Our fat-free, dolphin-safe Milwaukee events calendar is chock-full of things to do, but only a handful of events are worthy of the lofty honor of “Record Recommended” (patent pending). Here are our recommendations for July 4-10, 2022.
MONDAY, JULY 4
Happy 4th? Sure. Happy 4th, Milwaukee.
TUESDAY, JULY 5
Chill On The Hill: Orlando Peña & The Midnight Purchase + The WhiskeyBelles @ Humboldt Park
Chill On The Hill’s 17th season—which kicked off June 7—features a total of 13 weeks worth of free, family-friendly entertainment. Like last year, Chill has expanded its footprint by designating the space between the band chalet and the Vine Beer Garden for show-goers. The ever-popular concert series continues its 2022 season with a performance by Orlando Peña & The Midnight Purchase and The WhiskeyBelles. Go find your lawn chairs, break out your comfiest blanket, and put some beverages in the cooler.
WMSE Local/Live: Wanda Chrome & The Leather Pharaohs @ Anodyne Walkers Point Roastery
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6
The Yawpers + Whiskey And The Devil, Driveway Thriftdwellers @ Cactus Club
Once a frequent Milwaukee visitor, it’s been more than three years since the last time The Yawpers have performed in town. However, you can rejoice in knowing the Denver-based roots/rock hybrid is returning to our fair city to head up an impressive Cactus Club bill that also includes local support from the likes of Whiskey And The Devil and Driveway Thriftdwellers.
Bowling For Soup + Less Than Jake, The Aquabats @ The Rave / Eagles Ballroom
Misery Signals + Comeback Kid, End, Still Stayer @ X-Ray Arcade
THURSDAY, JULY 7
Summerfest (Weekend 3) @ Henry Maier Festival Park (through July 9)
Hey! It’s Summerfest 2022’s final Thursday-Friday-Saturday block! The fest has been delightfully pleasant so far—full of people but not too full of people. Oh, and the music has been good, too! Highlights of this final weekend include amphitheater headliners like Backstreet Boys and Rod Stewart (and Cheap Trick!); grounds stage headliners like Charli XCX, Boyz II Men, Bob Mould, Death Cab For Cutie, Geese, and Los Straightjackets; and local luminaries like Trapper Schoepp, The WhiskeyBelles, and De La Buena. Click HERE for the full schedule, with dates, times, and stages!
Third Space Presents: ANDII @ Third Space Brewing
Every Thursday through September 15, “Third Space Presents” brings a different musical act to the Menomonee Valley brewery’s new and improved outdoor patio. In addition to the concert (which runs from 6-8 p.m., including an intermission) and plenty of award-winning local beer on site, Triciclo Peru is always on hand to serve empanadas and other Peruvian goodies out of its food truck. Tonight’s installment features music from singer-songwriter ANDII.
Misery Signals + Comeback Kid, End, Graysea @ X-Ray Arcade
FRIDAY, JULY 8
Milwaukee Boat Line Concert Cruise: Steez @ Milwaukee Boat Line
Despite the dozens of festivals, block parties, and weekly outdoor music series taking place on Milwaukee soil every summer, Milwaukee Boat Line sees fit to extend the city’s celebratory spirit to the water with its annual Concert Cruise series. Every Friday night between early June and the end of August, a variety of Wisconsin bands board the Vista King to perform on the lake vessel’s poop deck while the beer and pre-mixed margaritas flow liberally from 9-11 p.m. The series continues this week with a sold-out performance by local funk outfit Steez.
Gold Steps + Calling All Captains, Goalkeeper, Honey Creek @ X-Ray Arcade
Hannah Frances + Shell Bells, Long Mama @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
SATURDAY, JULY 9
Bremen Block Party And Bazaar @ Bremen Cafe
From noon until 8 p.m., the street outside of Bremen Cafe will be blocked off to offer live music, a marketplace, raffles, on-site food options, and family-focused activities. The “Bazaar” component of the block party will feature about 20 local vendors selling vintage items, jewelry, local coffee, art, and more. There will be family-friendly amenities like face painting, a dunk tank, and lawn games. The Don Pastor food truck will serve up Mexican cuisine. And yes, there will be music! A total of 10 area acts will play, including a reunion performance by Iron Pizza, who broke up in 2018.
Bristol Renaissance Faire @ off I-94 at the IL/WI border (through September 5)
For many folks in the Milwaukee area, summer doesn’t begin with Summerfest or fireworks. It begins when they strap on a rapier, peel on some leather gloves, and hoist a giant turkey leg down at the Bristol Renaissance Faire over the weekends of July, August, and early September. Huzzah!
Gigs 4 Good: Cosmic Endeavors @ The Tonic Tavern
Last summer, The Tonic Tavern celebrated its 12th anniversary with a new charitable music series. “Gigs 4 Good” featured a wide range of Milwaukee musicians performing at Tonic on select Saturdays. It went so well, Tonic is bringing it back for 2022! Like last time around, proceeds from the concerts (brought in through audience donations and from the bar donating a portion of that night’s sales) will benefit Milwaukee Center For Children And Youth, Bay View Community Center, and The Women’s Center. The series continues tonight with a performance from Cosmic Endeavors.
Deerhoof + 9 A.M. @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
Large Print (tape release) + Social Caterpillar, Delicious Monsters @ Cactus Club
SUNDAY, JULY 10
Frank Turner @ X-Ray Arcade
Frank Turner has done it all. The English punk singer-songwriter has played thousands of shows over the course of his nearly 30-year musical career. During that over-quarter-century span, he’s released nine excellent albums under his own name, published books, founded a festival, shared the stage with some legendary acts, and earned acclaim from fans all over the globe. The well-traveled troubadour is currently on an ambitious “50 States In 50 Days” tour, and is stopping by Cudahy’s “Very Famous” X-Ray Arcade for an extra special (and sold-out) solo acoustic outing.
X-Ray Patio Days DJ Set With Tyler Maas @ X-Ray Arcade
Right after Frank Turner’s sold-out acoustic matinee at X-Ray Arcade, Tyler Maas of Milwaukee Record will help break in the Cudahy venue’s new and improved patio with three hours of tunes. Adding to the summer-suited playlist will be drink specials, pizza bagels, and fun in the sun. Oh, and it’s free!
The Women + Bashford, Spoy, Future Trash, DJ GOODBOI @ Quarters Rock ‘n’ Roll Palace
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