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The Great Milwaukee Summer has officially begun! That means weekends full of events, from festivals at the Lakefront and block parties to concerts both indoors and outside, sports to watch and so much more. Frankly, there's a lot to keep up with, but we've got you covered with our Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!
FRIDAY
Bay View Gallery Night
Bay View Gallery Night returns to Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood on Friday, showcasing the area’s creative spirit through a self-guided evening of art, music, food and community. Over 70 local businesses, galleries, studios and pop-up spaces will open their doors to feature local artists, makers and performers, turning the neighborhood into a walkable celebration of creativity.
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Nikki Glaser: Alive and Unwell Tour at Miller High Life Theatre
For nearly two decades at sold-out tours, and as the host of three-hit podcasts, Emmy®-nominated Nikki Glaser has honed her shockingly honest, no-holds-barred style, solidifying herself as one of the funniest voices in comedy.
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43rd + Vliet Live Music and Entertainment
Live music nights are back from the 43rd + Vliet concert series. This week's featured artist is Adekola and Neal Davis, with a live jam session to follow. There's food from Dom Sera Grazing Co., shopping, education and more.
Event Info
Partner Pick
Bay View Jazz Festival
Milwaukee Jazz Vision and BVGN are proud to present Bay View Jazz Fest, back for this year's installment of Bay View Gallery Night! Enjoy Milwaukee’s largest free Jazz Festival at venues around the Bay View neighborhood.
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Crow’s Nest Rooftop Bar Summer Kick-Off Party
Celebrate the start of summer with the Crow’s Nest Rooftop Bar! Their Summer Kick-Off Party is your chance to soak up the sunshine, enjoy sweeping rooftop views, and experience our all-new menu of elevated bar bites and signature cocktails.
Event Info
Michael Blaustein at The Pabst Theater
Michael Blaustein is one of the fastest rising stand up comedians working today. His viral stand up comedy clips have amassed over a Billion views across all social media platforms. He has sold out venues across the world, most recently closing out his successful 2024 tour year. Now he's headed to Milwaukee to the Pabst Theater.
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Ziggy Alberts at Vivarium
Ziggy Alberts is no stranger to success, having built a dedicated global following through a combination of steadfast touring, captivating songwriting, and an independent ethos that has seen him thrive without the backing of a major label. An artist who has mastered the acoustic charm of busking and intimate venues to the electrifying energy of sold-out world stages - all as a solo act - Alberts is now entering a new phase of his artistic journey with his seventh studio album, "New Love."
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Joseph Michael live at Art*Bar
Join Joseph Michael at Art*Bar for tunes from the 1920's to 2020's. It's a mixed genre night of music including jazz, pop, and some originals.
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And Then There Was One – A Spoof. at UWM Peck School of the Arts
Prepare yourself for an evening of side-splitting laughter and mystery with our latest production, “And Then There Was One – A Spoof.” This comedic twist on the classic stage mystery is brimming with hilarious sight gags and witty dialogue.The story unfolds as strangers are mysteriously invited to the secluded Reef Mansion on a tiny, isolated island. None of them know their enigmatic host, who remains conspicuously absent.
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Gabriel Harris with Laura Bomber and Tori Yocum + Hanna Simone at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Gabriel Harris graduated from Berklee College of Music, where in Boston where he worked with industry leading faculty and students to refine his guitar playing and songwriting. After a brief hiatus to pursue software engineering, he is coming out with his second EP this spring.
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Combust, Apex Predator, Streamroll, Big Laugh, Stress Test at Cactus Club
For decades, the upper Midwest of the United States has been a hotspot for hardcore bands that bend genres and refuse to stick to tired formulas, producing acts like Husker Du and Die Kreuzen. Milwaukee's Big Laugh is here to continue that tradition.
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Stone Theory, Funk Summit Bass Team, Fightin' Bob, Heather Redman & the Reputation at Falcon Hall
Friday night is a variety show party at Falcon Bowl in Riverwest! Funk Summit Bass Team bring their pizza party on the dance floor to the show, which will also feature three great bands, as well as vendors on site.
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Front of Truck, Sad Laser, The Buddyrevelles, Kevin Tihista at Linneman's
Sad Laser, with new songs by the Vermillion Twins, Steve and Gary, play Linneman's on Friday. The set will also feature some oldies with Front Of Truck, with original members Randy Diderrich and Mason Brown join the twins for the FOT set.
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Morta Skuld, Deterioration, Mind Harvester, Chemosh at X-Ray Arcade
This night of metallic chaos is part of X-Ray Arcade's series of fundraiser events, featuring rad performers who've chosen to do their thing for free - every dollar in ticket sales goes toward an accessible entryway construction project. All you gotta do is show up.
Event Info
SATURDAY
Primus, Puscifer, A Perfect Circle at American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Sessanta, the sold-out tour that brought Puscifer, Primus and A Perfect Circle together - not only sharing the stage but also swapping musicians throughout an unforgettable evening celebrating Maynard James Keenan’s 60th birthday - returns for a six-week U.S. trek this spring. They'll open up American Family Insurance Amphitheater for the 2025 season on Saturday night.
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Kohl's Design It! Lab at Discovery World
Bring the whole family to the Kohl’s Design It! Lab to make wonderfully creative projects that you can take home. You’ll choose a project from the rotating menu and they’ll guide you through the creation process. Projects can take anywhere from 5-20 minutes.
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Black Arts MKE presents: Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Join Black Arts MKE for a bold and vibrant retelling of Shakespeare’s classic comedy, Twelfth Night, where mistaken identity, wild love triangles, and the journey to self-expression take center stage.
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Port Festival of the Arts
Ring in the summer season with a free art-filled celebration in Port Washington's historic downtown on the lake. Spend a day creating art, perusing art, listening to and watching performing artists.
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Partner Pick
July 10â13 The HarleyâDavidson Homecoming® festival is a fourâday celebration of music, motoâculture, and our hometown, Milwaukee. In 2025, we're turning up the excitement with unforgettable experiences at four iconic venues and an incredible lineup of music and entertainment. Don't miss legendary country performances by Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Jr., and more along Milwaukee's lakefront this summer. Buy tickets now
Guest Gallery Talk: “Erin Shirreff: Permanent Drafts” at Milwaukee Art Museum
Join John Riepenhoff, Executive Director of Sculpture Milwaukee and founder of The Green Gallery, for an in-depth exploration of the themes and topics in the exhibition "Erin Shirreff: Permanent Drafts."
Event Info
Lager & Friends Beer Festival
Lager & Friends has two goals: First, to celebrate lager beer and showcase the wide range of styles and interpretations that are lagers. Moreover, we want to highlight the brewing skills and techniques required to make well-crafted lagers. Secondly, the festival is a way to bring together friends and like-minded lager brewers. The festival has welcomed exceptional lager brewers from across the country over the years.
Event Info
Milwaukee Intertribal Circle Spring Powwow
This free and family-friendly event offers the experience of Native American culture, heritage and traditions that will bring together individuals from all walks of life to share in the richness of our community. With an expected attendance of 300+ people throughout the day, the event is a unique opportunity to experience and support cultural preservation as well as community engagement.
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Unfinished Legacy's Screen Print Saturday
Get creative and learn the art of screen-printing with Unfinished Legacy's talented artists.The event will also feature live music and refreshments provided by Cream Ceylin Cafe.Bring a friend and bring your own blank paper, or use one of theirs to create a unique piece of art to take home. No experience is necessary - all skill levels are welcome.
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National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove at the Oriental Theatre
For over 15 years, National Theatre Live has given audiences the best seat in the house. They film unmissable theatre live from Britain’s most exciting stages and screen it in thousands of cinemas around the globe.Join Milwaukee Film for Dr. Strangelove at The Oriental Theatre.
Event Info
Petals & Paints with Persika Design Co.
A watercolor painting workshop for all skill levels where you will learn how to paint florals with an introduction to watercolor and other mixed media. Paint your own beautiful bud vase of 414loral's signature blooms and take the flowers home with you after the workshop!
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Explorium Tosa Grand Opening
Join Explorium Brewing for a patio cookout with beer, burgers, brats and bags starting at noon. Live music with Everything Nice from 4-7 p.m.
Event Info
Topher at The Wicked Hop
Every Saturday night, Milwaukee's own Topher curates the sounds at The Wicked Hop in the Third Ward. Join at the Jackalope Lounj for a free night of dancing to all of your favorites including throwback pop, hip hop and much more.
Event Info
Collections of Colonies of Bees at Vivarium
For two decades, Collections of Colonies of Bees have existed in various forms and incarnations, beginning with Chris Rosenau and Jon Mueller. From there, the line-up grew and evolved. Justin Vernon of Bon Iver noted that “If the world was perfect, they would be as big as U2.“ Catch them at Vivarium on Saturday.
Event Info
Chicken P at The Rave
One of Milwaukee's most viral rappers, Chicken P brings his 4EverLit Tour back home to Milwaukee for a special homecoming show.
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Stuck, Evinspragg, Delicious Monsters at Cactus Club
Chicago band Stuck create music to bring tension to the forefront, pushing knotted post-punk to it’s breaking point, both lyrically and sonically. It’s a kick in the teeth of complacency. Stuck keep one foot in and one foot out of contemporary post-punk, drawing their own noise rock influences into the mix, creating something heavier and more feral.
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High Gallows, Coyote Man, American Progress, Billy Russo at X-Ray Arcade
A stoner rock set in the middle of the afternoon feels kinda illegal, but X-Ray Arcade is doing it anyway. It’s gonna be loud, fuzzy, and just the thing to shake you out of your post-brunch haze and into a mild existential crisis.
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The Brew City Bombshells present Love Your Body! at X-Ray Arcade
Come for the glitter, stay for the unapologetic self-love. It’s sexy, it’s powerful, and it’s one of X-Ray Arcade's favorite nights of the year.
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Smooth Rogers, Alison Mahal, Blacktop at Falcon Bowl
The indie rock lineup at Falcon Bowl is stacked, and that includes a Milwaukee-centric night of music on Saturday. Check out a trio of emerging acts this weekend!
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Alex Ballard & Sugarfoot, The Thriftones, The Dirty Sweet at Linneman's
The tale of Missouri-born Americana singer-songwriter, Alex Ballard, is certainly a rich tapestry. After Ballard’s 1980’s band Baku Press disbanded, he relocated to Seattle to write and reflect. Although the music scene there was on the verge of exploding, Ballard returned to his long-time home, Milwaukee with a fresh batch of songs, including a new single that he'll be releasing.
Event Info
SUNDAY
Locust Street Festival
In the early 70s, Milwaukee planned to widen Locust Street between Humboldt and Holton. In 1976 after much discussion and debate the neighbors in Riverwest told the authorities they were against it. Miraculously, the city agreed and the neighborhood threw a party to celebrate. They called it the Locust Street Festival of Music and Art. We are still celebrating!
Event Info
Botanical Battle Royale
Embark on a Cocktail Adventure at the Second Annual Botanical Battle Royale. Head to the charming Ivy House for a spectacular day of craft cocktails, gourmet bites, and vibrant competition.
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Partner Pick
Hometown Half Marathon/10K/5K
A run local-themed event that is perfect for the whole family. The Hometown Half Marathon features great swag for participants, the Kids Dash, and much more.
Event Info
West Allis A La Carte
West Allis A La Carte is a street festival that occurs on the first Sunday in June. It provides a venue to unite businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations, community artists, youth programs, and the City of West Allis with the community and with each other.
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Bluebird Improv
Bluebird is a collective of some of the best improvisers on the planet.The show is inspired by a short conversation with audience members and what follows is an evening of never-before (and never again) scenes and characters that cascade into a hilarious and original freewheeling show. The cast features Tim Meadows of Saturday Night Live fame, Matt Walsh from Upright Citizens Brigade and many more.
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Purple Door Ice Cream - Battle of the New Flavors
All are welcome to the neighborhood flavor tasting block party where the 12 finalist ice cream flavors (master-minded by Purple Door customers) will be revealed.
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Milwaukee Monarchs vs. Philadelphia Surge
Get to Hart Park for a professional women's ultimate frisbee game between your Milwaukee Monarchs and the visiting Philadelphia Surge.The family-friendly atmosphere includes concessions, face painting, a bounce house and giveaways.Go Monarchs!
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Milwaukee Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis
Take Steps is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s largest fundraising event, where they raise funds to accelerate research, advance treatments, and provide programs and support to improve the quality of life for those living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
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Sensory Friendly Concert with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce the return of our Sensory Friendly Concert.Sensory friendly concerts are designed for people of any age on the autism spectrum or with a sensory sensitivity and their families, but all are welcome!
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Drag & Dazzle Bingo!
Come dressed in your shiniest, most dazzling attire and immerse yourself in the fun of drag bingo! Enjoy special drink deals as you cheer on your favorite queen while vying for fabulous prizes. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Stick around after bingo for an electrifying karaoke session, where you can show off your vocal talents and end the night on a high note.
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North Point Mansions Tour
From Tudors to Frank Lloyd Wright, see the impressive mansions of the North Point Neighborhood! The area is known for its intact early twentieth-century architecture and historical importance.
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Special Needs Swim at the Ingleside Hotel
The Springs Water Park will offer a special swim from 4-7 p.m. on select Sundays for children and adults with special needs for just $8.50 per person. This rate is applicable for special needs individuals and up to four others (parent, siblings and/or therapist).
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STE Martaen Vegan Brunch Pop-Up at X-Ray Arcade
Your favorite vegan pop-up returns to your favorite all ages venue/bar/arcade. Pre-order now or come hang out and order at the bar day-of.
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Dallas Ugly, The Spine Stealers at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Nashville’s Dallas Ugly are a band of truly trusted friends who - after a decade of playing together - return with their best work yet.
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Slow Pulp, Hotline TNT, Obsess Tact at Cactus Club
Slow Pulp is a rock band originally from Madison, now based in Chicago. They'll play two shows on Sunday with Hotline TNT, with a late show featuring Combat Naps replacing Obsess Tact.
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Alborn, Left On Red, Apex Aura, Dark Sun, Ascend In Misery at X-Ray Arcade
Alborn delivers the kind of hard rock that actually earns its spot on the playlist. It’s tight, heavy, and radio-ready without sounding like it was cooked up in a boardroom.
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Mourning Star, ID, Light Blue Lines, Our Vanity at Falcon Bowl
Four bands will take the stage for a Sunday night showcase at Falcon Bowl, with Mourning Star leading the way.
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ALL WEEKEND LONG
Festa Italiana at Henry Maier Festival Park
Festa Italiana is steeped in Milwaukee tradition. One of the longest running ethnic festivals in the city, this year's event runs for three days, with amazing food, bocce tournaments, the Italian cultural tent, amongst the many attractions.
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Crusherfest in South Milwaukee
Get down to South Milwaukee, you turkey necks! Crusherfest returns with a salute to one of Milwaukee's stars of professional wrestling, with live matches, music, a Mr. Saloon contest and more, plus appearances from superstars including Chris Jericho, Al Snow, Scotty Too Hotty!
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Lakeshore Chinooks Opening Weekend
It's time, Nook Nation! The Lakeshore Chinooks open their 2025 season with a pair of home games on Friday vs. the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders and Sunday vs. the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters!
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Milwaukee Milkmen vs. Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks
Take yourself out to the ballgame! The Milwaukee Milkmen are home at Franklin Field all weekend for their fourth homestand of the 2025 season, and they'll take on the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks.
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Faizon Love at Milwaukee Improv
Faizon Andre Love (born Langston Faizon Santisima) is a Cuban-born American actor, comedian, and writer, who has appeared in some of pop culture’s most iconic films, such as Friday and Elf. Love’s characters bring life to each film, and his comedic timing was honed as a stand-up comedian and Off-Broadway actor.
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Bobcat Goldthwait and Dana Gould at The Laughing Tap
It's a massive weekend of comedy at The Laughing Tap! Join for two big headliners, as Bobcat Goldthwait and Dana Gould headline three nights of shows!
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SummerFeast Preview Party at Metro Market Brookfield and Shorewood
Join Metro Market for a flavor packed afternoon and treat your taste buds! Featuring Famous Dave's new Summerfest menu item - Brisket Egg Rolls (from the new Brookfield location.) Plus, enjoy samples from participating SummerFeast partners - purchase $25 in participating items now through June 10th and receive your FREE general admission at the bottom of your receipt.
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Wherefest at UWM MainStage Theatre
This globally inspired dance and music festival will be one for the books. Over a dozen artists from across the world join in a celebration of dance and music. Japanese taiko drumming, West African dance and drum, Flamenco dance and guitar, and Native American hoop dancing…all on one stage.
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Parallel Play: The Art of Science
Parallel Play was created as an integral component of Marquette’s Biology class, Creative Problem Solving. This cross-disciplinary course teaches STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students to embrace divergent thinking as a path to innovative problem solving. Through art-based activities and small group interactions with artists and STEM faculty, the class emphasizes the similarities between the creative processes of scientists and artists.
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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
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
