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 25-31, 2026, brought to you by Wynk.
MONDAY, MAY 25
TUESDAY, MAY 26
Desperate Electric + Fairy Astronaut, SSAANN, Modern Haunting @ Cactus Club
“Kayti Korte and Ben Morris met as music majors at Montana State University. An unlikely pairing of a classically trained vocalist and a collegiate rugby player with rock-star instincts. What began as an unexpected connection quickly became a creative partnership and after graduation, Kayti joined Ben’s then-current band. Once the two began writing together, it became clear something bigger was taking shape.”
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
Thelma And The Sleaze + Outpacer @ The Cooperage
The Cooperage will celebrate the beginning of summer vacation with a standout show from fantastic southern rock band Thelma And The Sleaze. Opening the summertime shindig will be new (and local) alt-rock band Outpacer, which features Desaparecidos co-founder Denver Dalley on guitar.
Jaguar Sun + Jacob Slade @ Cactus Club
“Jaguar Sun is the solo project of Canadian multi-instrumentalist Chris Minielly. Brought to life in the small Southern Ontario town of Elmira, Chris took inspirations such as Big Theif, Goth Babe, Beach Fossils, Frightened Rabbit and Youth Lagoon and dove into producing music of his own. Now residing in Toronto Chris continues to record and produce from his DIY home studio treading his own line between Dream Pop, Rock, and Folk.”
Benefit Show for Francesca Hong: Isaac Repinski And Friends @ The Estate
Restraining Order + World I Hate, No Guard, Sex Scenes @ X-Ray Arcade
THURSDAY, MAY 28
Rilo Kiley + Jean-Luc Eldenwood @ The Riverside Theater
After an outstanding 15-year run, Rilo Kiley called it quits in 2013. Fortunately, few bands remain broken up forever at this point in time, and the Jenny Lewis-fronted indie outfit made the decision to finally get back together in 2025. The legendary group brings its “Really Fucking On Tour” to The Riverside Theater tonight. Be there!
Damien Liriano + MeloTuned, NATE, Lil L.A Marz @ Falcon Hall
“Damien Liriano is a Dominican artist from Appleton Wisconsin, redefining alternative hip-hop and electronic music. His new album, [miabb], or mom i’m a bad bitch, is about loving yourself through all the bad, toxic, sad and happy moments in life. It’s a beautiful satire that explores self-discovery, while keeping the image of a ‘bad bitch’ alive. Serving those values, this show will be raising funds for local mental health resources.”
Ila Rose Band @ Nashville North
“Ila Rose blends folk-pop charm with rock flavor as she third wheels in her latest band iteration ‘Ila Rose and the Betrothed.’ The engaged duo, Caden Connolly on drums and Fern Rocha on bass, accompany Ila Rose’s guitar and vocals. Their set features familiar covers and original songs from Ila Rose’s debut album Miss Young Paranoia. Ila Rose draws inspiration from Amy Winehouse, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, and Adele.”
B.D. Greer & The Gents @ The Estate
FRIDAY, MAY 29
Bay View Gallery Night + Bay View Jazz Fest @ various locations
Since 2011, Bay View Gallery Night has organized “Milwaukee’s largest annual celebration of art, local business, music, and community.” The massive neighborhood-wide event brings together talented area artists and musicians, along with an eclectic mix of Milwaukee bars, restaurants and retailers for a large-scale happening that has quickly become a part of the Bay View tradition. It’s free. It’s fun. It’s locally focused. What more can you ask for? Oh, that’s right: the concurrently running Bay View Jazz Fest! Find the lineup to that HERE.
Kyle Feerick + Lost Orange Cat (double record release) @ Falcon Hall
Falcon Hall will play host two a double album release show when the Riverwest venue welcomes Kyle Feerick and Lost Orange Cat to its stage. The former will celebrate the release of his latest record, Shine On, after Lost Orange Cat performs material from its (also brand new) record, Electric Desert.
Tattoo Fest Milwaukee @ Baird Center (through May 31)
Milwaukee Tattoo Festival is a celebration of all things needles and ink that will offer a “selection of over 200 of the best artists from all over the world right here in Milwaukee for three days of tattooing, art making, merch selling, and much more.”
Country Rising Festival @ Franklin Field (Franklin)
From the folks who brought you Tacos & Tequila Festival (more on that later), comes the Country Rising Festival. This new undertaking will bring BigXThaPlug, Redferrin, Dylan Marlowe, Austin Snell, and Atlus to Franklin Field.
Force (record release) + Poison Hand, Mindharvester @ Cactus Club
The People Brothers Band + Hot Like Mars @ The Cooperage
Peter Mulvey & Jenna Nicholls present Floyd Mercantile @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Hacked Nudes + Mizzy, Mrs. Nezbitt, Aergo @ MKeUltra
The Mosleys @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Substance 101 + The Quilz @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Radiate: WMSE EDM Fest @ Third Space Brewing
Beloved freeform radio station WMSE is entering the world of EDM festivals with its inaugural Radiate, a free, 12-hour blowout at Third Space Brewing. Beyond the beats (provided by a dozen local DJs, including Jonn Hawley, The Demix, and curator Jayx), Radiate will feature food trucks, local vendors, and local art. The FREE fest is presented by McLaughlin & Hayes Hat Co., with additional support from Menomonee Valley Partners, Bublr Bikes, KittenCrochet ‘N Such, Third Space Brewing, and MSOE.
Tacos & Tequila Festival @ Franklin Field, Franklin
Do you like tacos, tequila, and world-renowned rappers/R&B talents who really popped off in the early 2000s? If you answered yes to even one of those questions, we have some good news for you. And if you enjoy all three of those things, then you might be in for one of the best days of your life. This year’s Tacos & Tequila Festival lineup features Rick Ross, Ginuwine, Soulja Boy, Frankie J, Mims, and Milwaukee’s own 414BigFrank.
BikerFest MKE Block Party @ East Side at Farwell, Ivanhoe, and Kenilworth
“The same community-powered, family-style block party where everyone is welcome, with motorcycles and unity at the heart of it. Come for the bikes, stay for the fun. Expect a feel-good day packed with live music, food, vendors, and plenty to do for all ages. You’ll see bikes on display, connect with local businesses and community partners, and enjoy the kind of party that BikerFest Mke brings…welcoming, energetic, and community-first.”
Smoke On The Water – MKE’s BBQ & Brews Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park
“Kick off festival season lakeside as top BBQ vendors take over the lakefront, serving up slow-cooked favorites and mouth-watering bites. Smoke On The Water food vendors will offer tasting sized portions of their signature menu items starting at just $5, along with full-size favorites, providing an opportunity for fans to try a wide variety of BBQ.”
Lager & Friends @ Gathering Place Brewing
“Presented by Gathering Place Brewing, Lager & Friends has two goals: First, to celebrate lager beer and showcase the wide range of styles and interpretations that are lagers. Moreover, we want to highlight the brewing skills and techniques required to make well crafted lagers. Secondly, the festival is a way to bring together friends and like minded lager brewers. The festival has welcomed exceptional lager brewers from across the country over the years. Now in its 8th year, Lager & Friends has become the premiere lager-only beer festival in Wisconsin. We welcome brewers and guests from across the country to enjoy lager beer. We hope you’ll join us this year!”
Marc-Alan Prince + Dead Dead Swans, Mulva, Resurrectionists, DJ Verminess @ MKeUltra
Sapsucker + Breakup Tour, Socially Suspect @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Morning Glory Art Fair @ Marcus Performing Arts Center (also May 31)
Shop, Sip & Savor @ Historic Third Ward (also May 31)
Phat Phunktion + Mama Digdown’s Brass Band @ Vivarium
Current Sounds: Max & The Fellow Travelers @ Lakefront Brewery
Club Ritual @ Milwaukee Boat Line
The Sonder Bombs + Susanbarelybreathing, Mural Hall, Home Going @ Sugar Maple
Soulful Summer Music Series: DJ Gideon @ Gordon Park
Liverpool Legends: The Complete Beatles Experience @ The Pabst Theater
Mojo Thunder @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Russ Johnson Quartet @ The Estate (early and late shows)
K-Pop Dance Party: DJ Seoul K @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, MAY 31
Locust Street Festival + Locust Street Beer Run @ Locust Street
Returning for its 47th (!) year, the annual Locust Street Festival is one of the city’s best street fests, celebrating all that is good, right, and drum circle-y in Riverwest. The ever-popular 1.8-mile Beer Run will kick things off at 11:30 a.m., followed by eight hours of music, food, drinks, crafts, and stellar people-watching. Find the full lineup HERE.
Brady Street Art Walk & Splash of Pride @ Brady Street
“The annual Brady Street Art Walk returns on May 31, and this year promises to be unforgettable. Guests can stroll the street while enjoying live artists, local vendors, and interactive creative experiences throughout the neighborhood. New this year, the Art Walk will also kick off Splash of Pride, a vibrant celebration leading into Pride Month. Artists will be live-painting business windows along Brady Street, transforming the neighborhood into an open-air gallery that celebrates love, identity, and community.”
Linneman’s 33rd Anniversary Celebration: The Erotic Adventures Of The Static Chicken, De La Buena, If I Knew The Way plays Dylan & the Dead, Natalie Sue & The Steed, Shell Bells @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
“Linneman’s Riverwest Inn first opened its doors in 1993. May 31st we celebrate 33 years of great music, great fun, and an action-packed yet laid back entertainment atmosphere to hopefully help soothe the soul.”
Pete & Bas Save America + Delivery Boys @ Falcon Hall
Star Funeral + My Melody, Shrinestone, Hypersleep @ MKeUltra
Current Sounds: Parker Schultz of Social Cig @ Lakefront Brewery
Pops Fletcher & The Hucksters @ Ope! Brewing Co.
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