1. Alabama Shakes
SEPT. 4 | MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATRE
After eight years in hiatus, this modern blues rock band is back as a trio to strike at the soul. Powerhouse vocalist Brittany Howard leads through hits like “Don’t Wanna Fight” and long-awaited new tunes.
2. Murder at the Howard Johnson’s
SEPT. 4-21 | SUNSET PLAYHOUSE
Back in the ’60s, Howard Johnson Motor Lodges, with their distinct orange roofs, were a ubiquitous sight for travelers. This comic play sets a love triangle in one of the roadside hotels, where a wife, her husband, and her lover all plot against one another.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Amanda Uhle
SEPT. 5 | BOSWELL BOOK CO.
The McSweeney’s publisher (and one-time Milwaukeean) has a new acclaimed memoir, Destroy This House, detailing the desperate dealings and roller-coaster living conditions of her family and childhood. She’s diving into it all at Boswell.
4. TosaFest
SEPT. 5-6 | TOSA VILLAGE
Wauwatosa’s biggest party takes over the village for two days of neighborly fun. Absorb the local live music across three stages, while browsing vendors, sipping brews and taking part in the cheese curd eating contest.
5. Maa Vue and The Dream Carrier
SEPT 6. | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Singer-songwriter Maa Vue stages a theatrical concert filled with song and dance borne from her Hmong cultural heritage. The story centers on a traditional baby carrier, passing from mother to daughter.
6. Make Art MKE
SEPT. 7 | MOUNT MARY UNIVERSITY
The successor to the Starving Artists’ Show, this outdoor market offers an art buffet on a budget. Over 160 artists and makers are featured alongside local food trucks.
7. China Lights
SEPT. 12-NOV. 2 | BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS
The lantern displays at this annual exhibition wow with their intricate designs and vibrant colors. You can stop by the garden to see them anytime, but at 6:30, 7:30 and 9 every night, the garden also puts on live entertainment.
8. Dialogues Documentary Festival
SEPT. 18-21 | ORIENTAL AND DOWNER THEATERS
A good documentary has the power to astound, inspire and motivate. Milwaukee Film’s showcase of docs brings new ones to the city, with talkbacks and panels after many of the screenings.
9. Mondo Lucha
SEPT. 19 | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
Where else can you see Red Goldstein and The Beast engaged in wild combat? Or Lola Van Ella performing burlesque? There’s no event quite like this mix of high-flying pro wrestling, burlesque, music and comedy that takes over the Turner Hall Ballroom every year.
10. Bay View Bash
SEPT. 20 | KINNICKINNIC AVE.
One of Milwaukee’s hippest neighborhoods pulls out all the stops for its annual bash. You’ll find live music, carnival games, food and drink and more to enjoy at the daylong street festival.
11. Holy Hill Arts and Crafts Fair
SEPT. 20 | HOLY HILL, HUBERTUS
Over 200 juried artists come to one of Southeastern Wisconsin’s most scenic spots for this fair. Visitors can peruse the wide selection of paintings, pottery, textiles and more.
12. Paw Fest at the Lakefront
SEPT. 20 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Doesn’t Fido deserve to live it up, too? This lakeside celebration invites you to bring your pet dog, cat, lizard, etc., for live music, activities, drinks and treats (for humans and nonhumans).
13. Wine & Harvest Fest
SEPT. 20-21 | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CEDARBURG
Good food, good wine and good company abound at the festival in charming downtown Cedarburg. When you’re not sipping vino, stop by a stage to catch some live music and shop the arts and crafts vendors.
14. Makaya McCraven
SEPT. 26 | VIVARIUM
Makaya McCraven’s music is described as blending “past, present and future into poly-textual arrangements of post-genre, jazz-rooted 21st century folk music.” Learn what exactly that sounds like at this performance at one of Milwaukee’s intimate newer venues.
15. Brewers’ Final Homestand
SEPT. 26-28 | AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD
This has been a surprisingly stellar season for the Crew. (It feels like we say that every year.) They wrap up the regular season at home against the Reds before swinging into the postseason.
16. Sturgeon Fest
SEPT. 28 | HARBOR DISTRICT
This festival celebrates the mighty sturgeon that populate Lake Michigan – and if you go, you get the chance to release one into the water yourself. Harbor Fest is happening simultaneously, so after releasing your baby sturgeon, you can grab something to eat or drink from a food truck and enjoy some live music.
