Your Guide to Free Summer Concerts Around Milwaukee

Your Guide to Free Summer Concerts Around Milwaukee

Make the most of the summer at these free concert series.

BY WYATT R VOELKER AND EVAN MUSIL

Chill on the Hill

TUESDAYS, JUNE 9-SEP 1, 6:30 P.M. | HUMBOLDT PARK

This series lives up to both ends of its name. “Chillers” – as they’re called – set up their chairs on the titular incline to hear local acts from classical to synth pop to hip-hop. At the bottom of the hill lie food trucks and a beer garden.

Heart(beats) of the City

WEDNESDAYS, JUNE 4-SEP. 3, FROM 11:30 A.M TO 1 P.M. | RED ARROW PARK

Spend your day off or lunch breaks with coworkers enjoying “get up and dance music” and food in downtown Milwaukee this summer. Milwaukee’s best street eats and Biggby Coffee will be serving up food and beverages for purchase.

Live At The Oasis

WEDNESDAYS, JUNE 10-AUG. 19 | RICHARD E. MASLOWSKI COMMUNITY PARK, GLENDALE 

Take a trip to Glendale to celebrate Motown classics or turn the speakers up to eleven with Rock Revolutionaries and other acts throughout the summer. This event offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy.


Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!

 

Washington Park Wednesdays

WEDNESDAYS, JULY 8-AUG. 26, 5 P.M. | WASHINGTON PARK 

The Art Deco bandshell beckons all who wish to hear tunes at the Near West Side park. Shows in this series are themed – including circus, back-to-school and the environment – and offer free food for kids.

Summer of Soul

WEDNESDAYS, JULY 10 & 24, AUG. 7 & 21, SEPT. 4 & 18, 5 P.M | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The city’s newest concert series goes all in on R&B, jazz, hip-hop and soul, of course. A lineup of local stars and national talent is paired with food trucks and a marketplace of community makers. 

Live At The Lakefront

WEDNESDAYS, JULY 8-SEPT. 2, FROM 5:30 TO 9 P.M | ROTARY AMPHITHEATER AT DISCOVERY WORLD 

Catch a breeze off of Lake Michigan while listening to some of the Midwest’s very best performers this summer. With eight performers scheduled, there’s sure to be hits for everyone.

Music at the Market

THURSDAYS, MAY 28-AUG. 27, FROM 5 TO 7 P.M. | SOUTH MILWAUKEE DOWNTOWN MARKET

Enjoy a market stocked with produce, art, and other handcrafted goods while listening to bands perform rock, bluegrass, soul and more.

Jazz in the Park

THURSDAYS, FROM JUNE 4-SEP.10 (EXCEPT JULY 2, 9 & 16) | CATHEDRAL SQUARE PARK 

Jazz is the forte of this biweekly concert series, but it’s not just that. You’ll catch the blues, funk and other genres from local bands at this patch of green Downtown, which is perfect for a picnic with a date or friends

Concerts in the Garden

 THURSDAYS, JULY 2-AUG. 20, FROM 6:30 TO 8:30 P.M. | BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS

Celebrate the weekend early on Thursdays by getting into the groove at Concerts in the Garden. Feel free to pack your favorite snacks and a cozy blanket, or dive into the delicious local flavors offered by on-site vendors. 

Chill on the Hill
Chill on the Hill; photo by Lindsey Anderson

Concerts on the Green

THURSDAYS, JUNE 18-AUG. 13, FROM 6 TO 9:30 P.M. | ENDERIS PARK 

Gather the whole family and pack snacks and drinks for live music under summer skies at Enderis Park. Whether it’s rock, bluegrass or alternative, you’re bound to enjoy the summer night out. 

Starry Nights

FRIDAYS, JULY 3-AUG 7, 6:30 P.M | SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Brookfield’s kid-friendly summer tradition is prime for a picnic. Pack your own or nosh from food trucks and a full outdoor bar while playing lawn games and listening to the Wisconsin Philharmonic, Skylight Music Theatre and more. July 10 will also feature the event’s annual classic car show. 

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow Jazz & Blues Summer Concerts

 SATURDAYS, TIMES AND DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED | ROSE PARK

“Celebrate Culture of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” with Juneteenth Milwaukee this summer. The concert series aims to honor the legacy of the past but celebrate the joy of our future through a variety of musical genres. Dates and times will be released soon online

Café Sopra Mare

SUNDAYS, JUNE 2-SEPT. 29, FROM 10:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M. | VILLA TERRACE MUSEUM & GARDEN 

Class it up at the courtyard with live music paired with coffee and tea. Spice up your beverage or music taste with performances ranging from Brazilian choro, Irish/Celtic tunes, flamenco and more musical performers this summer.