Events | Happenlist

Homestyle Dinner Rolls with HummusVacuum

Two bands with a knack for offbeat names hit the Cactus Club stage for a night of indie and experimental sounds. Homestyle Dinner Rolls headline, bringing their quirky energy, while HummusVacuum opens the show. Expect a crowd that's into discovering new music and a room that always sounds better than you'd think for its size. If you want a good spot, show up early—Cactus Club fills up fast for all-ages shows.

The Barbarians of California with Armed for Apocalypse and Squint

Cactus ClubBay View, Milwaukee

Catch The Barbarians of California at Cactus Club for a night of hardcore punk energy. Known for their intense live shows, this is a must for punk fans. Arrive early to snag a good spot and enjoy the raw power of their performance.

Punk
Rock

The Barbarians of California • Armed for Apocalypse • Squint

Cactus ClubBay View, Milwaukee

Three bands bring a heavy mix of punk and metal to Cactus Club, with The Barbarians of California leading the charge. Armed for Apocalypse is known for their sludge metal sound, while Squint adds a newer hardcore edge. Earplugs are smart, and the crowd usually packs in close for these all-ages shows. Grab a drink early — the bar gets busy between sets.

Punk

Bilmuri - Kinda Hard Tour

Landmark LanesEast Side, Milwaukee

Catch Bilmuri live on the Kinda Hard Tour at Landmark Credit Union Live. Known for energetic performances, this is a must for alternative music fans. Arrive early for the best pit spots and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Concerts
Indie
Punk

Powerplant, Genau, Blood

X-Ray Arcade | Games, Music, and MoreCudahy

Catch a night of genre-bending music at X-Ray Arcade with Powerplant, Genau, and Blood. Expect a mix of synth-punk, darkwave, and goth rock. Arrive early for a good spot and enjoy the eclectic vibes in this intimate venue.

Post-Punk / Goth

Bear Ghost, Sarah and the Safe Word, Spaceman Bob

X-Ray Arcade | Games, Music, and MoreCudahy

Experience a night of diverse sounds at X-Ray Arcade with Bear Ghost's adventure rock, Sarah and the Safe Word's cabaret punk, and Spaceman Bob's cosmic vibes. Arrive early for the best spot and enjoy the eclectic mix of music.

Rock

Jim E. Brown with Holy Pinto & Andy

Flores HallSouth Side, Milwaukee

Catch an evening of indie pop and rock at Falcon Hall with Jim E. Brown headlining. Doors open at 7 PM, so get there early for a good spot. It's an all-ages show, making it a great night out for everyone.

Indie Shows
Indie
Pop

Eliot Lipp, Lorna Dune, Scatterbrainmane, CARSEN

Cactus ClubBay View, Milwaukee

Four electronic artists share the stage for a night of synth-driven beats and experimental sounds. Cactus Club is known for its intimate setup, so you'll be close to the action no matter where you stand. If you're into live electronic music, this is one of those lineups you don't see every month. Get there early if you want a good spot near the stage—sets tend to start on time here.

Electronic

Psychostick, Galactic Empire, Arcade Mode, Nemesis Engine

X-Ray Arcade | Games, Music, and MoreCudahy

Get ready for a night of unique metal at X-Ray Arcade. Psychostick brings their humor-infused heavy sound, while Galactic Empire shreds Star Wars themes in full costume. Local acts Arcade Mode and Nemesis Engine add a Milwaukee twist. Arrive early for the best spot and bring cash for tickets.

Metal
Rock

Good Vibes Only: Tae Spears, Lille, Rich P, Catchclayton, Spaidez, KNG Davinci, Loveliee Jayy, Koko Scissorhands

Cactus ClubBay View, Milwaukee

A late-night showcase of Milwaukee hip hop and R&B talent, all on one bill. Expect a packed room and high energy sets from local favorites and up-and-comers. Doors open late, so plan for a true night out. Bring cash for the bar and get there early if you want a good spot up front.

Season Opening Fanfare

Bradley Symphony CenterDowntown, Milwaukee

Sep 18 · Sep 19

Kick off the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's new season with a powerful lineup featuring Copland, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. This concert showcases the talents of MSO's own Jinwoo Lee and Susan Babini, with guest conductor Michael Sanderling leading the way. Arrive early to enjoy the ambiance of the Bradley Symphony Center and grab a drink before settling in for an inspiring evening.

Orchestra
Classical

Sapphic Rave: Slumber Party feat. TAB3, Mya, Khali Melon, r3algrl

Cactus ClubBay View, Milwaukee

A late-night dance party spotlighting queer women and nonbinary DJs, with a lineup that keeps the energy high. Expect a crowd that's there to move, a vibe that's inclusive, and music that leans into the underground. Cactus Club usually fills up for these, so get tickets early if you want to skip the line. Pajama-inspired looks are encouraged but not required.

Electronic

Sapphic Rave: Slumber Party

Cactus ClubBay View, Milwaukee

Sapphic Rave: Slumber Party is set to light up the night with an eclectic mix of DJs and performers. Expect a vibrant atmosphere at Cactus Club, known for its inclusive and energetic events. Arrive early to snag a good spot and enjoy the diverse lineup.

Open Decks – Vinyl Edition

Cactus ClubBay View, Milwaukee

4 dates · Sep 19–Dec 19

This is a hands-on vinyl DJ open session where anyone can try their hand at spinning records, no matter their experience level. The vibe is friendly and low-pressure, with people sharing tips and swapping stories about music. If you don’t have your own records, you can use the club’s stash. It’s a good way to meet other music lovers and get comfortable on the decks without any gatekeeping.

Electronic

Your Arms Are My Cocoon, Stella, Snag, Viscacha

Flores HallSouth Side, Milwaukee

Experience an energetic night of emo and screamo music at Falcon Hall in Riverwest. With bands from Chicago, Eugene, and Milwaukee, it's a mix of local and touring talent. Arrive early for the best spot and bring cash for tickets.

Emo

The Bouncing Souls - Born To Be Tour with The Suicide Machines

The ArgoWhitefish Bay

Catch punk legends The Bouncing Souls and The Suicide Machines at The Argo. Expect a night of high-energy anthems and raw punk spirit. Arrive early for parking and grab a drink at the bar. It's a rare chance to see these bands in an intimate setting.

Concerts
Punk
Indie

Guardin, Kenneyxoxo, Fijimar

X-Ray Arcade | Games, Music, and MoreCudahy

Catch an electrifying night of live music at X-Ray Arcade with performances by Guardin, Kenneyxoxo, and Fijimar. This all-ages event promises a mix of rap and hip-hop in an intimate venue. Arrive early to grab a good spot and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Hip-hop

Graham Hunt, Innuendo, Apollo Vermouth

Cactus ClubBay View, Milwaukee

Three local acts share the stage for a night of indie and experimental music at Cactus Club. Graham Hunt brings sharp songwriting, while Innuendo and Apollo Vermouth add their own twists. The room is intimate, so you'll actually hear every lyric. Get there early if you want a good spot up front—shows here fill up fast.

The Black Queen: Fever Daydream 10th Anniversary

The ArgoWhitefish Bay

Celebrate a decade of The Black Queen's "Fever Daydream" with a full-album live performance. Expect dark electronic vibes and exclusive merch. Get there early for a good spot and enjoy the full bar service.

Electronic

Wind Walkers with If Not For Me and True North

X-Ray Arcade | Games, Music, and MoreCudahy

Catch the "I Don't Belong Here" tour at X-Ray Arcade with Wind Walkers headlining. Expect a night of rock and metalcore in an intimate setting. Arrive early for the best spot and enjoy the vibrant local music scene.

Rock

WNBA Watch Party: Minnesota vs. Indiana (Allison Mahal Halftime Show)

Cactus ClubBay View, Milwaukee

A free WNBA watch party with a live halftime set from Milwaukee indie-rocker Allison Mahal. You get the game, plus a real concert break in the middle. The Cactus Club is all ages for this one, and the music side is legit — Allison Mahal's sets are known for being both intimate and high-energy. Grab a seat early if you want a good view of the screen or the stage.

Folk

Free

TUE SEP 22ALL DAY

Theater & Film

Footloose

Ally's Powerhouse CafeWauwatosa

Footloose is hitting the stage with all the energy and nostalgia of the original film. Expect dynamic choreography and classic '80s hits that will have you on your feet. Directed by Stephen Mear, known for his work on Ragtime, this production promises to be a lively, feel-good experience. Arrive early to soak in the atmosphere at the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater.

Theater
Pop
Rock

Shearling

X-Ray Arcade | Games, Music, and MoreCudahy

Shearling is bringing their intense and ambitious sound to X-Ray Arcade. Known for their unique orchestral rock style, this band offers a live experience that's both raw and meticulously crafted. Get there early to grab a good spot; their performances are a journey worth witnessing.

Rock

Croz Boyce (Avey Tare and Geologist of Animal Collective)

Cactus ClubBay View, Milwaukee

Avey Tare and Geologist from Animal Collective are teaming up for a night of experimental, improvisational music under the Croz Boyce moniker. Expect a set that feels more like a creative conversation than a traditional concert, with plenty of unexpected turns. If you’re into ambient textures and left-field jams, this is one of those rare chances to see two core members of Animal Collective in a small room. Get there early if you want a good spot—Cactus Club fills up fast for shows like this.

$22–$25

Live music that actually hits Events

Homestyle Dinner Rolls with HummusVacuum

The Barbarians of California with Armed for Apocalypse and Squint

The Barbarians of California • Armed for Apocalypse • Squint

Bilmuri - Kinda Hard Tour

Powerplant, Genau, Blood

Bear Ghost, Sarah and the Safe Word, Spaceman Bob

Jim E. Brown with Holy Pinto & Andy

Eliot Lipp, Lorna Dune, Scatterbrainmane, CARSEN

Psychostick, Galactic Empire, Arcade Mode, Nemesis Engine

Good Vibes Only: Tae Spears, Lille, Rich P, Catchclayton, Spaidez, KNG Davinci, Loveliee Jayy, Koko Scissorhands

Season Opening Fanfare

Sapphic Rave: Slumber Party feat. TAB3, Mya, Khali Melon, r3algrl

Sapphic Rave: Slumber Party

Open Decks – Vinyl Edition

Your Arms Are My Cocoon, Stella, Snag, Viscacha

The Bouncing Souls - Born To Be Tour with The Suicide Machines

Guardin, Kenneyxoxo, Fijimar

Graham Hunt, Innuendo, Apollo Vermouth

The Black Queen: Fever Daydream 10th Anniversary

Wind Walkers with If Not For Me and True North

WNBA Watch Party: Minnesota vs. Indiana (Allison Mahal Halftime Show)

Footloose

Shearling

Croz Boyce (Avey Tare and Geologist of Animal Collective)