School’s out for summer, math is hard and there are so many shows we want to see around Milwaukee this month. So, instead of our usual nine shows, here’s our list of 15 you just can’t miss in July.
Babymetal
Uline Warehouse Stage, Summerfest
Saturday, July 5, at 9:30
The world's largest music festival has something for music lovers of every genre, subgenre and niche, including a group that pioneered Japanese kawaii metal. Just the second time the metal group has visited Milwaukee, the Cream City is one of Babymetal's 14 stops on their latest North American tour, bringing the energy and passion that they're known for all over the globe, as they roll into Summerfest on Fourth of July weekend to headline the Uline Warehouse Stage. Snag your tickets and find the full Summerfest lineup here!
The Crane Wives
Thursday, July 10, at 8 p.m.
The Crane Wives epitomize the evolving landscape of indie folk. Their high-energy performances have been described as "charged with emotion and technical skill" (Blurred Culture LA), while their harmony-rich melodies support deeply resonant lyrics. The band has amassed over 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, creating a global fan base. Get your tickets today!
Blacktop – It's Alive! In Milwaukee
Friday, July 11, at 3-5 p.m.
It's Alive! In Milwaukee is back, and this year, it's taking over downtown Milwaukee! While you're invited to experience the spirit of creativity as local buskers bring music, magic and live art to iconic spots like Lakefront Brewery, Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, the Bronze Fonz and more, we've got one for you to check this month. Kick off happy hour just a little early to catch Blacktop as they perform at Lakefront Brewery. It's free, it's unexpected, and it's pure Milwaukee magic!
Roz Hernandez
The Cactus Club
Monday, July 14, at 7 p.m.
Los Angeles-based transgender comedian, Roz Hernandez (she/her), is bringing the laughs to the Cactus Club in the middle of the month. Throughout her career, Hernandez has appeared in an 8-episode Hulu TV series, the Netflix documentary "OUTstanding: A Comedy Revolution," and hosted her podcast, "Ghosted!" This must-see comedy special will have you laughing all evening, so grab your tickets now!
Chicago Latin Groove at Rainbow Summer
Peck Pavilion
Thursday, July 17, at 7 p.m.
This weeklong celebration of arts and community at the Marcus from July offers free, family-friendly performances and an exciting lineup of live music, delicious eats, and a striking large-scale art installation you won't want to miss. But once the sun starts to set, you'll want to make your way to the Peck Pavilion for Chicago Latin Groove, a high-energy band that's impossible to resist as they perform everything from Salsa to Cumbia, Merengue to Latin Jazz, Bachata to Ballads, and even a splash of Disco. Learn more here.
Winona Fighter
Friday, July 18, at 7 p.m.
If you're craving raw energy, inclusive vibes and music that hits like a shot of adrenaline, Winona Fighter is a must-see. This Nashville-based punk band is shaking up the scene with a sound that's thrashy, powerful, and built for everyone. With a mission to make punk accessible to all, Winona Fighter creates a space where everyone belongs, and no one stands still. Don't miss the chance to experience a punk show that's all heart, all sweat, and all-inclusive. Get your tickets here!
Breaking Benjamin Unplugged featuring Ben Burnley, and Josh and Lacey Sturm
Wednesday, July 23, at 8 p.m.
The lead vocalists for Breaking Benjamin and Flyleaf are hitting the road for an eight-day acoustic concert series. This stop in Milwaukee is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear the bands' usually hard-rock hits in a whole new way. Make sure to grab your seats to the Rave for this tour's only stop in Wisconsin this summer!
Lord Huron with Lee Fields
Wednesday, July 23 at 8 p.m.
Los Angeles-based American indie rock outfit Lord Huron is coming back to Milwaukee, bringing their unique flair. No strangers to the Cream City, the band has played Milwaukee seven times in the past decade, including an appearance at Summerfest in 2023. If you're drawn to music that feels like a journey full of mystery, nostalgia, and cinematic flair, then grab your tickets for an unforgettable evening here!
Silent Disco at ArtBlaze
McKinley Beach
Thursday, July 24, at 8 p.m.
A silent disco on the beach? Count us in! ArtBlaze, presented by Joy Engine, is back and ready to turn the beach into an outdoor art gallery along the lakefront, with hands-on art experiences, live performances and HydroBloom, a unique collab between FuzzPop Workshop and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture. But the highlight of the first ArtBlaze is the silent disco, which kicks off as the sun sets, bringing the vibe to this unique summer series. Find more information here!
The Palmer Squares with Toby Raps
The Cooperage Milwaukee
Thursday, July 24, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
Chicago-based hip-hop duo The Palmer Squares are bringing their off-the-wall rhyme patterns to The Cooperage later this year. The Squares have developed a dedicated fan base, and their 2013 album "FINNA" reached #18 on the iTunes Hip-Hop charts. Learn more here and get your tickets today.
Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour
Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25, at 7 p.m.
If you're looking for the perfect summer night out filled with nonstop laughs, don't miss Nate Bargatze at Fiserv Forum. Coming off a record-breaking year and massive success with his Be Funny Tour, Bargatze is back with all-new material on his 2025 Big Dumb Eyes World Tour. Hailed as "the nicest man in stand-up," Bargatze blends clean, relatable humor with a down-to-earth charm that has made him a fan favorite across the nation. Get your tickets now and get ready to laugh your summer night away.
Sparrow Blue
Shank Hall
Saturday, July 26, at 8 p.m.
Inspired by the authentic sounds of true rock'n' roll, Sparrow Blue has developed their own sound, coining the term "Real Thick Rock & Roll." With influences such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin and Mountain, the band's hard-rock music and high-energy performances are sure to bring fire to any stage. Grab a ticket today.
Lucy Dacus
Sunday, July 27 at 8 p.m.
Three-time Grammy winner Lucy Dacus is one of today’s most acclaimed songwriters. Following the release of her latest album, “Forever Is A Feeling,” she is back on tour and ready to rock the Riverside Theater. With standout performances on major late-night shows, Dacus continues to earn praise for her powerful storytelling and unforgettable live presence. Don’t miss the chance to see her perform hits like “Night Shift,” “Hot & Heavy” and “Ankles.” Get your tickets here!
Soul Unplugged Downtown: Summer of Soul 2025
Peck Pavilion
Wednesday, July 30 at 5 p.m.
Summer of Soul 2025 returns to downtown Milwaukee, bringing a mix of music, culture and community to Peck Pavilion. This free outdoor concert series features a lineup that spans Latin jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop and more. For R&B and hip-hop lovers, Soul Unplugged Downtown is bringing the ‘90s hits you love to life on July 30, so be sure to drop by, enjoy local bites and soak up the city’s soul under the stars. Learn more here!
Dinosaur Jr. + Snail Mail
Thursday, July 31 at 6:45 p.m.
Catch a legendary band and a rising star in one night. Dinosaur Jr. helped shape alternative rock as we know it. Now, with the original lineup back together, the band is bringing the same raw sound that influenced a generation. Also on the evening’s billing, Snail Mail will bring their honest lyrics and standout guitar work with songs like “Let’s Find An Out,” “Pristine” and “Valentine.” Don’t miss out. Get your tickets here!
There's always more to see in the Milwaukee Theater District! Check out the events calendar and plan your dramatic getaway today!
