The Weekend Preview is brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Get there this weekend!
Don't miss out on the action. Subscribe to get the OnMilwaukee Weekend Preview before everyone else. Delivered every Thursday.
Welcome to the weekend! There's so much to do this week to enjoy all that Milwaukee has to offer, between German Fest, Brady Street Festival, and a plethora of music, sports, comedy and more to check out. Make your plans with the Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!
FRIDAY
Riverwest 24!
Riverwest’s iconic 24-hour bike race and community event welcomes riders, volunteers, and spectators. Join the celebration of community and biking.
More Info
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Miami Marlins
The Brewers are currently rolling, and while we didn't get free burgers earlier this week, they're at the top of the NL Central, and they'll welcome the Miami Marlins to town all weekend long. Friday's game celebrates 25 years of American Family Field, with an alumni Home Run Derby afterwards!
More Info
Movie Night at Davidson Park
Watch a free outdoor movie with food trucks and popcorn in partnership with Near West Side Partners and Girl Scouts. This week's showing is "Moana 2"!
Event Info
Painting on the Plaza at The New Fashioned
Join Splash Studio for outdoor guided painting sessions complete with supplies and a charcuterie board.
Event Info
90s Night Pick Your Project Workshop at Board & Brush
Looking for a way to connect with friends or family? Join this popular DIY workshop and create a custom wood sign from a curated gallery. All materials are provided with step-by-step guidance.
Event Info
Partner Pick
Author Rebecca Anne Nguyen in Conversation with Brianna Schubert at Thirst
Award-winning author Rebecca Anne Nguyen discusses The 23rd Hero with Brianna Schubert at the romance bookstore.
Event Info
Muslim World Culture Fair
Hosted by the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Foundation in partnership with the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, this free, family-friendly event highlights global Muslim cultures with 18 interactive booths, vendors, food trucks and more.
Event Info
De La Buena at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
Enjoy a rhythmic journey of jazz, Afro-Cuban beats, and global grooves at the Wilson Center’s Starry Nights concert series.
Event Info
Alley Eyes, Bugsy, Well + Good at Cactus Club
Alley Eyes have emerged as a vibrant force in modern indie rock. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and drawing inspiration from groups such as The Strokes, The Killers, and The Beaches – the band’s anthemic rock sound is reminiscent of the early-aughts. Celebrate their new record release on Friday!
Event Info
Firefly Fridays
Every Friday, Firefly Grove Park hosts food trucks, a beer tent, craft activities, and live music from 5-8 p.m.
Event Info
Moons and Myths at the UWM Planetarium
Explore the solar system’s most famous moons and their Greek myth connections during a stargazing session. Not recommended for children under 4.
Event Info
SAUCED Summer Night Market
Held at The Cooperage on Friday and Saturday, this night market includes 30 local vendors, cocktails, DJ sets, and handmade goods.
Event Info
Soul Asylum, Brett Newski and the Bad Inventions at Vivarium
Legendary rock band Soul Asylum brings their energetic live show featuring punk roots and heartfelt songs to the stage.
Event Info
The Basement Yard at Miller High Life Theatre
Podcast duo Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez bring their interactive and unscripted live show to town.
Event Info
TuneMaster Music Bingo at Sprecher Brewery
A musical twist on classic bingo where players match songs to cards and compete in themed rounds.
Event Info
Friday Afternoon Book Club at The Copper Turtle
This weekly club features themed book discussions, drink discounts, and community conversations.
Event Info
Live Magic at Wizard Works Brewing
Watch magician Chris Ivanovich perform mind reading and sleight of hand in a casual bar setting.
Event Info
Jonny Bartlett, Radio For Pets, Violence Against Pottery at Linneman's
Jonny Bartlett writes songs about his feelings and sings them with his friends. His music is heavily influenced by Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, and The Smiths among others.
Event Info
SAIL aboard the America's Cup Yacht Red Witch II
Experience world-class sailing aboard a 12-Meter yacht replica during 90-minute sessions on weekends.
Event Info
Wine and Paint at The Local Makery
Relax with wine and a paintbrush at The Local Makery, guided by an instructor. First glass included. Must be 21+.
Event Info
Pareidolia, Bad Roomate, Offtide at Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts
A trio of buzzy indie rock bands will make their way to Riverwest on Friday night, and you can witness some of the next generation of Milwaukee music.
Event Info
Gorgatron, Casket Robbery, Frontal Assault, Yotuma, Reflection of Flesh at X-Ray Arcade
This isn’t your grandma’s death metal. Unless your grandma’s cool as hell. Gorgatron is straight outta Fargo and somehow even heavier than a North Dakota winter.
Event Info
SATURDAY
Brady Street Festival
Brady Street Festival is back! This street party offers live music on four stages, food, crafts, and nonstop entertainment from Noon-11 p.m.
Get more info
15th Annual Milwaukee Brewfest
Taste your way through unlimited pours offered by the world’s best brew masters. There’s something for everyone!
Event Info
Shinedown, Bush, Morgan Wade at Fiserv Forum
Shinedown brings their "Dance, Kid, Dance" tour to Milwaukee on Saturday night, with alternative rock mainstays Bush and upcoming alternative country-hybrid Morgan Wade supporting.
Event Info
Kill the Keg Milwaukee Uncut Ale Tap Take Over at Ray's Wine & Spirits
Join Milwaukee Uncut and 3 Sheeps for a tap takeover, pull tab fun, and keg-killing action from 3-6 p.m.
Event Info
Lakeshore Chinooks vs. Wausau Woodchucks
The Lakeshore Chinooks... excuse us, the Wisconsin Beer Bellies will be taking on the Wausau Woodchucks on Saturday and Sunday! Head to the Kapco Park for the Chinooks' alternate identity nights with a jersey auction!
Event Info
2 Day Art Class: Birdie Mobile at The Local Makery
Take a cardboard tube, glue it, paint it, and add some flair to make your own birdie. On day two, create a mobile and watch your birds fly. All materials are provided.
Event Info
Kohl's Design It! Lab at Discovery World
Choose a project and get hands-on at this creative lab with short, guided crafting sessions for all ages.
Event Info
Morning Yoga at Davidson Park
Enjoy a free outdoor yoga session from 9-10 a.m. followed by coffee, flowers, and calm vibes at Davidson Park.
Event Info
A Rocking Tribute to Bruce Springsteen & Bob Seger at Marcus Performing Arts Center
The Sons of Chicago bring a high-energy tribute to Springsteen and Seger with a powerful live performance. Enjoy timeless anthems and help fight hunger with the 20,000 Meals Tour.
Event Info
Thiensville KidsFest presented by Don & Joan Sommer and Family
Celebrate everything kid-related with free games, food, treats, and entertainment in Thiensville.
Event Info
Artist Conversation at Haggerty Museum of Art
Nohl Fellow Nicholas Perry joins painters Leslie Vansen and Shane Walsh to discuss their evolving creative practices. The event complements Perry’s exhibition at the Haggerty Museum.
Event Info
Inaugural Drag Race & Bar Crawl
Join the .05K walk/run in drag or heels, then bar crawl through six LGBTQ+ bars in Walker’s Point. The event benefits Vivent Health and promotes HIV awareness.
Event Info
LustSickPuppy, CPU Buddha, Bonnie Baxter, Blissom and Chirad at Cactus Club
LustSickPuppy is one of the most exciting acts to emerge from one of the most exciting scenes in contemporary music: the chaotic admixture of hyperpop, DIY punk, and harsh noise that is Brooklyn’s loosely defined ‘mutant’ collective. Catch them in the early show in Bay View on Saturday.
Event Info
Craft Brewery Trifecta
Hop on a tour of three Milwaukee breweries for a tasting challenge, trivia, and fun beer education with 5 oz samples at Central Waters.
Event Info
Glare, The Mall, Interlay at X-Ray Arcade
Shoegaze with a little emo edge. Perfect for standing still and feeling everything all at once.
Event Info
Pending, FTBK, Layne Costello, Keylime, TSG:AP!, Hagen Bros
Pending is bringing the "Live From Earth" tour to Milwaukee, and they'll headline a night of hip hop and contemporary internet-driven pop at Cactus Club's late show.
Event Info
SUNDAY
Lucy Dacus at Riverside Theater
Lucy Dacus returns with her fourth studio album, "Forever Is A Feeling," after a major year with supergroup Boygenius. Her tour highlights her storytelling and celebrated songwriting.
Event Info
Pilates in the Park at AHMP Studio
Free 45-minute mat Pilates classes are offered Sundays starting June 29. All fitness levels are welcome.
Event Info
Riverwest Farmers Market
This weekly Sunday market features fresh produce, honey, baked goods, flowers and more on Pierce Street.
Event Info
Sensory Friendly Sessions at Betty Brinn Children's Museum
The Museum hosts calm, quiet evening sessions twice a month for guests who benefit from a sensory-friendly environment. Reservations are encouraged.
Event Info
Alexa Russo, Kent Avenue Carpool, James Norcross at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Wisconsin-born artist Alexa Russo creates acoustic-driven music rooted in folk. Her reflective songwriting style draws on personal stories and complements her understated instrumentation.
Event Info
Bouquet Cafe at Happy Day Farmhaus
Relax on the farm with coffee and friends while arranging a bouquet made from fresh-cut, organic flowers grown onsite. Guests of all ages are welcome to participate.
Event Info
Milwaukee Youth Idol at The Cooperage
In a first-ever collaboration between Girls Rock MKE and School of Rock Shorewood, young singers will get the chance to perform on stage, wow a live audience and win the title of Milwaukee Youth Idol!
Event Info
Walker Square Farmers Market
Walker Square Park welcomes back its farmers market, now revitalized to honor its original founder. Enjoy local produce and live music from 12–2 p.m.
Event Info
Daisychain, Stone Theory, Shade Seeker, Wisconsin Space Program at Cactus Club
Similar to the dichotomous nature of their name, blues/psych rock foursome Daisychain produces a sound that is a beautiful series of contradictions: ambiguous, yet easily comprehensible; brutally honest while also soothing; rooted in classic rock and still trippy enough to please the ears of 21st century listeners.
Event Info
Giants Chair, Key of Evil, Devils Teeth at X-Ray Arcade
Originally from Green Bay and a key piece of Midwest emo history, Giants Chair helped define that raw, mathy sound back in the ’90s. They’re celebrating 30 years, let’s go!
Event Info
Live Music at Explorium Wauwatosa
Spend a Sunday afternoon with live patio music at Explorium in Wauwatosa. Sunday will feature Jazz In Vivo
Event Info
Nathan Mayfield at Vault
Nathan Mayfield performs live on the Vault patio as part of the venue’s Summer Concert Series, from 12-3 p.m.
Event Info
Milwaukee Community Orchestra Summer Concert at Homestead High School
Enjoy music from Tchaikovsky, Sinatra, "Wicked" and more at this summer concert led by Margery Deutsch and other conductors.
Event Info
Sunday Supper with Chef Adam at Lupi + Iris
Chef Adam presents a relaxed, four-course Sunday Supper designed to highlight seasonal ingredients and creativity.
Event Info
West Coast Swing Classes at Delaware House
Beginner and intermediate West Coast Swing lessons take place on Sundays. No partner is needed. The lessons are organized by the Milwaukee Rebels.
Event Info
Cathedral Square Market
This downtown market offers produce, brunch options, crafts, and live music, along with free morning yoga and group fitness classes each Sunday.
Event Info
Pleasant Prarie HarborMarket
Held select Sundays, Pleasant Prairie HarborMarket offers shopping and sipping from over 30 vendors at Lake Andrea Beer Garden.
Event Info
King of Drag at Pop
Watch the televised competition “King of Drag” at POP, hosted by JJ O'Ryder with performances during commercial breaks.
Event Info
MC Chris, Swell Rell at X-Ray Arcade
You probably know MC Chris as MC P Pants from Aqua Teen, but he’s also been out here rapping about nerd life since before it was cool. It’s funny, it’s fast, and somehow still hits harder than it has any right to.
Event Info
Special Needs Swim Time at Ingleside Hotel
The Springs Water Park offers select Sunday swim sessions for individuals with special needs and their families for $8.50 per person.
Event Info
Lucky Goat, CM Porterfield, Rustbucket Rye at Linneman's
Lucky Goat is an all-female band from Milwaukee. They're a group of four friends that would sing together and one day decided to start a band, something that they never knew they needed.
Event Info
ALL WEEKEND LONG
German Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park
One of the largest German festivals in North America, German Fest Milwaukee is known for its authentic food, culture and entertainment. Bring the family, raise a stein, and polka the night away!
More Info
South Milwaukee Heritage Days
A week of activities will take over South Milwaukee this summer, with everything from a golf outing to the South Milwaukee Heritage Days parade. There's also an art fair, a brat fry, and so much more to celebrate all that makes up the South Milwaukee community.
Event Info
ARTchitecture at The David Barnett Gallery
Running July 18 through October 14, this show explores the relationship between art and architecture through various mediums.
Event Info
St. John the Evangelist Festival
Enjoy family fun with music, food, rides, games, fish fry, chicken dinner, and fireworks on July 25–27.
Event Info
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.
Event Info
Lavell Crawford at Milwaukee Improv
Comedian Lavell Crawford is quickly climbing the comedic ranks and becoming one of the hottest stars in the biz today. He gained huge national exposure on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” Not only did NBC take notice, promptly signing Lavell to a holding deal with the network, but Comedy Central also offered him his own half-hour standup special.
Event Info
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
Event Info
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.
Event Info
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