1. RIP – A Musical Comedy of Life & Death
ALL WEEKEND | NEXT ACT THEATRE
RIP – A Musical Comedy of Life & Death is Milwaukee composer and author Robert Grede’s first musical. The world premiere run (July 17-28) begins this weekend. It’s the story of the McCobb Mortuary, where the Dead reflect on their regrets and longings, and the Living tend to their tasks. Tickets are available online.
RELATED: A NEW MUSICAL ABOUT DEATH IS COMING TO LIFE THIS JULY
2. Country Thunder
ALL WEEKEND | TWIN LAKES
Every year, the Twin Lakes festival brings roughly 30,000 people together for four days of country music. Nickelback, Eric Church and Elle King are a few of the 22 acts coming to the main stage over the weekend. General admission tickets are available online.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Waukesha County Fair
ALL WEEKEND | WAUKESHA COUNTY EXPO FAIRGROUNDS
The oldest county fair in the state of Wisconsin offers food, live entertainment, animal barns and more from July 17-21. See exhibits of youth-created cake decorating, cultural arts and other crafts on display, and watch headlining music acts, including Rodney Atkins, Daugherty and Bret Michaels. Adult general admission tickets are available online. Concert tickets are sold separately.
4. Jane Eyre, the Musical
THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SUNDAY | LAKE COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE
Charlotte Brontë’s 19th-century gothic romance novel will come to life with the Lake Country Players’ musical. Jane Eyre is the story of an English orphan who, when hired as a governess at a manor, falls in love with headmaster Mr. Edward Rochester. Costumes reflect the extravagant style of the time with corsets and long, full skirts. Tickets are available online.
5. SAUCED Night Market
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM 5-10 P.M. | THE COOPERAGE
All ages can enjoy this free with RSVP event offering local vendors, food, drinks and live music. Over 30 shops will sell soaps, candles, jewelry and other items. The full lineup of vendors is available on SAUCED Market’s website.
6. Jared Freid
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | MILWAUKEE IMPROV, BROOKFIELD
Jared Fried – a podcaster, comedian, writer and TV host – is holding five shows in Brookfield as part of a nationwide tour this summer. He’s known for his Netflix special, “37 & Single,” and his podcast, “The JTrain Podcast.” This event is for individuals aged 21 and older. Tickets are available online.
7. Falls Lavender Fest
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. | MENOMONEE FALLS VILLAGE PARK
Images of rolling fields covered with the purple flower in the south of France typically come to mind with the word “lavender,” but this festival makes enjoying the plant a reality for the Milwaukee area. At this free festival, visitors can check out stands selling lavender-themed products, including art, jewelry, and bath and body products. Specialty food trucks and a Kidzone near the splash pad will ensure everyone is fed and entertained.
8. Peppa Pig Live!
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 1 P.M. | THE YARD AT BAYSHORE
This free live performance inspired by the classic children’s show, “Peppa Pig: Wedding Party,” invites viewers to watch Peppa and her friends prepare for a special wedding party. Three 15-minute shows will begin at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Alcohol carry-ins and animals are prohibited.
9. Midsummer Festival of the Arts
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | JOHN MICHAEL KOHLER ARTS CENTER, SHEBOYGAN
The 54th annual Midsummer Festival of the Arts is bringing 100 artist booths to the Arts Center grounds in Sheboygan. Painters, photographers, jewelers and almost any other kind of artist, along with four live concerts, make the fest worth the drive. Street performers and various food trucks will provide additional entertainment. This is a free event.
10. Brady Street Festival
SATURDAY AT 12:00 P.M. | BRADY ST., FROM VAN BUREN TO FARWELL AVE.
This free yearly festival held at one of Milwaukee’s most popular nightlife spots brings the city together to celebrate local acts and vendors. Milwaukee-based indie-skate-rock band Social Cig is headlining the event. It was moved from its original date of July 27 to July 20 due to lots of other events that had already been planned in Milwaukee for the July 26-28 weekend – executive director Michael Sander wanted to give everyone a chance to enjoy the music, food and drinks.
11. Evening with Adam: Bistro Night
SATURDAY 7:00 P.M | LUPI & IRIS
French and Italian-inspired fine dining restaurant Lupi & Iris is hosting a pop-up event with Chef Adam Siegel. The dining experience includes a five-course menu filled with French classics like steak frites and a cheese selection, each course paired with French wines. Seats can be booked online for $125 a person.
12. Blind Pilot
SATURDAY AT 8:00 P.M. | VIVARIUM
Portland-based indie folk band Blind Pilot has released three albums since 2008 and is now on tour for their most recent, In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain. The album was released in June and is their first in eight years. Blind Pilot has previously toured with artists like Andrew Bird, The Shins and Gregory Alan Isakov. Tickets are available online.
13. Lucky Daye
SATURDAY AT 8:00 P.M. | THE RAVE
Lucky Daye’s third studio album, “Algorithm,” was released in late June. Its lead single produced by Bruno Mars, “That’s You,” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. The New Orleans-based R&B singer has written for artists like Beyonce and Mary J. Blige. The “Algorithm” tour’s stop in Milwaukee is one of many across the country this summer. Tickets are available online.
14. Jordan Klepper
SUNDAY AT 8:00 P.M. | THE PABST THEATER
Comedian and former “The Daily Show” Correspondent has received the Walter Cronkite Award for excellence in television journalism. He’s known for this coverage of the gun safety debate. Klepper’s “Suffering Fools” tour is stopping in Milwaukee on Sunday, along with other cities around the country. Tickets are available online.
