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 September 21-27, 2026.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Wind Walkers + If Not For Me, True North @ X-Ray Arcade (sold out)
“Hailing from the vibrant music scene of central Massachusetts, Wind Walkers are leading in redefining the very essence of post-hardcore and alternative metal. Alongside the instrumental expertise of Timothy Comeau and Neil Comeau on guitar, Craig Martin on bass, and Ethan Cheesman on drums, the pivotal moment of their evolution came with the addition of vocalist Trevor Borg. With his exceptional vocal prowess and captivating stage presence, he’s added a new layer of depth and intensity to their already established sound.”
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
WNBA Watch Party (Minnesota at Indiana): Allison Mahal @ Cactus Club
Milwaukee Record has partnered with Cactus Club and WYNK to bring you multi-faceted WNBA watch parties. Once a month, we’re highlighting a specific game that will be shown (with sound on) at Cactus Club, both on the bar’s televisions and on a projector in the back room. There will be specials on WYNK and Pacifico (and you’ll get a ticket when purchasing either brand for a raffle that will be held after the third quarter). DJs will play music during commercial breaks. We’ve also lined up some halftime entertainment for you. Yep! Local musicians and comedians will treat hoopsters to a FREE performance that will take place between the second and third quarters of that month’s chosen game.
An Evening With Dick Blau @ UWM Union Cinema
“Join UWM Libraries archivist Shiraz Bhathena in conversation with Dick Blau to celebrate a major archiving and remastering project. Blau—a co-founder of the UWM Film Department, longtime professor and fixture of the Milwaukee art community—works across film, photography and video producing a varied body of work that includes psychological portraiture, experimental narrative, devised performance, ethnomusicology and the domestic. This event will be held on Sept. 22 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the UWM Union Cinema and is part of Experimental Tuesdays in the Peck School of the Arts.”
Riverwalk Commons Concert Series: Radio Radio @ Milwaukee Public Market
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Patti Smith @ The Riverside Theater
It’s been a minute since legendary musician/poet/author/icon Patti Smith graced Milwaukee with her legendary presence. (Like, since 2017?) That changes tonight, when Smith comes to The Riverside Theater for “an evening of songs and stories.” The appearance is in support of Smith’s latest memoir, Bread Of Angels. “There will not be a book signing, meet-and-greet, or audience Q&A at this event,” notes Boswell Book Company, which is presenting the event along with The Pabst Theater Group. Each ticket includes a paperback copy of Bread Of Angels.
Public Image Ltd + Plague Vendor @ Turner Hall Ballroom
“After fronting the Sex Pistols, John Lydon formed post-punk originators Public Image Ltd (PiL). Widely regarded as one of the most innovative bands of all time, their music and vision earned them 5 UK Top 20 Singles and 5 UK Top 20 Albums. With a shifting line-up and unique sound—fusing rock, dance, folk, pop and dub—Lydon guided the band from their debut album First Issue in 1978 through to 1992’s That What Is Not, before a 17 year hiatus. Lydon reactivated PiL in 2009, touring extensively and releasing three critically acclaimed albums This is PiL in 2012 followed by What The World Needs Now… in 2015 and End Of World in 2023.”
Croz Boyce (Avey Tare & Geologist of Animal Collective) + Powers / Rolin Duo @ Cactus Club
AJ Lee & Blue Summit + Valley Fox @ Falcon Hall
Alewives + Spencer Thomas @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
They Might Be Giants @ The Pabst Theater (also September 25)
Why is the world in love again? Probably because They Might Be Giants are kicking off their fall tour with a two-night stint at Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater! Similar to TMBG’s 2024 tour, the first set of each show will spotlight a different album; the second set of each show will be stuffed with fan favorites and deep cuts. “Two sets. Three horns. Eight-piece band. Starts early. Gets loud. These shows are an ‘An Evening with.’ No opener,” the band says on their website. “The opening set will spotlight a different album each night, and there are two unique second sets prepared. All the favorites including some special new songs from The World Is To Dig will be played! Door usually at 7, we are on stage at 8 p.m. sharp.”
Dialogues Documentary Festival @ Oriental and Downer theaters (through September 27)
If you thought Milwaukee Film’s annual Milwaukee Film Festival was the nonprofit’s only cinematic bonanza of the year, THINK AGAIN. Yes, Milwaukee Film’s third annual Dialogues Documentary Festival, presented by Potawatomi Casino Hotel, is set to light up the screens of the Downer and Oriental theaters September 24-27. What’s DDF all about? Well, more than 30 documentaries and plenty of in-cinema conversations with visiting filmmakers and other special guests, that’s what. And since the fest isn’t called “Dialogues” for nothin’, there will be plenty of talkbacks, Q&As, and panel discussions.
Soul Exchange + Out 4 Blood, Krooked, Muzzle, Backstabber @ Cactus Club
Big Shrimp + Modern Joey @ The Cooperage
Lounj Acts: Joshua Being @ The Wicked Hop / Jackalope Lounj
St. Joe Jack @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Thursday Bike Nights: Bruce Humphries & The Rockabilly Rebels @ Harley-Davidson Museum Campus
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Fellow Travelers (record release) + Maximiano, Waterspouts @ Cactus Club
Max Niemann’s work with Diet Lite has already defined Milwaukee’s post-COVID indie-rock scene; with Fellow Travelers, Niemann stakes out a Midwestern country-rock sound indebted to both modern alt-country and the old-school likes of Young, Dylan, and more. Don’t Fail Me Now opens with the irresistibly twangy “Behold,” kicks things into high gear with the giddy “Sad & Lonesome,” and culminates in the expansive and kitchen-sink “Nowhere You Am II.” Niemann’s voice—wonderfully nasally and expressive—is the highlight throughout. A contender for Milwaukee album of the year.
Bay View Gallery Night @ various locations
Though there was already a 2026 installment of Bay View Gallery Night in May, we’re pleased to report Bay View Gallery Night is returning for a fall version this Friday. “Join us for another amazing evening in the Bay View Neighborhood celebrating local art, music and Milwaukee small business!”
Riverwest Jazz Fest @ various locations
Who’s in the mood for some jazz? How about a multi-venue fall music festival taking place in Riverwest? On Friday, the folks at Milwaukee Jazz Vision and Milwaukee Jazz Institute will bring a bevy of area jazz and jazz-adjacent artists to Jazz Gallery Center For The Arts, Bar Centro, Diaspora, and Club Timbuktu. Better yet, all four Riverwest Jazz Fest shows are FREE.
The Great American Punchline Tour @ Diercks Hall (MSOE)
“In a painfully polarized America, a group of comedians journey through the middle of the country in the uneasy summer of 2024 to ask and answer one key question: Can comedy bring us together across our divides? From the heart of Appalachia to cheese curds in Milwaukee and Americana in Muncie and beyond, seven comedians embark on a bumpy bus tour to play and discover common ground—and the great American punchlines that bring us together. Featuring Negin Farsad, Chris Gethard, Corey Ryan Forrester, Yasmin Elhady, Dylan Adler, Maggie Crane and Ali Sultan.”
Russian Circles + Pelican @ The Argo
Bad Year + Won’t Stay Dead, Spidora @ Sabbatic
Mural Hall + Oh Well Ok, Venturer @ MKeUltra
Cassini Echoes + Lightninging, Shrinestone, Tarek Sabbar @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
MT Jones + *aya @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
I’ll Remember April + Or Does It Explode, Key Of Evil @ Sugar Maple
Tommy Odetto @ Ope! Brewing Co.
Friday Night Retro Dance Party: SpudNikk @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Doors Open Milwaukee @ various locations (also September 27)
One of Milwaukee’s most unique events is Historic Milwaukee’s annual Doors Open Milwaukee, a citywide “open house” where folks can explore the normally off-limits insides of theaters, museums, art galleries, and random businesses. This year’s edition will boast more than 190 participating sites, including plenty of new places to explore at UWM. The complete list of sites can be found HERE.
Third Space Brewing 10th Anniversary Party @ Third Space Brewing
Third Space Brewing will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a full day of live music, food trucks, beer releases, contests, giveaways, activities for all ages, and a dash of philanthropy. Beyond its extensive lineup of award-winning beers always on tap, Third Space will be pouring its “Super Happy” Happy Place variant and reviving its beloved “Unite The Clans” Scottish Style Ale. Adding to the music, food trucks, and beer releases will will be stein holding and “Split The Shield” contests, activities for kids, beer giveaway promotions, a 50/50 raffle, and an opportunity to raise funds for Camp Minikani (a YMCA camp where Third Space’s founders first met).
Lowlands’ 20th Anniversary Block Party @ Cafe Hollander (Downer Ave.)
“Lowlands returns to where it all began for a free block party at Café Hollander on Downer Avenue. It’s a thank you to the East Side and every neighborhood a Lowlands restaurant calls home—an open invitation to gather, not just a party to watch. Guests can expect live music, festival snacks, and a full lineup of bier, wine, and cocktails, all in the spirit of the inclusivity and belonging Lowlands builds into every room it opens.”
The Low Down @ Indeed Brewing Company
Indeed Brewing will celebrate its 7th Milwaukee anniversary and the start of fall with a day full of tasty beer, live entertainment, food trucks, local retail vendors, and more. The Low Down will liven up a block of 2nd Street—between Bruce and Virginia streets—from 12-10 p.m. During that span of time, the street and the brewery itself will be hosting a wide range of activities, award-winning beers, local retailers, area food vendors, DJs and live music, and even a Silent Disco after party.
Czechtoberfest 2026 @ Amorphic Beer
From 2-7 p.m., Amorphic Beer in Riverwest will host its annual Czechtoberfest, an indoor and outdoor happening that will feature “Czech food, live music from the Stallis Cowboys in the container stage, and three Czech style lagers poured in the garden next door.” It’s free to attend.
MILK Comic Fest @ 3rd St. Market Hall
The fifth annual MILK Comic Fest will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will include a wide array of area artists and vendors, as well as independent or small press exhibitors from all over the Midwest. The event is free to attend and open to the public.
Unsane + The Crosses @ X-Ray Arcade
“Unsane is a seminal New York City noise rock trio formed in 1988, known for intense, gritty urban soundscapes and the visceral 1995 hit ‘Scrape.’ Founded by vocalist/guitarist Chris Spencer, the band pioneered a blend of punk, metal, and noise. Despite lineup changes and a hiatus, they remain influential in the noise rock scene.”
Hungry Hearts: A Bruce Springsteen Tribute @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
The Appleseed Cast + Casket Lottery @ Cactus Club
Buzz Kull + Kontravoid, Goth Barge DJs @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Stick Horse + Daniel James Gang, Gallowscrown @ Quarters Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace
Milwaukee World Oddities Expo @ Baird Center (also September 27)
South Shore Farmers’ Market: John Stano @ South Shore Park
LCD Soundsystem vs. Daft Punk vs. Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Alley Cats III: Meowloween ft. The Hissy Kits @ Falcon Bowl
From 12-4 p.m., Falcon Bowl will be the cat’s pajamas as it hosts the multi-faceted Alley Cats event for a great cause. There will be adoptable cats on hand for a “meet and greet” session in the Falcon’s Nest green room from 12-2 p.m. In Falcon Hall itself, attendees of all ages can play cat-themed games and browse feline-focused goodies from vendors, including Peach Beast, then stop by Urban Cat Coalition’s donation station to help get items from the organization’s wish list. Speaking of donations, $1 from every Meowloween cocktail purchased at the Falcon Bowl bar that afternoon will be donated to Urban Cat Coalition, as will half the proceeds from $20 bowling games purchased during the event. Last but certainly not least, The Hissy Kits—Milwaukee’s premier theremin-incorporating “Feline Expressionism” jazz project—will perform beginning 2:30 p.m.
Bean Plant Block Party @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
“Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. in Walker’s Point will host its FIFTH annual Bean Plant Block Party on Sunday, September 27 from 12-5 p.m. The event will take place outside on Bruce St. between 2nd and 3rd streets and will feature skateboard ramps and obstacles, beer from Indeed Brewing Co., vintage and locally made items, live music, food trucks and more. The event is free and open to the public, and skaters of all skill levels are encouraged to participate!”
Southside Dining Week @ various locations (through October 3)
“North Shore Bank Southside Dining Week is back for its sixth consecutive year and the community is invited to kick of the celebration of Milwaukee’s south side food scene at the North Shore Bank Southside Dining Week Preview, presented by Mastercard, on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 12-4 p.m. at Zócalo Food Truck Park. The free community event will offer a first taste of North Shore Bank Southside Dining Week, which runs Sept. 27 – Oct. 3 and invites residents and visitors to explore participating restaurants, neighborhoods, and culinary traditions across Milwaukee’s south side.” Live entertainment includes Funk Summit Bass Team at noon, Klan 414 at 1:30 p.m., and Diet Lite at 3 p.m.
Harbor Fest @ Harbor District
Celebrate all things boats, fish, and water at this family-friendly festival. Harbor Fest will take place in front of UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences (600 E. Greenfield Ave.). From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees can enjoy baby sturgeon releases, music, a children’s makers tent, food from local vendors, and more.
Marielle Allschwang & The Visitations + Exitstatements, Body Futures @ The Cooperage
“Get ready for a night of uncompromising local music. Marielle Allschwang & The Visitations, Exitstatements, and Body Futures take over The Cooperage in Milwaukee on Sunday, September 27 for an evening of creative melody, atmospheric tension, and unforgettable performances. Doors open at 6 p.m., with music starting at 7 p.m.”
Bleachers + This Is Lorelei @ Landmark Credit Union Live
And don’t forget this show! Jack Antonoff and his fellow Bleachers are currently on their “Bleachers Forever” tour, and Nate Amos of This Is Lorelei fame is opening!
Paul Amitai: Trope Variations @ Lynden Sculpture Garden
Oktoberfest At The Argo @ The Argo
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