Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a city where the echoes of its brewing past mingle with vibrant arts and cultural scenes today. Known worldwide for its beer heritage, visitors can explore the Harley-Davidson Museum and then head to the historic breweries that shaped the city’s identity. The Milwaukee Public Market offers a lively food hall experience with fresh local fare, from artisanal cheeses to inventive craft beers, capturing the city’s deep-rooted love for bold flavors and innovation.
Art and music pulse through Milwaukee’s neighborhoods, especially in the Historic Third Ward, a district packed with galleries, theaters, and boutique shops housed in former warehouses. Each summer, Summerfest draws music lovers from across the country, hosting hundreds of acts on stages along the scenic lakefront. The city also embraces its cultural diversity with festivals celebrating German, Polish, Italian, and African American heritages, making every visit rich with new sights and sounds.
For those seeking outdoor escape, Milwaukee’s location along Lake Michigan means waterfront parks and beaches are never far. The scenic Oak Leaf Trail weaves through the city’s green spaces, perfect for walking or cycling with views of the lake skyline. Don’t miss a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum, not only for its impressive collection but also for its striking architecture, including the iconic movable “wings” of the Quadracci Pavilion designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Learn More About Milwaukee
This Side of the Stars
From 1/23/2026 - 5/16/2026
Celebrating the 100th year since the birth of pioneering artist Robert Rauschenberg, this exhibition showcases a selection of his Stoned Moon prints, alongside the works of three contemporary artists: Kite, Trevor Paglen, and Jason S. Yi. The event sparks a conversation about humanity's technological ambitions across the modern era, with the artists' recent work exploring themes such as covert surveillance, human relationships with the non-human, and the resurgence of life under repressive conditions.
Defying Empire
From 1/23/2026 - 8/1/2026
Defying Empire: Revolutionary Prints from Britain and America is an exhibition that explores how 18th-century British and American prints influenced public opinion, offering a visual journey through a passionate, participatory Revolution. The event showcases a variety of works, including more than twenty prints on paper, transfer-printed ceramics, and an 18th-century maple dining table, all aimed at framing the period as a site of transatlantic political exchange.
August Wilson’s: The Piano Lesson
From 2/24/2026 - 3/22/2026
The event features August Wilson's award-winning play, The Piano Lesson, a gripping tale of family, legacy, and defining choices set during the Great Depression. Directed by the acclaimed Lou Bellamy, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning masterpiece explores the collision of past ghosts with future promises, as the Charles family grapples with the decision to sell their treasured heirloom piano or preserve it as a symbol of their ancestors' spirit and struggle.
Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show
From 3/6/2026 - 4/26/2026
Attendees will be transported into a lively jazz atmosphere, where the iconic music of Fats Waller is the star of the show. This Tony Award-winning musical, a vibrant celebration of the Roaring Twenties, features five talented actor-musicians who will inspire everyone to sing, dance, and revel in the enduring legacy of this musical legend.
John Crist
On 3/19/2026
John Crist is a comedian from Georgia who has earned millions of views through his comedy sketches on YouTube. Additionally, he has worked for Buzzfeed and opened for comedians like Dave Chappelle and Seth Meyers.
Journey
On 3/19/2026
Journey is an iconic American rock band formed in 1973, known for their powerful ballads and energetic rock anthems. The band achieved massive success in the late 1970s and 1980s with hits like "Don't Stop Believin'," "Any Way You Want It," and "Faithfully." With their distinctive blend of rock, progressive, and pop elements, Journey has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to influence generations of rock musicians.
One Night of Queen: A Tribute to Queen
On 3/20/2026
One Night of Queen is a touring stage show that goes on for two hours, paying tribute to the theatrics and music of the legendary British rock band Queen. It is performed by the band Gary Mullen & The Works led by Freddie Mercury imitator Gary Mullen.
New Edition
On 3/21/2026
Formed in 1978 by Bobby Brown, New Edition is an R&B group that originated in Boston. Reaching the height of popularity in the 1980s, they have released hits like "Can You Stand The Rain," "If It Isn't Love" and "Mr. Telephone Man."
Luck of the Irish
On 3/15/2026
The 21st Annual Winter Run Series is a thrilling event that takes participants on a journey through the heart of Milwaukee and its picturesque suburbs. The series includes six events throughout the winter season, offering a great way to stay active, embrace the chill, and celebrate various holidays with options for 5K or 10K distances.
Operating Tracks EBM Industrial Synth Dance Party
From 3/20/2026 - 3/21/2026
Subspace is back with its Operating Tracks Dance Party, promising an evening filled with the finest selection of ultra-heavy EBM, industrial, and synth-heavy beats. Attendees can expect an immersive experience with gritty, glitchy videos displayed on an abundance of screens and projectors, adding a unique visual element to the pulsating rhythms.
Boys Like Girls
On 3/25/2026
Hailing from Massachusetts, indie rock band Boys Like Girls has been creating uplifting bangers since 2005. The quartet has released three studio albums, all of which were full of melodic, radio-friendly anthems such as “The Great Escape,” “Love Drunk” and “Two Is Better Than One.” Boys Like Girls are an amazing example of a wildly successful alternative rock act sure to captivate crowds long into the future.
Wednesday
On 3/27/2026
Inspired by '90s culture, shoegaze and classic country twang, Wednesday is a rock quintet from Asheville, North Carolina. Songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist Karly Hartzman sits at the helm of the band, drawing from childhood memories to write popular songs such as "November" and "Handsome Man."
Cowboy Junkies
On 3/25/2026
Cowboy Junkies is a Canadian alternative country and folk rock band formed in 1985. They gained wide recognition with their second album, The Trinity Session, which the Los Angeles Times named among the best albums of 1988. Their most popular singles are "Angel Mine," "Anniversary Song," and "A Common Disaster."
Yelawolf
On 3/28/2026
Yelawolf is a genre-blending rapper who fuses hip-hop, rock, and Southern roots into high-octane performances. Known for his rapid-fire flow and bold style, his shows are intense and gritty.
Maria Bamford
On 3/28/2026
Maria Bamford is a Californian actress and stand-up comedian known for her self-deprectaing humor and dysfunctional family comedy. She has also acted on "Bojack Horseman," "Adventure Time," "Stuart Little 2" and "Arrested Development."
Shen Yun
On 3/21/2026
Shen Yun Performing Arts is a non-profit performing art and entertainment business established in the United States that produces dance shows and symphonic concerts that travel abroad. The Falun Gong new religious movement is in charge of it. Shen Yun is made up of seven different performing arts organizations.
Infekt
On 3/21/2026
Infekt is a bass music producer known for his deep, wobbly dubstep sound and high-energy live sets. As part of the riddim movement, his music features heavy bass drops, intricate rhythms, and a hypnotic groove. With a dedicated fan base in the EDM scene, he continues to push the boundaries of bass music.
Cass McCombs
On 3/29/2026
Cass McCombs is an American singer-songwriter celebrated for his eclectic style and poetic lyrics. His music spans a range of genres, including folk, rock, and alternative. McCombs has earned a loyal following for his introspective songwriting and consistently evolving sound. He is known for his compelling live performances across the United States and internationally.
Gary Numan
On 3/30/2026
Gary Numan is an English musician, record producer, and singer-songwriter. He broke into the music industry as the leader of the band, Tubeway Army. Since the release his debut solo album in 1979, he's gained recognition as one of the founding fathers of synth pop.
Diorama-Rama
On 3/31/2026
The 2026 Diorama-Rama celebrates its 10th anniversary with a nostalgic theme, NDM/MPM: Dioramas Revisited, Reinvented, Reimagined, honoring the iconic dioramas of the beloved Milwaukee Public Museum. Attendees are invited to put their unique spin on any diorama, past or present, in a creative tribute to the museum's tremendous legacy.
Romeo Santos
On 4/1/2026
Romeo Santos is a Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur. He's best known as the king of bachata and is credited with popularizing the genre for a younger generation of fans. His platinum-selling albums have swept Latin music awards and earned him billions of streams.