Monday
1. Musical Mondays
JULY 10-AUG. 28, 6:30 P.M. | LAKE PARK
This season marks 25 years of live music at the picturesque Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Lake Park. Each week brings a new genre, with jazz, Cajun, honky-tonk and traditional Irish music all in the mix. Black Cow, JigJam and Bon Bon Vivant are just a few of the bands listed on this year’s lineup.
Tuesday
2. Riverwalk Commons Concert Series
JUNE 20, JULY 11-18, AUG. 1, AUG. 15, AUG. 29, SEPT. 12, SEPT. 26, 6 P.M. | RIVERWALK COMMONS
What sets this series apart is the lineup, which is jam-packed with local favorites like Joe Wray, Evan Christian and The Panoptics. The show is run by the Milwaukee Public Market in its new shady venue by the river. Plan for dinner at the food trucks and Pete’s Pops for dessert.
3. Skyline Music Series
JULY 11-AUG. 22, 5:30 P.M. | KADISH PARK
Take in sweeping city views from atop Brewers Hill as local acts perform in the bandshell
at the Selig-Joseph-Folz Amphitheater.
Nominations are open for the 2024 Unity Awards!
Know an individual or group committed to bridging divides in our community? Nominate them for a Unity Award by Oct. 31.
4. Chill on the Hill
JUNE 6-AUG. 29, 5 P.M. | HUMBOLDT PARK
Pack a picnic and enjoy the sunshine at this Bay View classic. The music’s always good and so is the atmosphere, with The Vine beer garden serving up drinks.
Wednesday
5. Wednesday Night Live!
MAY 31-JULY 19, AUG. 23-30, 7 P.M. | BUD PAVILION AT WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK, WEST ALLIS
Bella Cain, The LoveMonkeys and Almighty Vinyl are just a few of the bigger names performing at the Wisconsin State Fair Park live music series.
6. Heart(beats) of the City
JUNE 7-AUG. 30, NOON | RED ARROW PARK
Take a proper lunch break and jam out with your fellow Milwaukeeans. This series launched last year as an afternoon perk for Downtown workers. With three blocks’ worth of food trucks to choose from, you can try something different each week.
7. Live @ The Lakefront
JULY 12-AUG. 30, 5:30 P.M. | DISCOVERY WORLD
With Lake Michigan as the backdrop, this is undoubtedly the live music series with the best view. There’s plenty of seating along the Discovery World decking, but we recommend walking along the Pier Wisconsin cruise dock to hear the songs from across the water.
8. Washington Park Wednesdays
JULY 12-AUG. 30, 5 P.M. | WASHINGTON PARK
Head to the West Side for this gem. Watch local bands perform in the bandshell while grabbing bites from the food trucks that assemble. Each week has a different theme, such as Venus Rising, Farm to Park and Old School.
Thursday
9. Bike Night Concert Series
MAY 4-SEPT. 28, 5 P.M. | HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM
You don’t have to ride a Harley to appreciate this night on the river – all wheels are welcome. So stop by whether you’re revving your engine or riding in on a Lime scooter. Grab grub at Motor restaurant.
10. Jazz in the Park
JUNE 1-JULY 6, JULY 27-AUG. 31, 5 P.M. | CATHEDRAL SQUARE PARK
Despite the name, it’s not all jazz at Cathedral Square Park. The lineup includes rock, funk and R&B, too. This one’s one of Milwaukee’s most popular events, so get there early to snag a good spot.
11. Music at the Market
JUNE 1-OCT. 5, 3 P.M. | SOUTH MILWAUKEE DOWNTOWN MARKET
Stop by South Milwaukee’s weekly market for the produce – not to mention arts and crafts and baked goods – and stay for the tunes.
12. Musica del Lago
JUNE 22, JULY 27 AND AUG. 24 | LAKEFRONT COLECTIVO
Love to dance? This one’s for you. This series celebrates Latin music at one of the city’s best cafe patios. The string lights add a lot to the ambiance, making for a picture-perfect night.
Friday
13. Starry Nights
JULY 7-AUG. 11, 6:30 P.M. | SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS, BROOKFIELD
The Wisconsin Philharmonic is the season opener for the Wilson Center’s music series, which ranges from classical to bluegrass to classic rock. Pro tip: Reserve a picnic table in advance for the best seats in the Gerlach/Haack Outdoor Theater.
Saturday
14. Ayre in the Square
MAY 20, JUNE 17, JULY 22, AUG. 26, 4 P.M. | CATALANO SQUARE
If you’re looking for a cool way to spend a Saturday evening, head to the Third Ward for live music from local musicians spanning a variety of genres and hit one of the great restaurants afterward.
15. Celebrate Culture, Jazz & Blues
JUNE 24-AUG 5, 2 P.M. | ROSE PARK
There will be jazz in this park, as well as blues. Head to the Bronzeville neighborhood for tunes from national and local acts.
Sunday
16. Café Sopra Mare
JUNE 4-SEPT. 24, 10:30 A.M. | VILLA TERRACE DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM
Unlike most of the concert series around town, the Villa Terrace offers musical mornings. Soak in the architecture from the Milwaukee mansion’s courtyard while listening to a mix of classical and modern music.
