By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Aug 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM

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What are you up to this weekend? We've got plenty of things for you to choose from! Irish Fest takes over Henry Maier Festival Park, there's Milwaukee Milkmen baseball, and dozens of other great events throughout the Milwaukee area! Make your weekend plans with the Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!

FRIDAY

Jaems Murphy and LCD Soundsystem will play The Rave on Friday and Saturday in Milwaukee.X

LCD Soundsystem at The Rave
LCD Soundsystem exist at the point of a Venn diagram where the loose grooves of disco bump up against the wiry spikiness of post-punk, and their songs hover between sharp-edged humor and heartfelt emotion. They're back for their first shows in Milwaukee in 15 years on Friday and Saturday.
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A Live Conversation with Rainn Wilson and "The Office" Screening at Riverside Theater
Rainn Wilson takes the stage for behind-the-scenes stories and laughs after a screening of a fan-favorite episode. VIP ticket holders get a photo opportunity with Wilson, and fans can enter a Dwight Schrute lookalike contest.
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Ten Buck Show – Sunday Cruise, Scam Likely, and Pleaser at Turner Hall Ballroom
Catch live sets from Sunday Cruise, Scam Likely, and Pleaser at this affordable music showcase.
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PEARLS Block Party
Join PEARLS for a fun-filled afternoon at the PEARLS Block Party! Celebrate with the community and enjoy a variety of exciting activities at ThriveOn King.
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MKE Music Night 100 at The Cooperage
Come witness local art and music as MKE Music Night join forces with The Cooperage to create this showcase for the ages.
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Firefly Fridays
Celebrate summer with food trucks, live music, and family fun every Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Firefly Grove Park.
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The world's largest Irish music festival kicks off Thursday, August 14! Don't miss Milwaukee Irish Fest. Céad míle fáilte—a hundred thousand welcomes are waiting for you at Milwaukee Irish Fest! The magic of Ireland returns to the Henry Maier Festival Park for four days of music, dancing, sports, authentic cuisine, family-friendly activities, and so much more. With performances from Skerryvore, Hermitage Green, Cherish the Ladies, Gardiner Brothers and over 18 stages of entertainment, it's a celebration packed with music and fun for all. View ways to save on admission Henry Maier Festival Park · 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee

Julian Lage at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center
Hailed as a standout guitarist of his generation, Julian Lage blends jazz, folk, and country in a masterful live show.
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Kirsten Grace with Joseph Michael at Friday Night Live
Enjoy a lively street show with music spanning from the 1920s to today, including jazz, pop, show tunes, and more.
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Dusk, Obscene at X-Ray Arcade
These legends have been dragging souls through the sludge since the 90’s, and they’re not getting any sunnier. Hope you like your metal slow and filthy.
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Known Moons, Shontrail, Heavy Bend, Online Blunt at Cactus Club
Milwaukee indie rockers Known Moons have been making some of the most solid indie pop in the city to date, and you can experience it live in Bay View.
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Music on the Beerline – Dance Party Edition
DJ Gid Money spins at this community event with food trucks, vendors, and local art, all at Beerline Plaza.
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Nathan Graham at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Blending South Side Blues and Nashville Americana, Nathan Graham delivers soulful songs full of heart and grit.
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Ray's Champagne Summer Soirée
Sip 10 Champagnes and hear stories from expert Garth Hogdon at this bubbly celebration at Ray’s Bar & Event Room.
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Sip & Sound End of Summer Music Series at Style Pop Cafe
Each Friday in August, enjoy a live musical lineup including Darylanne, AR Wesley, Kyndal J, and King Kalumet.
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Tommy Oeffling + Band at Vivarium
Experience raw, nostalgic music from Milwaukee’s own Tommy Oeffling, known for recording in his bedroom studio.
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TuneMaster Music Bingo at Sprecher Brewery
Match iconic songs to your bingo card and win prizes during this high-energy musical twist on a classic game.
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Food Truck Fridays
Sample bites from over 18 food trucks and enjoy live music, beer, and art at the West Allis Farmers Market from 5-8 p.m.
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Friday Afternoon Book Club
Join Copper Turtle’s book club on Fridays from 2-4 p.m. with rotating themes and half-off beer and wine for participants.
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Live Magic at Wizard Works Brewing
Magician Chris Ivanovich delivers close-up illusions and clever tricks at the bar in a relaxed, engaging setting.
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Painting on the Plaza at The New Fashioned
Create your own masterpiece with step-by-step instruction from Splash Studio, plus charcuterie and patio vibes.
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The Panoptics, Orange Menace, Living The Dream at Linneman's
Hailing from the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, The Panoptics are a band that embodies the spirit of Midwestern charm with a sound that knows no bounds. Since 2018, this dynamic group has been gracing stages across the Milwaukee area with their unique blend of Roots Rock music.
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Novapalooza: Addison Del Rey at Cactus Club
Milwaukee’s pop girl drag phenomenon is back. Supernova presents another spellbinding edition of Novapalooza, this time blending two icons of very different worlds: the TikTok princess turned pop star Addison Rae and the high priestess of melancholy Americana, Lana Del Rey.
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Venus Social Club at Falcon Bowl
It's a dance party at Falcon Bowl, with R3alGrl and Mowiah hosting the event!
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SATURDAY

Rap group $uicideboy$ will take the stage at American Family Insurance Amphitheater on the Grey Day 2025 tour this weekend in Milwaukee.X

Grey Day Tour 2025 at American Family Insurance Amphitheater
$uicideboy$ headlines Grey Day 2025 with Bones, Night Lovell, Germ, and Joeyy at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater.
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"Unforgettable" With Terrell Edwards
Terrell Edwards brings iconic jazz and soul legends to life at the Wilson Theater with smooth vocals, storytelling, and choreography by Jada Davis.
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3rd Street Vintage Market
Browse curated vintage fashion, collectibles, and more while enjoying food and drinks at 3rd Street Market Hall.
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Open Decks Series - Vinyl Edition at Cactus Club
All people of all levels of familiarity with vinyl DJing are invited, and guidance for the equipment will be readily available. Play a couple songs, chat about records and hear new music. Stay to practice blending, cutting, layering, and beatmatching.
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Music, meals and monkey business Join the Milwaukee County Zoo for its 39th annual “A La Carte at the Zoo,” presented by Meijer, August 14 - 17. Enjoy live music all day from local acts, with headliners Phillip Phillips (Thursday), Los Lonely Boys (Friday), and LOCASH (Saturday) performing at 7 p.m. The Zoo stays open late—9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, and until 8 p.m. on Sunday—with animal buildings closing an hour earlier. Explore the Zoo, enjoy great music, and sample food from 20+ local vendors. Entertainment is included with Zoo admission or a Zoo Pass; parking, food, and attractions are additional. Tickets available at Tri City National Bank or MilwaukeeZoo.org. Get tickets 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee

Block Party at Station 1846
Celebrate all day with live music, food, drink specials, prizes, vendors, and free shuttles to Irish Fest.
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Beginner Birding at Urban Ecology Center
Learn birding basics, how to use binoculars, and identify common Wisconsin birds during this beginner-friendly workshop.
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Community Arts & Funk Festival – 15 Year Anniversary
Celebrate unity through music, poetry, visual art, and live performances downtown.
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David Barnett Gallery: 150 Years of the Button Mansion
Enjoy wine, cake, art, and free hourly tours at this celebration of Milwaukee’s historic Button Mansion and gallery.
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Dusty Slay – The Night Shift Tour
Southern comic Dusty Slay brings his laid-back, blue-collar humor to Milwaukee as part of his 35-show national tour.
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Sleepersound, Deep Tunnel Project, Human Ant Farm, Glowingtide at X-Ray Arcade
Sleepersound brings the dream pop/post-rock that leans into the floaty, foggy stuff, slow builds, spaced out vibes, and that “am I in a coming-of-age film right now?” kind of energy.
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MELA – Festival of India
Experience music, dance, food, and cultural celebration with over 5,000 attendees at this free family-friendly event in Brookfield.
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Mi Gente Latin Beach Festival
Celebrate Latin culture with music, food, dancing, beach games, and a volleyball tournament at Bradford Beach.
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Summer Night Movie: "Captain America: Brave New World"
Watch this summer blockbuster under the stars at Veterans Park with $1 popcorn and free admission.
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Build Your Own Bouquet Bar (BYOB) at 414loral
Stop by 414loral Studio any Saturday to create your own bouquet with seasonal stems and creative vibes.
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Flow + Flowers at Happy Day Farmhaus
Join Farmer Bella for yoga in the fields, followed by free flower stems and optional U-Pick bouquet making.
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Green Spaces with Familiar Faces – William Kean
Take a lakeside nature walk with Professor William Kean and hear stories about Milwaukee’s geological beauty.
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Wine Tasting Workshop
Learn how to swirl, sniff, and sip like a sommelier at this Saturday evening workshop for wine lovers and curious beginners.
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I H8 It Here, Star Student, Anita Velveeta, Ellee Grim at Cactus Club
I H8 It Here is a dance-rock band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Heavily influenced by sasscore, nu-metal, and 2000’s dance music. Expect to move at their shows!
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Mas Verde, Varsity Mac, Gabriel Harris at Linneman's
Mas Verde is a music collective formed around the songs written by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Zach Spiegler. Inspiration behind the music of Mas Verde ranges from The Cars, The Beach Boys, and David Bowie to more modern acts like Mac Demarco and Tame Impala.
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SUNDAY

The Milwaukee Makers Market takes place at the Ivy House in Milwaukee this Sunday.X

Milwaukee Makers Market at Ivy House
Shop from over 45 small businesses offering handmade and local goods at this free event.
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Center Street Daze
Celebrating more than a quarter century of fun, this Riverwest neighborhood festival is perfect for the whole family, featuring live music at a plethora of venues, vendors from around the community, food and all sorts of wild events and entertainment.
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Anne Heaton, Edie Carey at Anodyne Coffee Roasters

Enjoy a soulful night of music from acclaimed singer-songwriters Anne Heaton and Edie Carey, both known for their emotional depth and storytelling.
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Live arts festival, August 16 + 17 at MOWA Join the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) for its annual Art & Chalk Fest, a live arts weekend on Saturday and Sunday, August 16 - 17 in West Bend. Watch chalk artist in action, shop artisan vendors, enjoy live music, and soak up the best of Wisconsin Art—inside and out—at this FREE, family-friendly festival. Learn more at artchalkfest.com Museum of Wisconsin Art · 205 Veterans Ave, West Bend

Book Swap at Dead Bird Brewing Co.
Bring a book or a few and trade with others during this casual Sunday afternoon community event.
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Bouquet Cafe at Happy Day Farmhaus
Design your own bouquet with flowers grown on-site, and relax with coffee and good company on the farm.
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Bubbles & Beauties Drag Brunch at LaCage
LaCage presents Bubbles & Beauties, a brunch event with rotating drag hostesses and an all-out Sunday Funday party.
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Full Band Open Jam with Uncle Don
Play with some of Milwaukee’s top musicians at Nashville North during this full band open jam.
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Jazz Brunch at Lupi + Iris
Enjoy a delicious brunch paired with live piano music by Anthony Deutsch in a cozy bar setting.
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Kirsten Grace and Joseph Michael Live at Aspen Sky
Enjoy jazz classics from the 1920s through the 2020s on the relaxing patio of Aspen Sky.
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Cabeza De Chivo, Werewolf Detective at Cactus Club
Guitar, bass, percussions, and organs meld seamlessly to deliver addictive dance instrumentals with an emphasis on melodic riffs and a driving rhythm section. Cabeza de Chivo incorprates multiple styles including cumbia, salsa, merengue, garage rock, surf, and dub.
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Lettuce and BALTHVS at Turner Hall Ballroom
This genre-blending six-member collective brings an energetic live show full of funk, hip-hop, and soul.
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Rise & Restore at Firefly Grove Park
Join in for yoga, coffee, bouquet making, and local goodies, with proceeds benefiting park programming.
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Royal Tea at the Pabst Mansion
Sip signature teas and champagne while exploring the grandeur of the Pabst Mansion’s historic first floor.
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Summer Soundbath and Yoga at Urban Ecology Center
Unwind with a yoga session and soundbath on the Urban Ecology Center patio, with proceeds supporting the center.
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Sunday Funday Parking Lot Party
Celebrate summer at Kelly’s Greens with infused drinks, food trucks, and live music from Mister Chud and Paul Rebek.
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Cathedral Square Market
Downtown Milwaukee’s only weekly market features local vendors, free fitness classes, and live music.
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Pilates in the Park
Join a complimentary 45-minute Pilates mat class in the park, open to all fitness levels.
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Riverwest Farmers Market
Support local farmers and artisans every Sunday with fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and more.
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Special Needs Swim Time
Enjoy a sensory-friendly swim session at The Springs Water Park, designed for children and adults with special needs.
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Walker Square Farmers Market
Browse fresh local produce and enjoy live music in this revived neighborhood market, honoring a beloved community leader.
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Modern Tigers, Faded Places, Offtide, Rare Visions at X-Ray Arcade
Modern Tigers celebrate the release of their new album “Loss/Less.” Don’t miss out!
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GA-20 at Falcon Bowl
Indie rock trio GA-20 are headed to Falcon Bowl on Sunday night!
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ALL WEEKEND LONG

Irish Fest takes place in Milwaukee this weekend at Henry Maier Festival Park.X

Irish Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park
Celebrate Irish music and culture August 14–17 at Henry Maier Festival Park. The four-day event features 18 stages with artists like Cherish the Ladies, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and Gadan. Enjoy dancing, family activities, and the Gardiner Brothers’ debut. 
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Trout Theatre's "Tartuffe"
Catch Trout Theatre’s first full performance from August 7 to August 17 at Inspiration Studios.
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"Wicked" at Marcus Performing Arts Center
The hit Broadway musical returns with the untold story of the Witches of Oz. Follow Elphaba and Glinda’s journey from rivals to friends in a dazzling, emotional story full of surprises.
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ARTchitecture at The David Barnett Gallery
Running July 18 through October 14, this show explores the relationship between art and architecture through various mediums.
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Milwaukee Mineral, Fossil, Crystal, Gem & Jewelry Show at Baird Center
Explore this massive event featuring everything from dinosaur bones to designer jewelry. Vendors include miners, geologists, and collectors.
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Kinetic Garden, Summer Floral Show at The Domes
The harmony between nature and art finds colorful expression in “Kinetic Garden,” a floral exhibit on view at The Domes June 7th - September 7th.
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Arnez J at Milwaukee Improv
To those in the know Arnez J. is quickly emerging as one of the hottest, most talked about comedic artists in the game. His raw energy, talent and comedic skill quickly landed Arnez the coveted hosting slot on BET’s longest-running comedy series “Comic View” for two seasons joining the ranks of hosts such as D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer. 
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Exploration Dinosaur at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Dig into dinos! Unearth the past and explore prehistoric life, including the bones, teeth, and more from mighty dinosaurs like the T. Rex and Triceratops! Walk among more than 20 full-size and scientifically accurate animatronic displays, plus four activity stations
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The Kalmbach Art Collection: Pairing Words and Imagery
Don't miss the first public exhibition of Kalmbach Media’s historic art collection. Totaling fifty-nine original paintings, "The Kalmbach Art Collection: Pairing Words and Imagery" is a pillar of rail-themed art filled with landmark works from Howard Fogg, George Gloff, Gil Reid, Ted Rose, John Swatsley, and many others.
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100 things to do in Milwaukee (and beyond) this summer
Looking for a way to get out and enjoy summer with your friends and family? We have ideas. From eating at a restaurant with a great patio view to enjoying local festivals to exploring the many outdoor attractions around town and more, here's everything you need for a great Milwaukee summer. 
100 things to do in Milwaukee

100 things for families and kids to do in Milwaukee this summer
Milwaukee provides fun for the whole family all summer long! Your mission is to see how many of these you can cross off of your checklist during the Great Milwaukee Summer.
100 Things to Do!

It's beer garden season!
Beer garden season has arrived in Milwaukee! Here's the dish – or should we say, the pour – including when they're open and more.
Beer Garden Guide

Enjoy some free music!
In just about every corner of Milwaukee, you'll hear live music in the summertime. The neighborhoods of the city come alive when the sun stays out late, and that means plenty of free concert series and a wide array of music for you to enjoy. 
Free Live Music Guide

Try a new restaurant!
Regularly supporting our locally owned restaurants is among the most impactful things we can vow to do. Lori Fredrich's list of 52 Restaurants for 2025 is here!
#52Restaurants