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 May 18-24, 2026, brought to you by Wynk.
MONDAY, MAY 18
Bluegrass Whatevers: Sugar Bush @ Ope! Brewing Co.
“Bluegrass Whatevers is a local series hosted by MKE bluegrassers Joe Wais (The MilBillies), Jordan Kroeger (Chicken Wire Empire), and Ernest Brusubardis IV (Chicken Wire Empire) that has made its way to different venues all around town. Following a standard ‘bluegrass jam’ format, the series features guest artists and full bands from around the region, playing ‘Whatever’ bluegrass tunes they’re feeling.”
Mazoku + Saint Red, Deluminate, Anomaly @ Cactus Club
TUESDAY, MAY 19
An Evening With Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera: In Conversation With Steve Palec @ Shank Hall
“Phil Manzanera is one of the UK’s best-known musicians and record producers, having shot to prominence in the early ’70s as the lead guitarist with the seminal band, Roxy Music. He is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s leading guitarists and record producers, combining his live playing with writing and producing new music. He was awarded the OBE in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours list: ‘musician and producer. For services to music.'”
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20
Milwaukee Record Presents: To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar @ Avalon Atmospheric Theater
To Wong Foo centers around three New York drag queens—portrayed by Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo—who set out on a cross-country road trip to a drag pageant in Hollywood. Along the way, they get into some trouble with the law and are forced to hide out in the small town of Snydersville. As they wait for the heat to die down, the trio strikes up unlikely bonds with residents, teach them a few things, and learn a little something from the locals as well. If this groundbreaking and just plain great three-hander isn’t already compelling enough, the stars get support from Stockard Channing, Jason London, Chris Penn, and a murders’ row of cameos from the likes of RuPaul, Robin Williams, Naomi Campbell, and even Julie Newmar herself.
Clementine + Hang Your Hate, Overhand, I’ll Remember April @ Falcon Nest
Swamp Rats + Tail Light Rebellion, Lily Slay And The Vertebrae @ Uptowner
THURSDAY, MAY 21
Christian Yelich Home Plate Charity Concert: Jake Owen + Isaac Slade, Nicotine Dolls, Charlie Berens @ Landmark Credit Union Live
“Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich and the Yelich family are proud to host their fourth annual ‘Home Plate’ charity event, presented by American Family Insurance. This year’s event will take place on May 21st, 2026, at Milwaukee’s newest music venue, Landmark Credit Union Live. This year’s performance will be headlined by country star Jake Owen, with opening acts by the former lead singer of The Fray, Isaac Slade, and the Nicotine Dolls! Milwaukee’s own Charlie Berens will be back as the host of the event and comedy performance!”
God’s Outlaw @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Brian “Big Smith” Smith and Eric “E-man” Bulgrin formed God’s Outlaw more than 20 years ago, and the group has been a staple of Milwaukee and Wisconsin festivals and corner bars ever since. The new Tales Of The Hard Way is an impeccably produced 10-track backroads journey that genuflects at the altar of Cash and Jennings, while sneaking in a swig of “weird Americana” a la The Handsome Family. Highlights include the “drivin’ down the highway” rambler “Roll These Dice” and the hilarious shit-kicker “Nothingsville.”
Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club: Trouble Boys: The True Story Of The Replacements by Bob Mehr @ Lion’s Tooth
Do you like books? Do you like music? Do you like books about music? Then you’re in luck, because we’ve partnered with beloved Bay View bookstore Lion’s Tooth for the Lion’s Tooth + Milwaukee Record Music Book Club! How does it work? Just stop by Lion’s Tooth on the third Thursday of the month, from 6-8 p.m., and discuss a new music-related book. That’s it!
Totally Cashed + ADORNER, Fake My Death @ Falcon Hall
The Deslondes + Sam Gelband, Kiki Cavazos @ Cactus Club
Third Goodbye + No Thanks To You, Bowvee, The Percipitators @ X-Ray Arcade
Catral / Estremera Quartet @ The Estate (early and late shows)
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Hanna Simone (record release) + A.C. The Ruler, *aya, Emmitt James @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Singer-songwriter Hanna Simone is no stranger to Milwaukee summers, but 2026 may be her biggest summer yet. On May 22, Simone will celebrate the release of her new EP, Love Letter, at the Walker’s Point Anodyne. Then she’ll take an extended record-release victory lap with a slew of shows: Lakefront Brewery on June 6, the Juneau Beer Garden on June 12, Summer Soulstice on June 13, Summer Sounds in Cedarburg on June 19, Indeed Brewing on June 22, Bastille Days on July 11, DanDan’s 10th anniversary on July 12, and A La Carte at the Milwaukee County Zoo on August 28. Phew!
D.R.I. + Deathwish, Primitives @ Under The Overpass
“Beer City Skateboards and Records and National DIY present: D.R.I., Deathwish and Primitives. May 22nd at 6:30 at National DIY ‘UNDER THE OVERPASS’! Thats at 801 W national AVE. The shows all ages and is $20 if you’re 21 or over and only $10 for anyone 20 or under. No advance ticket sales you just pay at the door. Alcohol available for anyone 21 or over. There is free parking on site and at the lot across the street.”
Lone Rock Bride + Ladybird, Natalie Sue & The Steed @ Cactus Club
“Lone Rock Bride is a Minneapolis band led by singer-songwriter Emma Fisher, fresh off the release of their debut album Rosette. Taking inspiration from country luminaries spanning from Loretta to Lucinda, their music marries narrative-driven songwriting to a wall of alt-country sound, pairing rock rhythms with soaring fiddles and steel guitar twang. With ‘a talent for memorable melodies and well-crafted lyrics’ (MPR), Fisher’s songs tell the stories of poets, pioneers, drifters, and dreamers.”
Chastity Washington @ The Laughing Tap (also May 23)
Roughly three years removed from the release of her Live At Dandy Amazon special, Milwaukee’s funniest human will be live on stage at the new and improved Laughing Tap when she headlines a total of three shows at the downtown comedy club May 22-23.
Radio Radio 17th Anniversary Blowout @ The Cooperage
Exitstatements + Underhand, Beaumont, Dialogues @ MKeUltra
Brave You + Tiny Stupid, Gunk Lung, Local Legends @ Sugar Maple
Justin Witte Trio @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Joe Policastro Trio: Screen Sounds @ The Estate (early and late shows)
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: DJ Don Black @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Morgan Park Picnic @ Morgan Park
Milwaukee Record and Busby’s are once again joining forces for the second annual Morgan Park Picnic! Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Morgan Park will play host to a FREE family-friendly festival that will offer a winning mix of live music, punk rock yoga, Wisconsin craft beer (and other refreshments), area retailers, community support, and more in and around the underutilized triangle park. It’s going to be awesome! Everything you need to know can be found HERE!
Fellow Kinsman (record release, two shows) + Ellie Jackson, Josh Evert @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee “Land-Locked-Surf-Rock” outfit Fellow Kinsman will celebrate the release of its third album, Break Room, with a pair of release shows at Cactus Club the night of May 23. The first show will find Nate Kinsman and company getting opening support from Ellie Jackson. The late show will feature Josh Evert opening. We’re just going to go ahead and call these two shows the unofficial Morgan Park Picnic afterparty!
Steve Peplin + Amanda Huff @ The Estate (early and late shows)
“Longtime collaborators and close bandmates since 2017, Amanda Huff and Steve Peplin will be stripping down their usual lineups to bring The Estate an intimate look into their personal work and influences as a duo. Known as the frontmen of experimental jazz septet Strangelander, both Huff and Peplin are uniquely distinct in their own capacities. Peplin with a prolific background in jazz guitar and symphonic orchestration, and Huff a mainstay in the local pop and electronic scene. Together they plan to take the audience on a journey through unreleased material, fan favorites, jazz classics, and covers of some of the work that inspired the musicians they are today.”
Ope’s 4th Anniversary @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Midwest Lust + TV-MA, MANTIS, Bay View Boyfriends @ Jazz Gallery Center For The Arts
IKEA Family Kite Festival @ Veterans Park (also May 24)
Crimewave: A Goth, Post-Punk & Darkwave Party @ Vivarium
Emo Ever After: An Emo, Punk, Indie & Alt Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Graham Parker @ Shank Hall
“Stereotyped early in his career as the quintessential angry young man, Graham Parker was one of the most celebrated singer/songwriters to emerge from England’s pub rock scene in the early ’70s. His band Graham Parker And The Rumour, originally his backing band of pub rock all-stars, began their career with their debut Howlin’ Wind in 1976 which led to a cult-like following of devoted fans. Parker has been touring his solo acoustic show since 2017, and recently had a new song, ‘Love Comes,’ placed in the Judd Apatow produced and directed HBO show Crashing.”
Old Timer + The Paper Flames, The Yes And @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Cafe Sopra Mare: Fusion Flamenco (Flamenco) @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
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