March Madness is upon us. No, not the kind with brackets. This one doesn’t play games. But it’s got all the suspenseful twists and turns. If you look closely, you’ll find plenty of underdogs, favorites and maybe, just maybe, a Cinderella or two along the way in the Milwaukee Theater District and beyond. If you’ve been looking for live music or dramatic performances, this is your one shining moment. Here’s who’s coming to Milwaukee this March.

Three women in a rustic kitchen, including two sheriff’s deputies in uniform and a distressed woman seated at a wooden table, with a water bottle and napkin holder on the table and windows showing the outdoors in the background.

Swing State

Next Act Theatre | Now-March 8

A recent widow, a family friend with a checkered past and a mysterious theft that changes their lives forever. “Swing State” takes you on a journey to rural Wisconsin prairies for this dramatic performance that begs the question: in a world more divided than ever, who can you trust? Who can you call your friend? The work of Pulitzer Prize finalist Rebecca Gilman, this Next Act debut is a suspenseful thrill ride you have to see for yourself.

 

Peter Pan & Wendy

First Stage Theater | Now-March 22

The Disney story you know and love, brought to life by a talented cast of youngsters. Feed your imagination as you’re flown to Neverland, a world of magic and wonder, danger and suspense, and where even the most unbelievable tales turn out to be true if you believe. Classic characters, a well-loved plot and a cast that makes you question why you’d ever want to grow up make this one a must-do.

 

Dancing with the Stars Live

Miller High Life Theatre | March 3

Let’s dance! Put on your red shoes and…watch “Dancing with the Stars,” live at the Miller High Life Theater. Feel the excitement of the show you know and love as your favorite pros, including Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, Jenna Johnson, Pasha Pashkov, Val Chmerkovskiy and Hailey Bills, take the stage in an all-new show that brings the artistry of the ballroom closer than ever.

Milwaukee music venue Vivarium

Earlybirds Club

Vivarium | March 6 at 6 p.m.

Worms aren’t that appealing, but on March 6, the early bird gets the rave. Kicking off at a reasonable 6 p.m. and running through 10 p.m., you can dance the night away to hits from the 80s through the 2000s and still be home to tuck yourself in before midnight. It’s a dance party for people who have things to do in the morning, and this is your chance to dance until the break of 10 p.m.

 

Hadestown

Marcus Performing Arts Center | March 6 & 7

Few productions take you to hell and back (in a good way) quite the way ”Hadestown” does. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning performance mixes the mythical tales of the young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice with those of King Hades and Persephone, building a plot that pits industry against nature, doubt against fate and fear against love. With music by Anaïs Mitchell, this haunting performance invites you to come and see how the world could be.


Y2K! All 2000s Dance Party

Mad Planet | March 7 at 9 p.m.

Fear not, night owls. Dance parties come in all shapes, sizes and times, so if you’re not quite ready to go to bed before the clock strikes midnight, you can stay up late at Mad Planet. This Y2K Dance Party has all your favorite hip hop, pop, indie and dance hits from 2000-2010 all in one place. Kicking off at 9 p.m. and running through close. Pop on your shutter shades, drag out your brightest neon colors and party like it’s 2009.

Pabst Theater Concert Stage

Gaelic Storm

The Pabst Theater | March 8 at 8 p.m.

If you’re looking for a show you can toast to St. Patrick’s Day at, you’re in luck. A storm is brewing, and it’s headed straight for Milwaukee. Gaelic Storm, that is. For over 20 years, the Celtic sensation has brought its unique blend of storytelling, stagecraft and energetic instrumentation to their craft. While amassing a catalogue of work, you just have to experience the energy of the pub-band-turned-headliner live once, and you’ll be hooked for life.

 

Lion’s Tooth Birthday Bash

Cactus Club | March 8 at 7 p.m.
ChatGPT would say it’s not a concert, it’s a celebration. And it’d be right, but for the wrong reasons. Celebrate a landmark year for a Bay View bookstore while also hearing some tunes from its owners during the Lion’s Tooth Birthday Bash. The show will feature sets by both Cris Siqueira and Shelly McClone-Siqueira. Throughout the evening, you’ll hear from Middle Reader (Shelly’s band), Spidora (Cris’ band), Mostly (Cris and Shelly’s band together) and more! Proceeds from the event will go to Lion’s Tooth bookstore, giving the good tunes a good cause, too.

 

Buffalo Rose + Valley Fox

Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. | March 8 at 6 p.m.

The perks of a show in a coffee shop? A buzz-worthy performance every time. On March 8, up-and-coming Pittsburgh-based group, Buffalo Rose, is coming to Anodyne Coffee Roasters in Bay View to bring their unique version of Americana that blends pop, rock, soul and musical theatre, adding lush, high-powered vocal harmonies to kaleidoscopic instrumental arrangements. Led by three lead singers and songwriters, each with their own style and flourish, this concert has the makings of a can’t-miss March show.

Milwaukee Art Museum Water Woman

Pint-Sized Concert

Milwaukee Art Museum | March 12 at 5 p.m.

You’ve heard of a night at the museum, what about a pint-sized concert night out at the museum? Once the wings of the Burke Brise Soleil close for the evening, the Milwaukee Art Museum will open its doors for an evening of music set against one of the best backdrops in the city. On March 12, classical musician Peter Thomas will headline the pay-what-you-wish showcase, bringing timeless classics and reimagined pop favorites to life, complementing the refined surroundings and iconic architecture. Grab a drink from the pop-up bar and relax while supporting both Wisconsin Public Radio and the museum.

 

Dark Star Orchestra

The Riverside Theater | March 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Deadheads, arise! The critically acclaimed Grateful Dead cover band is coming back to Milwaukee and they’re ready to jam to your favorite tunes all night long. It may not be “One More Saturday Night,” but you’ll hear all the greatest Dead songs played in immaculate detail from the gentle “Friend of the Devil” and “Bird Song,” to the instrumentally complex “Dark Star --> Drums,” this one will remind you why you’re better off Dead(head).

 

Mariah The Scientist

Landmark Credit Union Live | March 13

You can leave the beakers, Bunsen burners and test tubes at home for this one. The only hypothesis you need to formulate is the best place to stand (or sit) inside the new Deer District venue. The R&B artist will roll into Milwaukee near the middle of the month for her first stop here since 2024 as Mariah The Scientist tours her fourth studio album, “Hearts Sold Separately,” along with her viral sensation, “Burning Blue.”

A bustling indoor public market filled with shoppers walking through narrow aisles lined with food vendors, produce stands, and specialty shops. People sit at crowded counters and tables enjoying food and drinks. Overhead, colorful decorations and large hanging sculptures add to the lively, energetic atmosphere.

Market Unplugged: Winter Music Series

Milwaukee Public Market | March 13 at 5 p.m.

Move over, MTV, the Milwaukee Public Market Unplugged Winter Music Series has taken the mantle as the place to catch live, acoustic sets in an intimate setting. In partnership with Radio Milwaukee, the market hosts a pair of rising stars on its second-level Palm Garden each month from January through April. This month, the series welcomes Will Pfrang and Bear in the Forest from 6-8 p.m. Grab a bite or a beer and head up to watch this tandem perform live in one of the city’s must-stop food halls.


Shrek Rave

The Rave / Eagles Club | March 13 at 9 p.m.

Do we really have to say more? Shrek. Rave. It’s a Shrek Rave. If you aren’t already on The Rave’s site buying tickets, you’re in grave danger of missing out. In the words of the event itself, “It’s dumb, just come have fun. Who cares? Cool is dead. IDK hahaha.” Well said. Pop on your green Shrek ears, slather on your favorite green face paint or dress as your favorite “Shrek” character and have the time of your life.

Two contemporary dancers perform an expressive lift under dramatic stage lighting.

Genesis

The Pabst Theater | March 13-15

Genesis puts the power of the Milwaukee Ballet in your hands this March, with one of the city’s favorite choreographic competitions coming to the Pabst Theater for three days. Three talented choreographers, hand-selected by Michael Pink, will be challenged to develop a dynamic, boundary-stretching piece in just three weeks. Each night, you can cast your vote, with the overall winner getting the chance to return to create another work for the ballet. Get your tickets today!

 

Ratboys

Vivarium | March 14 at 8 p.m.

This band is from Chicago, but let’s try not to hold it against them. In March, the indie rock band on the rise is bringing their grungy post-country sound to Vivarium to show off why they’ve become an underground favorite among hipsters and music lovers in the know. The band rolls into town touring their new album, “Singin’ to an Empty Chair,” a twangy and confident 11-song work that blurs the lines between genres and challenges everything you thought you knew about your music taste.

 

The New Edition Way Tour

New Edition, Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton

Fiserv Forum | March 21 at 8 p.m.

Then there’s a musical trio spinning life and musical tastes 360 degrees. For the first time, The New Edition Way Tour is bringing three iconic artists of the ‘80s and ‘90s together to perform their hits on a 360-degree stage, taking you closer to a more immersive performance than ever before. With 11 Grammys between them, over 100 million records sold worldwide and timeless hits from “One Sweet Day” to “Un-Break My Heart” to “If It Isn’t Love,” make this a special night of R&B under the arched roof of Fiserv Forum.

Craig Ferguson

The Pabst Theater | March 22 at 8 p.m.

Maybe you remember him as the eccentric puppet-wielding late-night host with an irreverent robot deputy. Even if you don’t, the comedic stylings of Scottish funnyman Craig Ferguson have the makings of a show you can’t pass up. His unique perspective, sharp wit and dark humor will have you rolling with laughter as he breaks down the absurdities of our day as only he can.

 

Decades: Back to the 80s

Bradley Symphony Center | March 27-29

Big hair, Cabbage Patch Kids and lush symphonic sounds? We’re going back to the ‘80s for a power-packed evening of hit songs that defined a generation. You’ve got Huey Lewis & The News, Phil Collins, Queen, Joe Cocker and so many more iconic artists brought to life in the delicate majesty by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by three incredible vocalists.

Exterior of the Marcus Performing Arts Center at night

Adaptive Performances
 

Milwaukee’s performing arts scene is for every body! Don’t miss these adaptive performances across the city’s stages, giving everyone a chance to experience the magic of the theater.

Hadestown
  • ASL-Interpreted Performance: March 7 at 2 p.m.

 

Peter Pan & Wendy
  • ASL-Interpreted Performance: March 22 at 1 p.m.
  • Sensory-Friendly Performance: March 7 at 3:30 p.m.