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 October 6-12, 2025.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6
Milwaukee Record’s “Roast Of Milwaukee” @ The Cooperage
Milwaukee Record’s long-running Roast Of Milwaukee event is back! Like previous years, the event—done in association with the Milwaukee Comedy Festival—will feature a stacked cast of local comedians gently (or, in some cases, viciously) making fun of our fair city. Joining the homegrown humorists will be host Kristin Brey of WTMJ and As Goes Wisconsin fame, as well as a handful of surprises. And the laughs won’t just be at the expense of Milwaukee. A portion of the show’s proceeds will be donated to Milwaukee Women’s Center. Tickets are $27 at the door, or $18 in advance. Get those advance tickets HERE.
Pasta Sauce + Dried Fruit, Frantic Repair, Our Vanity @ Cactus Club
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7
WMSE’s Local/Live: Trapper Schoepp @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“WMSE is excited to invited you back to Anodyne in Walker’s Point on Tuesday, October 7, at 6 p.m. sharp for a free, all-ages edition of Local/Live with Trapper Schoepp, and hosted by WMSE Music Director Sid and Milwaukee Record’s Matt Wild. In fall 2025, Trapper released his rawest work yet titled Osborne, which traces his path through addiction, recovery and chronic pain brought on by BMX accidents in his youth. Osborne lends its name from the unit Trapper was in at a Minnesota rehab facility and is also a nod to the songwriter’s muse Ozzy, who attended the same facility. Channeling Black Sabbath, Suicide, and Springsteen, this 11-track record is wildly different than anything Trapper has done.”
Bob Mould + David Barbe @ Shank Hall
Within six months of his latest Milwaukee appearance (April 18 at Turner Hall), Bob Mould—he of Hüsker Dü, Sugar, and solo fame—will return to town sans band for a Shank Hall appearance that’s being billed as “Bob Mould Solo Electric: Here We Go Crazy.” David Barbe, who played bass in Sugar, opens.
Milwaukee Comedy Festival @ various locations (through October 12)
Originating long before the city had anything resembling a sustainable comedy community, Milwaukee Comedy Festival has grown and evolved along with Milwaukee’s standup scene. Along the way, the annual comedic undertaking has brought in noted national talent to headline some of its shows. This year’s festival is no different, as Patton Oswalt, Aparna Nancherla, Sean Patton, Punkie Johnson, and more will take part in the 20th annual Milwaukee Comedy Festival along with great local comics and up-and-coming humorists from all over the country.
Southern Culture On The Skids + The Exotics @ Vivarium
Thou + Northless @ Cactus Club
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8
Midweek Music: Maximiano (solo) @ Crafty Cow Tosa
Every fall since 2021, Milwaukee Record has brought live music to Crafty Cow Tosa with “Midweek Music.” The series is back in October and November 2025, so stop by and enjoy some free music! Once again, there is NO COVER for these all-ages shows, which run 7 – 8:30 p.m. The series continues this week with a solo set from the incomparable Maximiano. Find the full lineup HERE.
Milwaukee Comedy Festival: Sean Patton + Sasha Rosser, Eric Wielo, Ramie Makhlouf @ The Cooperage
“Originally from New Orleans, Sean Patton is a comedian, writer, storyteller, and performer based in New York. Patton has appeared on Comedy Central’s Live At Gotham, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and his Comedy Central Half Hour and album were released in 2013. Additionally, Patton has appeared on @midnight, This Is Not Happening, What’s Your F@#king Deal?!, Viceland’s Flophouse and Party Legends, as well as IFC’s Maron, Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer, and TruTV’s Those Who Can’t.”
Bit Brigade + Arcade Mode @ X-Ray Arcade
Mutilation Barbecue + Dying Remains, Sacrificial @ Cactus Club
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9
Milwaukee Comedy Festival: Patton Oswalt + Eeland Stribling @ The Pabst Theater
“Patton Oswalt continues to leave his distinctive imprint across all areas of entertainment, from his award-winning comedy specials to his many guest roles on television. His most recent comedy special We All Scream (which also marked his directorial debut) launched on Netflix last September and Oswalt was recently nominated for a Grammy for his comedy album. In 2022, he starred in the Magnolia Pictures comedy I Love My Dad, winner of the Grand Jury and Audience awards at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival. Oswalt was nominated for a Critics Choice Award for his performance in Jason Reitman’s film Young Adult, starring opposite Charlize Theron. In 2009, he also received critical acclaim for his performance in Robert Siegel’s Big Fan; the film was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and Oswalt earned a Gotham Award nomination for his performance.”
Terror + Spaced, Sex Scenes, Muzzle @ X-Ray Arcade (sold out)
“LA-based powerhouse Terror have always been a name synonymous with hardcore. From their inception in 2002, the band have displayed a level of steadfast dedication unlike any other in their scene.”
April Dejon + Kati Katchever, Ghostcrab, Moldy Tates @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Twistin’ The Night Away: DJ Caleb Westphal @ The Estate
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
Lorde + The Japanese House, Empress Of @ UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
“Lorde is a Grammy-winning artist and cultural force, known for her genre-defying sound, introspective lyricism, and striking creative vision. Since her breakthrough with Pure Heroine in 2013, she has redefined the contours of modern pop—merging poetic storytelling with minimalist, emotionally resonant production. To date, she has amassed over 18 billion global streams and 18 million album sales worldwide. In June 2025, she returned with Virgin.”
Milwaukee Comedy Festival: Punkie Johnson @ Shank Hall
“Punkie Johnson is a comedian and writer from New Orleans, Louisiana who joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2020. She also appeared on season 2 of HBO Max’s critically acclaimed series, Love Life, where her performance was hailed by Time Magazine as a ‘particular stand out.'”
Joey McIntyre @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“Best known as the youngest member of New Kids On The Block, Joey McIntyre has enjoyed success as a solo artist as well. His solo career started with his debut album ‘Stay The Same’ which went certified Gold and delivered a top ten single, written by McIntyre. He has worked extensively as an actor in film and tv. McIntyre has a long history in theatre as well, including roles in both Wicked and Waitress on Broadway. Through it all, McIntyre has bore a passion to write and record music.”
MELT: CONVERGENCE @ Canni
“MELT: CONVERGENCE brings artists together in a shared act of creation—immersive and alive—a night built to be lived, felt, and carried forward. MELT has never been just another night of music—it is a passage, a gathering, a doorway. In a world that asks you to scroll, numb, and repeat, MELT asks you to show up, feel, and be changed. The portal opens Friday, October 10. Are you coming through?”
Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons @ The Riverside Theater
Long Line Riders @ Wiggle Room
fallfiftyfeet + Blind Equation, Dying Noises @ Sugar Maple
Wise Jennings + Brian K & The Parkway @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Josh Berman Trio (early and late shows) @ The Estate
Third Ward Beer Garden @ Catalano Square
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: Subspace @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
Flannel Fest @ Boone & Crockett / The Cooperage
On Saturday, October 11 between the hours of 2-10 p.m., the parking lot outside of Boone & Crockett and The Cooperage will be alive with Flannel Fest. You can enjoy a plethora of food, browse goods from a wide range of local retail vendors, stop by an on-site petting zoo, and watch the Division BMX Stunt Team do its thing. And what would a festival be without music? The event will be headlined by Platinum Boys; their set will double as a reunion and the band’s final show ever. Also playing throughout the day/night will be Wave Chapelle and NilexNile, De La Buena, Caley Conway, Decoteau Black, Joe Crockett, Joe Wray, and School Of Rock.
Mumford & Sons + Stephen Sanchez, The Barr Brothers @ Fiserv Forum
“Through four albums, Mumford & Sons have accumulated various awards for their work, notably two Brit Awards, two Grammy Awards (including the prestigious Album of the Year), multiple chart-topping, multi-platinum album successes right across the globe, a string of festival headlining performances (including Glastonbury) and selling out arenas tour after tour (including their biggest numbers to date in the U.S. in conclusion of the Delta tour back in 2019). A distinctive Mumford & Sons sound has since influenced and inspired recent artists to find huge success in their own right. You’d be hard pressed to find too many acts that follow a similar career trajectory.”
Taylor Tomlinson @ Miller High Life Theatre
“A rare talent who has garnered mass appeal at a young age, Taylor Tomlinson has continued to receive praise from fans and critics alike, with Rolling Stone commending her for ‘conquering comedy’ and CNN welcoming ‘the era of Taylor Tomlinson.’ Variety recently honored her with their Creative Impact in Comedy Award, which follows her inclusion in their ’10 Comics to Watch’ and ‘Comedy Impact Report.’ She has also been inducted into Forbes 30 Under 30 and TIME100 Next, in addition to being named one of the ‘100 Most Powerful Women in Hollywood’ by The Hollywood Reporter. ”
Iliza Shlesinger @ The Riverside Theater
“Iliza Shlesinger has cemented herself as one of the world’s premiere stand-up comedians. On March 11th, Shlesinger released her 7th special, Iliza Shlesinger: A Different Animal, globally on Amazon Prime Video. An explosive and relentlessly funny hour, Iliza covers everything from shower sex, ugly wives and the ideal man to the truth about the ONE thing no woman wants as nothing is off limits. The special was filmed this past fall at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City.”
The Low Down @ Indeed Brewing Company
Indeed Brewing is ending its weeklong Oktoberfest celebration strong by bringing back The Low Down block party. A portion of Second Street situated outside Indeed’s Walker’s Point brewery/taproom will host live music, food and retail vendors, and beer releases (some of which can get the “Beer Brûlée” treatment by being caramelized with a hot fire poker).
Harvest Festival @ Milwaukee Public Market
The Last Podcast On The Left @ The Pabst Theater
Mazoku (record release) + Luca, Powerwagon, Hallowbari, Domani @ Falcon Hall
Rigorous Institution + World In Action, Natural Abuse @ Cactus Club
Marquee & The Moonlighters (early and late shows) @ The Estate
The Rogue Electrics @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Funky Fruit: Asher Gray @ High Dive
Shrek Rave @ The Rave / Eagles Club
The New Music: A New Popular Music Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12
Milwaukee Record Halftime Show: Sleepersound + DJ MOMBOMB @ Cactus Club
The Pack is back! And so is the Milwaukee Record Halftime Show concert series at Cactus Club! We’ve assembled a stacked roster of 15 acts that will provide FREE all-ages entertainment at Cactus Club during halftime of Green Bay’s games. Our pals at Hamm’s will sponsor the series, meaning fans can enjoy specials on cans and buckets of the beer “from the Land of Sky Blue Waters” and Miller High Life all game long. WYNK has also come on as a sponsor and its THC seltzer will be available at a discount during all games. Last and certainly not least, Transfer Pizzeria Cafe will once again be coming by most games to drop off some complementary pizza. There will also be touchdown shots (both regular and N/A options will be offered). Games will be shown in the bar as usual, but they’ll also be shown on a projector screen in Cactus Club’s back room. And we repeat: THERE’S NO COVER CHARGE for the concerts.
Jonas Brothers @ Fiserv Forum
“‘We’re beyond excited to hit the road and celebrate 20 years of music,’ say the Jonas Brothers. ‘Our fans have been with us through every chapter, and this tour is our way of honoring them, the memories we’ve made, and the ones we’ll create together. We can’t wait to make this our biggest, most unforgettable tour yet.’ The tour will take fans on a full, career-spanning journey—with dedicated sets from every chapter of Jonas including Nick Jonas & the Administration, Nick Jonas’ solo career, Joe Jonas’ solo work and DNCE—all leading up to an unforgettable headlining performance from the Jonas Brothers.”
Dave Attell @ The Pabst Theater
“Dave Attell, the legendary stand-up comedian’s new Netflix Comedy Special Hot Cross Buns premiered in March 2024 to huge numbers and rave reviews. He is best known as the host of Comedy Central’s Insomniac With Dave Attell, which gave him a cult following.”
Micajah & Justin Graff + Sludge Hawking, Nathaniel Heuer (Hello Death) @ Falcon Hall
The Jins + Moon Rules Apply, Sludge Mother @ X-Ray Arcade
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