When the sun sets, the curtain rises, and August is packed with can't-miss shows in the Milwaukee Theater District. Looking to keep things cool while turning up the fun? These 13 performances bring the heat without breaking a sweat.
Wicked
August 1-17
Don’t miss your chance to see “Wicked,” the Broadway sensation that has captivated audiences around the world. Winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy and three Tonys, this spellbinding musical tells the untold story of the witches of Oz with unforgettable music and dazzling visuals. Get your tickets here!
Boyz II Men
August 1 at 7:30 p.m.
The #1 best-selling R&B group of all time is headlining the Wisconsin State Fair Main Stage. Bring back showstopping tunes like ““End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day,” “Motownphilly,” and many others. This night of nostalgia, harmony and unforgettable performances is one you need to circle on your calendar. Get your tickets today!
Trey Kennedy
August 1 at 7 p.m.
Fresh off the success of his hit Hulu special “Grow Up,” Trey Kennedy is heading out on a nationwide tour. The Relatable Tour brings Kennedy’s signature sketches and sharp comedic takes to the stage, showcasing the humor that made him a viral sensation and built a loyal fan base. Don’t miss your chance to see the man behind the screen live on stage.
Kuj Magic
August 4, 3-5 p.m.
We all know the Bronze Fonz is magical. His smile, his two thumbs gleaming in the summer sunshine, the whole scene is really something special. Nothing could add to the majesty of this local icon, right? Wrong. Kuj Magic is bringing his bag of tricks to the RiverWalk this month, with illusions that will positively baffle you. We can’t really promise Kuj Magic will pull a rabbit out of the Fonz…can we? For legal reasons, we cannot, but you should absolutely check it out anyway.
Billy Strings
August 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Returning to Milwaukee for the first time since his sold-out Riverside Theater show in 2021, two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Billy Strings is headlining Fiserv Forum in August. Hailed as the future of bluegrass music, Strings combines everything you love about bluegrass with elements of punk, country, folk rock and psychedelic exploration. Don’t miss his stop in Milwaukee this summer! Find your seats!
Broncho
Cactus Club
August 8 at 7 p.m.
Tulsa-based indie rockers, Broncho are rolling into town early on in the month. Touring the band’s fifth, and most ambitious work to date, “Natural Pleasure, the band promises, “an odyssey of sound, a kaleidoscopic dreamscape where lo-fi textures collide with psychedelic wonder.” We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to take the voyage. Snag your tix here!
Earth, Wind & Fire
August 9 at 8 p.m.
Do you remember, the 21st night of September? Earth, Wind & Fire does, and on August 9, they’re bringing all the hits to the Miller High Life Theatre. The legendary band is back in Milwaukee for the first time since their Summerfest appearance in 2023, as they continue to connect with new audiences while thrilling longtime fans. Boasting timeless hits like “Let’s Groove” and “September,” their catalog has become the soundtrack of generations past, present and future. Don’t miss your chance to see these world-renowned Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees live in an unforgettable show. Grab your tickets now!
A Live Conversation with Rainn Wilson
August 15 at 7 p.m.
Stop by the Riverside Theater for an unforgettable evening with Rainn Wilson, the man who brought the eccentric and unforgettable Dwight Schrute to life. After the screening of one of the most iconic episodes of “The Office,” Wilson will join the crowd live on stage, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, memorable moments and how he embodied the character that became a fan favorite. Identity theft is not a joke! But it just might earn you a reward in the evening’s lookalike contest! Secure your seats.
LCD Soundsystem
August 15-16 at 8 p.m.
Where are your friends tonight? Well, they’re probably at the LCD Soundsystem show, and you should be, too. The electropop’s first show in Milwaukee in over 15 years is headed to The Rave/Eagles Club for back-to-back nights of hits spanning the group’s 23-year catalogue like “All My Friends,” “Dance Yrself Clean” and, of course, “All My Friends. Grab your tickets while you still can!
The Pairing: A Wine Tasting Event
August 21 at 6 p.m.
A one-of-a-kind concert and wine tasting event is coming to The Fitzgerald, pairing more delicious wines with the music of Sade! Enjoy charcuterie while you sample wines from Napa Valley, each paired with songs like “Smooth Operator,” “No Ordinary Love” and “Is it a Crime” performed live. With only 150 seats available, you’ll want to act fast. Get your tickets now!
Lizzy & The Triggermen
August 24 at 8 p.m.
Lizzy & the Triggermen are a powerhouse, L.A.-based big band that is bringing the spirit of the Prohibition Era into the present with bold style and sharp wit. Described by NPR as “one part Eartha Kitt, one part Ella Fitzgerald, one part Amy Winehouse,” their sound blends vintage swing with clever, modern originals. Get there early for a free swing dance lesson with Hot Jazz Cass. Grab your tickets now!
Screening of The Outsiders with C Thomas Howell
August 29 at 7 p.m.
Spend an evening with Ponyboy actor, C Thomas Howell, as he tells stories from his experiences on the set of “The Outsiders” movie, along with a Q&A session featuring Howell and the movie’s main Soc, Darren Dalton. Get your tickets here!
Billy Idol and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
August 31 at 7:30 p.m.
What better way to close out August than rocking out with Billy Idol and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts! The duo will perform hits all night long from their legendary catalogue, like Idol’s electrifying “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding” as well as Jett’s “Bad Reputation” and “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Don’t miss your chance to witness two rock icons light up the stage in one epic night of music. 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!
