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Your perfect weekend starts here! There is so much happening in the city this weekend, between Bastille Days, Gallery Night, the Air & Water show and so, so much more. Make it a great weekend with the Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!
FRIDAY
Winona Fighter at Vivarium
Nashville punk band Winona Fighter brings an inclusive and energetic performance aimed at welcoming all music lovers to their bold sound.
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Firefly Fridays
Check out Firefly Fridays—a summer celebration of food, music and community in Firefly Grove Park! From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Friday, enjoy rotating food trucks, a beer tent from Vennture Brewing Company and a craft/sensory play area by The Little Village Cafe. Live music will fill the park every Friday through Sept. 26.
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Partner Pick
Gallery Talk: “Erin Shirreff: Permanent Drafts” at Milwaukee Art Museum
Join Kristen Gaylord for an in-depth talk on the photography and media arts exhibition showcasing over 40 recent works by Erin Shirreff at the Museum.
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Gathering Happiness: Summer Gallery Night at Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
Artist Megan Woodard Johnson presents layered, abstract work informed by a year of shared moments. Tour her studio, meet the curator, and enjoy a curated cocktail.
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Painting on the Plaza at The New Fashioned
Join Splash Studio’s outdoor painting series with guided instruction and a charcuterie board. Great for all skill levels, tickets are $44 and include all supplies.
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Dragons Sandbox Dragonlings D&D at Old Guard Games
Head to Old Guard Games for a Dungeons and Dragons meetup! Whether you're new to the game or an experienced player, you're welcome.
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90s Night Pick Your Project Workshop at Board & Brush
Looking for a fun way to connect with friends or family? Join this popular DIY workshop and create your own wood sign. Select a project from the gallery, and follow step-by-step instruction using a variety of paint and stain options. Pre-registration is required.
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Black Cat Alley After Dark
Milwaukee’s iconic outdoor gallery transforms into a vibrant evening destination on Friday. Expect music, art, cocktails, and immersive experiences from 6–10 p.m.
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Chicken Wire Empire at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center
Enjoy a night of bluegrass with Chicken Wire Empire at the Wilson Center’s Starry Nights concert series. Bring your own seating and a donation of $10 is suggested.
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East Side Gallery Night
Support local artists and businesses while browsing local art, enjoying food and drink specials, and participating in community chalk art at Ivanhoe Plaza.
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Legacy Exhibit Opening Celebration at Arts @ Large
Arts @ Large hosts an interactive exhibit with art by Milwaukee students and educators. Enjoy installations, music from Jam House, and treats from Green Baked Goods.
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Mind Games Opening Reception
Kim Storage Gallery presents a solo exhibition by April Behnke exploring perceptual play. Join the reception from 5-8 p.m.
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Waterford Wine & Spirits Grand Opening
Waterford Wine & Spirits is thrilled to announce the opening of its brand-new Wine Bar on the East Side. The new space invites guests to relax, sip, and explore a curated selection of wines in an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere.
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Music on the Beerline
Dance with Urban Empress and the Urbanites and enjoy food trucks, Amorphic Brewery drinks, and local maker booths at this community music event at Beerline Plaza.
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Afro-Carribean Jazz Collective at Jazz Gallery
Enjoy a night of Latin Jazz in Riverwest, at the home for some of the city's most diverse music.
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Pomona Cider Co. Night Market
Celebrate the East Side’s first Gallery Night with art-focused vendors, entertainment, and community fun at this brand-new Night Market.
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Tune Inn at The Trade – Tyler Dale & Joanna Serenko
Enjoy live music at Solomon's Terrace and Lounge featuring Tyler Dale and Joanna Serenko, alongside craft cocktails and a laid-back vibe.
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Torcado, Mas Verde, Rich & Dusty at The Cooperage
Torcado is a Milwaukee based Indie project formed in 2023. Combining indie, funk, alternative and blues.
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The Crosses, Sex Scenes, Poison Hand, Futile Act! at X-Ray Arcade
The Crosses are Milwaukee hardcore veterans who bring raw energy and a nod to the past. Fronted by Daniel Kubinski of Die Kreuzen, they play originals alongside full-album performances of Die Kreuzen's self-titled LP and favorites from October File. Maybe they’ll play some songs about cows and beer. Don’t miss out!
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Blacklight & Brews at Cave of the Mounds
Take a one-hour blacklight cave tour at Cave of the Mounds with a complimentary drink included. Open to guests 21+ with valid ID. Tickets available one month in advance.
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Brews & Blooms 2025 in Wauwatosa
Relax in the Victorian Gardens of the Kneeland Walker House with live music, food trucks, and yard games. Enjoy house tours, trivia nights, and new music each weekend.
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Haywire, Juicebox, World I Hate, Suffer No Fools, Nightmare Unit at Cactus Club
It's a night of full-fledged hardcore music, with two shows from Haywire and Juicebox. The late edition will also feature The Killer and Home Invasion.
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Socially Suspect, Super Brick, Fish-Head & the Bones, No Parking at Falcon Bowl
It's a night full of rock in Riverwest, when four alternative bands take the stage at Falcon Bowl's main hall!
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Strangelander Strings featuring Amanda Huff at Linneman's
Strangelander Strings is a new and exciting incarnation of Strangelander that features, as always the explosive talents of Amanda Huff, Aaron Van Oudenallen, Pat Reinholz and Steve Peplin with a fantastic ensemble of string players including Kristian and Sonora Brusubardis, Anastasia Ballin and more.
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Mar360 Deep Dark & Dangerous Takeover at the Miramar Theatre
Get ready for a Boiler Room-style party at the Miramar Theatre, with Truth, Wraz, Basura, and Megatronix on the turntables.
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SATURDAY
Milwaukee Air & Water Show
The Milwaukee Air & Water Show is Wisconsin’s free summer event and one of the top air shows in the United States. The event supports veterans, celebrates aviation, and draws an estimated $3 million in economic impact annually.
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Kohl's Design It! Lab at Discovery World
Families can explore rotating hands-on art projects at the Kohl’s Design It! Lab, with sessions taking between 5 and 20 minutes.
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Croatian Fest
Held annually in Franklin, Croatian Fest features a cultural program, live music, food, games, and vendors. The traditional rotisserie meat is popular and pre-orders are encouraged.
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Rio Da Yung OG at The Rave
Catch rising star Rio Da Yung OG with support from seven Milwaukee rappers on Saturday night at The Rave.
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Edgardo Nunez at The Rave
Three regional Mexican acts will make their way to The Rave on Saturday for a big show in Milwaukee, capped off by Edgardo Nunez.
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- 100 juried artist booths featuring ceramics, drawing, fiber and leather, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography and digital art, printmaking, and wood
- Four Levitt AMP Sheboygan Music Series concerts rocking the City Green stage
- Strolling performers bringing magic to every corner
- Hands-on art-making experiences for all ages inside and outside
- 16 food trucks serving up delicious local flavors
Artist Talk with April Behnke
Join Chicago artist April Behnke as she discusses her solo exhibition “Mind Games” at Kim Storage Gallery. The show features perceptual art inspired by games and visual patterns.
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Falls Lavender Fest
The 5th Annual Falls Lavender Fest will feature 140 vendors with lavender-themed goods, food trucks, kids' activities, live music, and an interactive fire safety exhibit.
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Heart and Hands Market
Taking place during Bay View Gallery Night, the Heart & Hands Market highlights handmade goods from Milwaukee artisans at St. Augustine of Hippo from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Subspace and Dragons: All Ages Tabletop Meetup at X-Ray Arcade
Subspace is turning X-Ray into a full-on nerd haven for a day of dice rolls, dungeon crawls, and whatever cursed campaigns you conjure up. Whether you’ve got a level 12 bard or just wanna learn what a d20 even is, you’re welcome.
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Melee's Matinee: Daytime Drag Show at Pop
Melee the Queen hosts a monthly drag show with performances from local talent. This month celebrates supporter Nicole Sutton. Reservations are recommended.
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Open Decks - 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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Topher at The Wicked Hop
Saturday nights are for partying, and one of Milwaukee's best DJs, Topher, is ready to provide the soundtrack. Whether you're looking for throwback hip hop and R&B or something more new school, he'll get you moving in the Third Ward.
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Relay For Life of Greater Milwaukee
Celebrate 40 years of Relay for Life with a walk supporting the American Cancer Society. The event includes a survivor lounge, luminaria ceremony, kids’ activities, and more.
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Sabor de Milwaukee
Sabor de Milwaukee is a multicultural food festival celebrating the city’s diversity with international cuisine, music, and family-friendly activities.
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Brew City Boat Party with BG Good and Aspen
Dance up and down the river with a Brew City Bass Boat Party! Catch an afternoon of music from BG Good and Aspen as the Air & Water Show happens overhead.
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Daisyhead – The Smallest Light 10 Anniversary Tour at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Loud, honest, and easy to scream along to. No frills, no filler, just solid tracks that hit where they need to. Catch ‘em at Anodyne!
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Tune Inn at The Trade – Joe Wray
Catch live music from Joe Wray at Solomon's Terrace and Lounge with craft cocktails and a relaxed setting.
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Susie Starlet, Roxy Toxin, Miss Slick and Cyrus Chrome at Cactus Club
Susie Starlet is a local Milwaukee drag queen that has been performing for 2 years. Her performances and styles are a mix of camp, glamour, pinup and high fashion. You are always bound to remember an iconic moment every show!
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Sad Boy Saturday at X-Ray Arcade
The best emo party in Milwaukee returns to X-Ray Arcade! Scream your heart out in Cudahy.
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SUNDAY
Adam Carolla at Pabst Theater
Adam Carolla is best known as a comedian, actor, radio personality, television host and NY Times best-selling author. He currently hosts "The Adam Carolla Show," one of the most downloaded podcasts in the world. His career includes “Loveline” with Dr. Drew, “The Man Show,” and films like "The Hammer"
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Milwaukee Armenian Fest
Celebrate Armenian heritage with food, music, and culture on Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Armenian Church. Admission is free.
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Milwaukee Makers Market
Discover 45+ small businesses offering hand-crafted goods. The event is free to attend.
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Partner Pick
BEETS - Florentine Opera Edition
Hop on the BEETS shuttle for brunch at Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe, then head to the Florentine Opera’s performance of Scalia/Ginsburg on Sunday. Enjoy food, entertainment and easy transport.
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Book Swap at Dead Bird Brewing Co.
Join the Book Swap Sundays from 12-3 p.m. Bring books to trade or browse free titles. Geared toward young adult and adult readers.
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Jazz Brunch at Lupi + Iris
Enjoy brunch alongside live music in the bar area with Pianist & Music Adventurist Anthony Deutsch.
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Live Set with DJ Mixx'Chelle at Vault
DJ Mixx'Chelle brings the vibes from 12-3 p.m. on the patio during the Summer Concert Series. Enjoy Sunday Funday offerings.
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Ray's Wine & Spirits Patio Palooza
Sip over 50 wines and enjoy food trucks on July 20 from 1-4 p.m. at Ray’s Wine & Spirits.
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South Milwaukee Heritage Days
A week-long series from July 20–27, featuring art fairs, concerts, parades, and more across South Milwaukee.
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Wavy Lines Workshop at Cactus Club
This series of workshops will explore the diverse uses in which cellulose fibers can be used to make an assortment of objects often associated with non-cellular high volume production based materials such as: plastics, ceramics, or metals. This is a celebration of paper-like materials and their diverse and expansive uses.
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Welcome to Night Vale: Murder Night in Blood Forest at Turner Hall Ballroom
Join Tamika Flynn and friends as they unravel a mystery at Murder Night. Part celebration, part horror, this show blends comedy and suspense.
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Yoga at the VUE
Practice yoga with skyline views atop the Hyatt Regency. Open to all levels.
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Cathedral Square Market
Downtown Milwaukee’s weekly market offers produce, crafts, and music. Free fitness classes are also hosted every Sunday.
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Pilates in the Park
Anointed Hands offers free 45-minute Sunday classes. Open to all levels and held outdoors for a refreshing workout.
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R&B Live at The Cooperage
It’s summertime and R&B Live are providing the soundtrack. Summer attire, refreshing cocktails, amazing music and a great vibe!
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Oso Oso, Holy Pinto at X-Ray Arcade
Oso nice they named it twice. Melodic, moody, and made for people who still overthink that one conversation from 2018 (but in the best way).
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Riverwest Farmers Market
Open Sundays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on the 2700 block of Pierce Street. Offers fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts.
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Special Needs Swim at Ingleside Hotel
The Springs Water Park hosts swim nights from 4-7 p.m. on select Sundays for guests with special needs. Admission is $8.50 per person.
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Warrior Songs Fundraiser: Jason Moon, Jesse Tyler Frewerd, Frogwater, The Mambo Surfers at Linneman's
Warrior Songs Inc. is a non-profit organization that brings hope and healing to veterans through music and the creative arts. Through a variety of programs, Warrior Songs uses the arts to assist veterans and civilians in better understanding the war experience.
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Walker Square Farmers Market
Reopening in 2025, the market honors Jason Cleereman’s legacy with local produce, live music, and community spirit in Walker Square Park.
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Hemlock, Angelica, Bitch Creek at Cactus Club
Hemlock is the “phone-fi” alt-folk project of swamp-raised, multi-disciplinary creative force Carolina Chauffe and various rotating collaborators, currently anchored between Chicago, Austin, and Louisiana, but more often on the highway.
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ALL WEEKEND LONG
Bastille Days at Cathedral Square Park
Bastille Days, Milwaukee’s popular French festival and one of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations, is held in Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square Park. The free, four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors annually who enjoy live music, an international marketplace, French and Cajun cuisine, and roaming busker entertainment.
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Milwaukee Milkmen vs. Cleburne Railroaders
The family fun and excitement of Milwaukee Milkmen baseball returns to Franklin Field all weekend, when your Milkmen take on the Cleburne Railroaders!
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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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Jess Hilarious at Milwaukee Improv
Jess Hilarious is one of the freshest and most highly sought after faces in comedy and she is poised to take the next giant step in her career. Born and raised in Baltimore, Jess is an accomplished stand-up comedian, also known for her appearances on MTV, Russell Simmons’ All Def Comedy on HBO, and many more various shows.
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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
