50 things to do in Milwaukee during the 50 remaining days of summer

Feb 01, 2024

Summer is the best. Join Milwaukee Record and Lakefront Brewery August 2-9 as we search the city and beyond for the Spirit Of Summer.

Doesn’t it seem like summer just started? Believe it or not, there are just 50 days remaining. Since the season is dwindling and there’s a lot of fun that must be had before we blink and we’re hunkering down for winter again, we’ve put together a handy daily guide of 50 things to do in (or around) Milwaukee over the course of these next 50 days. Enjoy!

Friday, August 4Drake + 21 Savage @ Fiserv ForumWorldwide music superstar (and major annoyance to Bucks fans during the 2019 NBA Playoffs) Drake will perform in Milwaukee for the first time ever when he drops by Fiserv Forum during his “It’s All A Blur” tour. He’ll be joined in the arena by 21 Savage.

Saturday, August 5Soberfest @ Pere Marquette ParkThe third annual Soberfest—brought to you by nonprofit sobriety organization The Phoenixa—returns to Pere Marquette Park with live music from Vincent Van Great, Bad Year, B.u., and Jorge Vallentine, as well as emceeing from local radio personality Promise. There will also be food and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Unlike many of its festival counterparts, Soberfest will feature guest speakers, including motivation speaker Ed Hennings, and a variety of recovery groups will be-site to distribute information and resources to those who are interested.

Sunday, August 6The Grovelers + Palm Ghosts @ X-Ray ArcadeThe Grovelers don’t mess with the formula. For the past decade, the Milwaukee group has delivered album after album of greasy, grimy rock ‘n’ roll, all shot through with dashes of rockabilly, garage, and punk. For the band’s 2015 debut, Derelicts And Screw​-​Ups, we wrote: “If you’re looking for subtlety in your music—poetic and tender lyrics, intricate and feather-light instrumentation—The Grovelers are not the band for you.” But The Grovelers remain a band for us, and their latest record, 2022’s Misplaced Cars And Blackouts, may be their best yet.

Monday, August 7Wisconsin State Fair @ Wisconsin State Fair Park (through August 13)One doesn’t hit up the Wisconsin State Fair to eat organic small plate cuisine and witness evocative performance art. People go to the fair to eat cream puffs and weird stuff on a stick, watch pig races and dog diving demos, compete in livestock competitions, and catch performances from acts like Shaggy, Salt-N-Pepa, Alabama, Lindsey Stirling, and, of course, REO Speedwagon. Oh, and don’t forget local troubadour Pat McCurdy, who just won our Wisconsin Fair Bracket. The State Fair is weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s back.

Tuesday, August 8Stevie Nicks @ Fiserv ForumThe one and only Stevie Nicks will play Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum on Tuesday, August 8. The show will serve as the kickoff to the second leg of Nicks’ 2023 “Live In Concert” tour. And that’s it! Stevie Nicks! August 8! Fiserv Forum!

Wednesday, August 9Washington Park Wednesdays: Florentine Opera and Cullah @ Washington Park

Thursday, August 10Third Space Presents: ANDII + Valley Fox @ Third Space Brewing

Friday, August 11Eddie Griffin @ Milwaukee ImprovWhile he’s an accomplished actor and a cultural touchstone that’s been a known figure in entertainment since the early ’90s, Eddie Griffin is a comedian first and foremost. Thankfully, Griffin—whom Comedy Central accurately declares to be one of the 100 funniest comedians of all time—is still taking the stage to do what he does best. Whether you want to mark him off your stand-up bucket list or you’re anxious to hear his new material in action, you’ll have four opportunities to catch Griffin when he comes to Milwaukee Improv in nearby Brookfield August 11-12

Saturday, August 12Less Than Jake + The Toasters, Devon Kay & The Solutions @ The Rave/Eagles ClubSkank your way over to The Rave for a straight up stacked ska-punk showcase featuring the incomparable Less Than Jake and support from The Toasters and Devon Kay & The Solutions. Pick it up!

Sunday, August 13Milwaukee Plant Party @ Bad Moon Saloon

Monday, August 14P!nk + Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, KidCutUp, and Grouplove @ American Family FieldIt’s P!nk! On her “Summer Carnival” tour! With appearances by Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Milwaukee’s own KidCutUp, and Grouplove! At American Family Field!

Tuesday, August 15Jimmy Eat World + Manchester Orchestra, Middle Kids @ The Rave/Eagles ClubIt isn’t too often that Milwaukee gets a non-festival tour stop from Jimmy Eat World. However, the longstanding and beloved emo outfit is swinging by The Rave on August 15 with Manchester Orchestra and Middle Kids. Are you listening?

Wednesday, August 16Milwaukee Night Market @ West Wisconsin Avenue between 2nd Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue

Thursday, August 17Third Space Presents: Next Paperback Hero @ Third Space Brewing

Friday, August 18Gold Steps @ The Back Room @ Colectivo

Saturday, August 19Local Natives + Annika Bennett @ Pabst TheaterRoughly six weeks after the release of its latest, Time Will Wait For No One, Local Natives will pop into Pabst Theater to perform songs off that new record and material from its outstanding back catalog. The pop-tinged psych rockers will be preceded by opener Annika Bennett.

Sunday, August 20Puerto Rican Family Festival @ Veterans Park

Monday, August 21Musical Mondays: Bon Bon Vivant @ Lake Park

Tuesday, August 22Tim Heidecker @ Turner HallWhether you know Tim Heidecker as the influential and innovative comedian/actor or you know him as the gifted singer/songwriter, you’re likely a huge fan of his work. And if you’re fond of both his humor and his music, we have some incredible news for you. On Tuesday, August 22, the multi-faceted performer will treat Turner Hall to “The Two Tims,” which includes an acerbic stand-up set by Heidecker and some original songs performed by him as well.

Wednesday, August 23Milwaukee Record presents ‘Jaws’ @ Avalon TheaterWe’re screening Jaws at Avalon Atmospheric Theater and it’s going to rule. Get your tickets fast because “You’re going to need a bigger theater” isn’t an option.

Thursday, August 24Third Space Presents: The Steph Lippert Project @ Third Space Brewing

Friday, August 25Social Cig + Fellow Kinsman, Diet Lite, Bug Moment @ Turner HallWe’re in the midst of a special time in Milwaukee music. As we speak, a new crop of young bands are helping to push the local scene into exciting and unfamiliar sonic territory. Four of the bands ushering in that encouraging artistic evolution—Social Cig, Fellow Kinsman, Diet Lite, and Bug Moment—will share a bill at Turner Hall on August 25. If you want to get up to speed on some of the great things happening in Milwaukee music right now, this late August affair would be a nice place to start.

Saturday, August 26WMSE’s Backyard BBQ with Bob Mould @ Humboldt ParkLegendary punk/alt-rock pioneer Bob Mould—he of Hüsker Dü, Sugar, and solo fame—will headline the WMSE Backyard BBQ in Humboldt Park on Saturday, August 26. Mould will be joined by his Bob Mould Band for the free summer festival show. Holy crap. Also setting up shop in Humboldt Park’s bandshell that afternoon and early evening will be (in order of appearance) Chicken Wire Empire, Girls Rock Milwaukee, Telethon, and Esso. WMSE DJs will provide music throughout the day. Again: HOLY CRAP.

Sunday, August 27Three Dog Night + Tommy Odetto @ Pabst Theater

Monday, August 28Musical Mondays: Robbie Fulks @ Lake Park

Tuesday, August 29The Offspring + Sum 41, Simple Plan @ American Family AmphitheaterAbout 15 months removed from a show at The Rave, veteran radio rockers The Offspring will return to Milwaukee to, once again, play in support of their 2021 album, Let The Bad Times Roll, during a headlining performance at the AmFam Amphitheater. The Offspring will be joined by Sum 41 (who have announced their intentions to end the band next year) and Canadian pop-punkers Simple Plan.

Wednesday, August 30Wednesday Night Live! @ Wisconsin State Fair Park

Thursday, August 31The Weird And Wonderful World Of Industrial Musicals with Steve Young @ The CooperageAs one of the world’s most avid Industrial Musical collectors and among the foremost authorities on the subject, former Letterman writer and subject of the Bathtubs Over Broadway documentary, Steve Young occasionally treats audiences to some of his favorite pieces during live shows. On August 31, join Young and Milwaukee Record—proud media sponsors of the event—in celebrating “The Weird And Wonderful World Of Industrial Musicals” at The Cooperage.

Friday, September 1Food Truck Fridays @ West Allis Farmers Market

Saturday, September 2Milwaukee Comic Con @ Wisconsin State Fair Park

Sunday, September 3The Bubbler: A Wisconsin Seltzer Celebration @ The CooperageOn Sunday, September 3, the parking lot of Boone & Crockett and The Cooperage will host the inaugural edition of The Bubbler. The so-called “Wisconsin Seltzer Celebration” is the creation of System Seltzers, a Milwaukee-based beverage business. Beyond offering their own electrolyte charged hard seltzer and N/A seltzer flavors at this first-year fest, they’ve also rounded up an impressive cast of Wisconsin-based operations that will sample out their own seltzers, RTD canned wine and cocktails, and even some non-alcoholic offerings.

Monday, September 4Milwaukee Milkmen vs. Gary Southshore Railcats @ Franklin FieldIt’s the regular season finale, so if you haven’t made it to a game by this point, you should change that on Labor Day.

Tuesday, September 5Sky High Night @ Cactus Club

Wednesday, September 6Cactus Book Club @ Cactus Club

Thursday, September 7Third Space Presents: Ben Mulwana @ Third Space Brewing

Friday, September 8Mondo Lucha @ Turner HallSince starting in 2008, Mondo Lucha has brought high-flying wrestling action, burlesque dancers, and live music to its annual Turner Hall showcase. Along the way, the variety show has managed to work with renowned pro wrestlers, sell out numerous shows, and become a must-attend Milwaukee event. The beloved local variety show returns to its familiar ballroom haunt September 8!

Saturday, September 9Silver City International Festival @ Silver City

Sunday, September 10Diana Ross @ Miller High Life Theatre

Monday, September 11Milwaukee Brewers vs. Miami Marlins @ American Family Field

Tuesday, September 12Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit + Wednesday @ Riverside TheaterAlt-country powerhouse and one of modern music’s finest songwriters Jason Isbell returns to the familiar confines of Riverside Theater along with his 400 Unit backing band and opener Wednesday for a late-summer show in support of Isbell’s just-released (and wonderful!) Weathervanes.

Wednesday, September 13Milwaukee Night Market @ West Wisconsin Avenue between 2nd Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue

Thursday, September 14Third Space Presents: HOSTS @ Third Space BrewingLast year, Third Space Brewing graciously added even more entertainment to Milwaukee’s well-stocked summer concert calendar by debuting its “Third Space Presents” music series on its gorgeous new outdoor deck stage. This year’s series has been bringing a wide range of outstanding Wisconsin acts to the brewery every Thursday night, and continues with a season-ending performance by HOSTS.

Friday, September 15Harvest Fest Block Party @ Great Lakes Distillery

Saturday, September 16Bay View Bash @ Kinnickinnic AvenueEven though most of Milwaukee’s major festivals are now in the rear view mirror, one of the city’s biggest and best undertakings is still on the horizon. Yes, Bay View Bash will make its long-awaited return to Kinnickinnic Avenue on Saturday, September 16 for a day of live music, food and retail vendors, and fun.

Sunday, September 17Goose @ Miller High Life Theatre

Monday, September 18Affinity Trio @ Mason Street Grill

Tuesday, September 19Mest + Authority Zero, Showoff @ X-Ray ArcadeNo, you didn’t fall into a portal that sent you back to 2003, Mest and Showoff are BACK and they’re playing together at X-Ray Arcade. Hell yes! Put your top down, seat back, and roll over to the Cudahy Club in your Cadillac for what’s sure to be a great blast from the past. Ska-punk outfit Authority Zero will also perform.

Wednesday, September 20The Front Bottoms + Vundabar @ The Rave / Eagles Club

Thursday, September 21Helmet + Soul Blind @ The Rave / Eagles Club

Friday, September 22Craig Robinson @ Milwaukee ImprovBeloved Office cast member, star of the great Killing It series on Peacock, and gifted musician/comedian Craig Robinson is coming to Brookfield for a total of four Milwaukee Improv performances September 22-23. What a way to end your summer and/or begin fall!

FeatureSpirit Of Summer Week

Music, culture, gentle sarcasm.