces De La Frontera: The Swabs + Monarch, Steal Salvage, Casual Sex @ Cactus Club
Mrs. Fun + Russ Johnson @ The Estate
Rare Bird Night Market @ Lakefront Brewery
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
Milwaukee Horror Con @ Baird Center (through March 15)
“Get ready for a weekend of pure terror at Wisconsin’s ONLY horror convention! Dive into a world of fright with special guests, exclusive merchandise, creepy panels, and premiere indie horror films. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone. Meet horror legends, discover spine-chilling surprises, and connect with fellow fans in an unforgettable celebration of all things terrifying.”
Hieroglyphics + Emmitt James @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“Hieroglyphics is an American underground hip hop collective based in Oakland, California. The group includes founder Del the Funky Homosapien, Casual, Domino, Pep Love, DJ Toure and Souls of Mischief.”
The Dollyrots + Keep Flying, Something To Do, Socially Suspect @ X-Ray Arcade
During their 25-year run, The Dollyrots have released more than a dozen albums and EPs, played all over the world, performed with countless punk and rock and roll mainstays, and had their music featured on television shows and in films. Almost exactly a year after playing Cactus Club, the veteran pop-punkers come to nearby X-Ray Arcade for a stop on their “Spring Break From Reality Tour,” with local support from New York-based Keep Flying, Madison/Milwaukee ska vets Something To Do, and Milwaukee’s own Socially Suspect.
The Ike Reilly Assassination + Max & The Fellow Travelers @ Shank Hall
“Since his 2001 major label debut, Salesmen And Racists, Ike Reilly has been creating rebellious punk/folk/country/blues-influenced rock ‘n’ roll records that are both poetic and cinematic. He’s written songs for and collaborated with artists like Johnny Hickman and David Lowery of the band Cracker, Shooter Jennings and Tom Morello. Critical praise for his work has been plentiful.”
THE DEMIX (record release) @ Canni
“Experimental electronic artist THE DEMIX releases ACTION BUILDING SYSTEM, a new mini album mixtape concept album built from multiple periods and states of attention assembled into a single moment of action, resisting clean resolution in favor of urgency, pressure, and motion. The project centers on acting inside unstable systems where intelligence, belief, technology, and control overlap.”
Dark Star Orchestra @ The Riverside Theater
“Performing to critical acclaim for nearly 30 years and over 3300 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. The seven-piece band performs shows based on actual Grateful Dead set lists from their 30 years of touring, or creates unique sets from the Dead’s extensive catalog. This approach allows fans both young and old to share in the experience while offering a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon.”
Mariah The Scientist @ Landmark Credit Union Live
Von Alexander + Eli $tones, Ey Ay, Simi, Richie P. Goldchain @ Falcon Hall
Pat McCurdy’s St. Patrick’s Day Party @ The Argo
First Jason + Slaughter Party, The DUI’s @ MKE Ultra
The Thing + Chapped Lips @ Cactus Club
Ila Rose + Gabriel Harris, Cosmic LoveChild @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Jimmy Ray Trio @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Hannah Johnson’s Standard Fare Trio @ The Estate (early and late shows)
Shrek Rave @ The Rave / Eagles Club
Friday The 13th Video Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
St. Patrick’s Day Parade @ Downtown Milwaukee
“Downtown Milwaukee goes green on Saturday, March 14 at noon for the 58th Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Parade steps off on West Wisconsin Avenue at North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and travels a mile-and-a-half long route through downtown’s entertainment districts before ending on North Water Street at Highland Avenue.”
Ratboys + Florry @ Vivarium
After playing the BMO Pavilion right before Japanese Breakfast during Summerfest 2025, and opening for The Decemberists at Riverside Theater in 2024, Chicago’s own Ratboys come to the decidedly more intimate Vivarium. The group is touring behind its excellent new album, Singin’ To An Empty Chair.
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades + Dig Deep @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“After 15 years, eight albums, innumerable sold out shows, and countless memories, Americana mavericks Horseshoes & Hand Grenades appropriately consider themselves a ‘family’ on a wild, wonderful, and often whacky roller coaster. The bond between the quintet—Adam Greuel (guitar, vocals), David C. Lynch (harmonica, accordion, vocals), Collin Mettelka (fiddle, vocals), Russell Pedersen (banjo, vocals), and Samual Odin (bass, vocals)—fuels their creativity and chemistry on stage and in the studio.”
Milwaukee Recreation Bike Bazaar @ Riverside University High School Community Center
“Milwaukee Recreation returns to Riverside Univ. High School Community Center for the 2026 Bike Bazaar, where new and used bikes, parts, and accessories will be on sale from a variety of vendors. Arts and crafts vendors will also be on site to sell products.”
Zara Larsson + Amelia Moore @ The Rave / Eagles Club (sold out)
Disposable Thumbs + Boy Machine, Rainbow Cobra, Oogwé @ MKE Ultra
The Panoptics @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Marquee & The Moonlighters @ The Estate (early and late shows)
Nineties By Nature @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
Sons Of Legion + Brother Elsey @ Turner Hall Ballroom (sold out)
“Born from a chance encounter between two musicians from opposite coasts, Sons of Legion (SØL) is the embodiment of serendipity in sound. This dynamic duo chose to walk the same musical path, creating a unique blend that defies geographical boundaries and genre constraints.”
Breathe Easy MKE Benefit Concert: Zang! + Sex Scenes, Snag @ Cactus Club
James Falzone + Sean Hendley/Warren Enstrom, Gabriel Huston @ Jazz Gallery Center For The Arts
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