Milwaukee, WI
From The Strokes to Benson Boone, 15 top summer concerts in Milwaukee
Your guide to the top summer concerts in Milwaukee in 2026
From Benson Boone to Bryan Adams, here are 15 of the best concerts happening in Milwaukee this June through August.
You may think Milwaukee’s summer concert season isn’t quite as hot for 2026 – and you’d have evidence to make your case.
American Family Field will host no major stadium tours for a second consecutive year. The Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival was called off. There have been some high-profile tour cancellations with scrapped local stops from Zayn and Pussycat Dolls. And as is always the case for a music fan in Wisconsin, seeing some of the biggest tours of the season is going to require a road trip.
But even taking all of that into consideration, the city is still overflowing with exciting concert options this June through August, from the largest venues to most intimate clubs.
Here are 15 top summer concert picks – but be on the lookout later this summer for separate recommendation lists for Summerfest and the Wisconsin State Fair.
As rappers who consistently defy convention to push their creativity into new territory, Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE have a lot in common. Now the longtime friends have something else that connects them: a new acclaimed joint album, “Pompeii//Utility,” and good reason to hit the road together.
When, where, how much: 7 p.m. June 22, the Rave, 2401 W. Wisconsin Ave. $60.50 to $150 at the box office and therave.com.
When the New York Times published their much-talked-about “30 Greatest Living American Songwriters” feature in April, there naturally were some living legends and bona fide superstars in the mix, including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Paul Simon and Taylor Swift. And there were unexpected and welcome surprises like Brandy Clark, an overlooked Nashville craftswoman behind signature songs for Miranda Lambert (“Mama’s Broken Heart”), Kacey Musgraves (“Follow Your Arrow”) and others, who brings tender musicality and witty wordplay to her own winning catalog.
When, where, how much: 8 p.m. June 22, The Argo, 334 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay. $48.95 to $68.56 at the box office and theargolive.com.
With the dynamic one-two punch of its first two electric art rock albums in 2021 and 2022 – “For The First Time” and “Ants From Up There” – British band Black Country, New Road quickly became a critics’ darling. But a few days before “Ants” came out, frontman Isaac Wood announced he was leaving the group, putting Black Country, New Road’s ascent into jeopardy. Despite the odds, the band’s upward trajectory continued with last year’s “Forever Howlong” that put the band in a new, equally exciting direction. Be sure to show up for opener Horsegirl, another emerging rock band getting plenty of buzz.
When, where, how much: 8 p.m. June 28, Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 N. Phillips Ave. $35.98 at the door, the Pabst Theater box office (144 E. Wells St.) and pabsttheater.org.
The last time Julian Casablancas sang “Last Nite” in Wisconsin was 15 years ago as part of Pearl Jam’s PJ20 festival at Alpine Valley Music Theatre. Three Strokes albums will have been released during that absence, including latest “Reality Awaits” coming out in June, but patient fans in Wisconsin should be rewarded with plenty of turn-of-the-century hits in the setlist. There’s also a special offer just for them: the Milwaukee date is the only stop of the band’s extensive tour to feature both Cage The Elephant and Thundercat.
When, where, how much: 7 p.m. July 17, American Family Insurance Amphitheater, Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive. $67.15 to $473.95 at the box office and amfamamp.com.
Less than a year ago Benson Boone was flipping around a Summerfest stage for a sold-out American Family Insurance Amphitheater concert, his first following the release of latest album “American Heart.” But people can’t get enough of the gymnastics and Freddie Mercury-style belting, because his Milwaukee return is already close to sold out, even though Boone doesn’t have new music to share (not yet, anyway).
When, where, how much: 8 p.m. July 22, Fiserv Forum, 1111 N. Phillips Ave. $123.30 to $430.10 at the box office and fiservforum.com.
There’s a lot that people love about Ryan Coogler’s blockbuster, Oscar-winning, 1932-set vampire film “Sinners,” but one of the most cherished elements is its celebration of the blues, with living legend Buddy Guy playing a pivotal part in the 2025 movie. That’s sparked renewed interest in Guy’s music and legacy, which makes the opportunity to see him particularly special – that, and the fact that he’ll turn 90 a few days after performing in Milwaukee.
When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m. July 26, Riverside Theater, 116 W. Wisconsin Ave. $72.50 to $176.41 at the door, the Pabst Theater box office and pabsttheater.org.
A highlight of the lineup at Justin Vernon’s cherished Eaux Claires festival, returning this July after an eight-year absence, is singer-songwriter Aimee Mann performing her 2000 album “Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo” in its entirety. But you don’t have to trek to Eau Claire to see Mann revisit one of the most celebrated albums of her career, with Mann also planning to perform songs featured in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1999 film “Magnolia” at this Milwaukee show.
When, where, how much: 8 p.m. July 27, Pabst Theater. $47.81 to $236.67.
“What were you like in the ’90s?” It’s a question you might have seen in your social media feeds this year, perhaps accompanied by old photos of celebrities. Guaranteed the music playing for most of those videos was Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris,” which has sparked a renewed interest in the band’s discography (even Pitchfork penned a tribute to the track), well timed ahead of their summer tour.
When, where, how much: 7 p.m. Aug. 6, BMO Pavilion, Maier Festival Park. $48.90 to $2,634.60 at the box office and bmopavilion.com.
Buffalo Nichols performs three songs for USA TODAY Acoustic
Buffalo Nichols performs “Cold Black Stare,” “The Difference” and “Belly of the Beast” for USA TODAY Acoustic in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newsroom.
Summer is the season of huge outdoor concerts and festivals, but tiny clubs still have some of the best live music of the season. Places like Shank Hall, Linneman’s, X-Ray Arcade, Falcon Bowl, Anodyne, Cooperage and MKeUltra will keep the shows coming, so check out their calendars. And if there’s one club show we’re especially excited about this summer, its Buffalo Nichols coming back to his hometown for an intimate set of stirring folk and blues originals.
When, where, how much: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 14, Cactus Club, 2496 S. Wentworth Ave. $20 to $25 at the door and cactusclubmilwaukee.com.
In 2022, after a 13-year absence, Tori Amos put on a powerful concert in Milwaukee that saw her frequently playing keys and piano simultaneously, while infusing her songs and a Joni Mitchell classic with impassioned vocals. It was one of the best concerts we reviewed that year, and we’re blessed the wait won’t be so long for Amos’ return, when she’ll have new songs to share from latest album “In Times of Dragons.”
When, where, how much: 8 p.m. Aug. 15, Riverside Theater. $64.55 to $308.29.
In 2024 pop rocker Bryan Adams was scheduled to play his first Milwaukee concert since 2011 at Fiserv Forum, but the show and others were quietly canceled with no explanation. For his attempted return after what has now been a 15-year absence, Adams has a special incentive for the cost of a ticket: Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar + Neil Giraldo as his opening act.
When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16, Fiserv Forum. $73.30 to $400.90.
It was a matter of when, not if, consistent hitmaker Tim McGraw would get inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In March fans found out it’s happening this fall, with McGraw hitting the road this summer to remind people who don’t need reminding why he’s so worthy of the honor.
When, where, how much: 7 p.m. Aug. 22, Alpine Valley Music Theatre, 2699 County Road D, East Troy. $35 to $2,195.70 at the gate and livenation.com.
The Australian trio has become one of the most celebrated live acts in EDM, getting headlining slots at premiere festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, and booking stadium gigs including Fenway Park in Boston. For Milwaukee this summer, that means a tour stop at the 23,000-person-capacity American Family Insurance Amphitheater – a massive upgrade from the Miramar Theatre they played their last time in town a decade ago.
When, where, how much: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26, American Family Insurance Amphitheater. $35 to $122.
In April, Milwaukee was lucky to get the opening night of Romeo Santos and Prince Royce’s tour, one of the most-anticipated Latin music tours of the summer. Just four months later, it’s happening again, when Puerto Rican superstar Chayanne kicks off what’s being billed as the final leg of his “Bailemos Otra Vez” tour at the Bucks’ arena.
When, where, how much: 8 p.m. Aug. 28, Fiserv Forum. $71.70 to $1,377.05.
We may not get another Harley-Davidson Homecoming this year, but it did give Milwaukee a lot of memorable performances. That included a spellbinding set last year from Sierra Ferrell, who brings an earthy, psychedelic style to her traditionally minded country and folk songs, and who will certainly offer fans a longer set this time than what a festival slot could provide last summer.
When, where, how much: 8 p.m. Aug. 29, Landmark Credit Union Live, 1051 N. Phillips Ave. $60.50 to $185.25 at the box office and landmarkculive.com.
Contact Piet Levy at (414) 223-5162 or plevy@journalsentinel.com. Follow him at facebook.com/PietLevyMJS.
MILWAUKEE – Besides the waves and the water, it is usually the weather bringing folks out to the beach.
Milwaukee beach packed
What they’re saying:
“It’s beautiful outside today, sunshine,” said Ryan Scott, a beachgoer.
“It’s hot and sunny,” said Conor O’Keef, another beachgoer.
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Hundreds came out to Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach on Saturday. Those on the sand said the clear skies, low 80s, and clean air are a good change of pace from the past couple of days.
“Yesterday, it seemed no one was down here, but today it seems it’s cleared up a lot,” said Mio Demichele, a beachgoer.
Wildfire smoke in Milwaukee
The backstory:
On Thursday – Milwaukee’s sky was taken over by drifting smoke from Canadian wildfires. It helped Milwaukee register the worst air quality it has ever recorded.
“It’s been making me cough, and it’s awful.” said Antonia Aguilera, who was visiting Milwaukee. “I’m glad that today is at least, so far, has been pretty okay.”
Saturday was fun in the sun – at least for the moment.
“You can already kind of see some of the smoke coming around in the tree area,” Aguilera said.
The poor air quality returned Saturday evening. It was a bummer for visitors – like Chelsea Kramen and Aguilera.
“I’m not shocked. It’s a little upsetting because we plan on being out here all day tomorrow too, but we’ll make it work,” Kramen said.
Why is wildfire smoke back?
What we know:
Weather experts said the recent cold front pulled the smoke back into the area.
By 7:30 Saturday night, the air quality reached 175, falling into the unhealthy category. This is especially true for people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens.
“I definitely think it’s a big concern for, I mean, the wildlife out here in Milwaukee, the people who are living outdoors and don’t have somewhere to go with a roof over their heads and get away from all of this stuff,” said Anna Davidson, a beachgoer.
When will air quality improve?
What’s next:
The Department of Natural Resources issued a statewide air quality advisory until noon Monday, when beachgoers said hopefully the smoke will clear for good.
Health experts advise if you are in those sensitive groups, you should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, keep outdoor activities short, and consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling.
Portions of this article were formatted using A.I. FOX6’s reporter and an editor reviewed it for accuracy and tone prior to publishing.
The Source: Information in this story was gathered from Ryan Scott, Conor O’Keef, Mio Demichele, Antonia Aguilera, Chelsea Kramen, Anna Davidson and the Department of Natural Resources.
Getty
DENVER, COLORADO – JULY 02: Manager Pat Murphy #21 of the Milwaukee Brewers walks to the mound while playing the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning at Coors Field on July 02, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Brewers are sitting somewhat comfortably in first place in the NL Central. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t cause for worry.
Before losing pitcher Brandon Woodruff to shoulder surgery, the Brewers lost another key piece of their team.
After Friday night’s game against the Miami Marlins, manager Pat Murphy implied that an IL stint would be coming for outfielder Sal Frelick after he hurt his shoulder on a throw from right field. Luis Lara would replace him in the game.
Frelick, according to the Brewers, has been placed on the 10-day IL with a right shoulder strain.
In a corresponding move, outfielder Blake Perkins has been recalled from Triple-A Nashville.
More On Milwaukee Brewers’ Sal Frelick
Frelick’s injury was not sudden. His shoulder had been bothering him for around two months, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. While a past scan revealed nothing more than inflammation, Frelick continued to have symptoms.
The discomfort was just limited to throwing until the last couple of weeks.
“I started feeling it swinging, not as bad as throwing, but it was creeping in there,” Frelick said.
This could very well explain the 2024 Gold Glover’s decline on both sides of the ball. After slashing .288/.351/.405 with 12 home runs and 19 stolen bases, Frelick has slashed just .236/.301/.330 with four home runs and six stolen bases.
His defense has also taken a hit. After having a career-high +7 Outs Above Average last year, per Baseball Savant, Frelick has just +1 Outs Above Average through 90 games this year.
Part of that can be attributed to a major decrease in arm value and strength.
The Brewers drafted Frelick in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Boston College. He would debut in 2023 as one of the best defensive outfielders in the game.
Perkins will take his place on the 26-man roster, but has struggled to a .157/.250/.258 slash line in 53 games this season.
Who Will Replace Frelick?
This likely won’t be a 10-day minimum stint for Frelick. The Brewers need to nip this in the bud now while the playoffs are far enough away.
While the Brewers could make an outfield addition before the Trade Deadline, it’s more likely that No. 4 prospect Lara will be seeing more time at right field.
Milwaukee signed Lara in 2022, and he has quickly risen through the ranks.
Lara doesn’t possess much power, but his run, field and arm tools are all elite, making him a logical fit to be Frelick’s replacement.
In limited at-bats, Lara has shown that he is up for the challenge with a .294/.429/.353 slash line in six games.
In 78 Triple-A games before he was called up, Lara had a .321/.432/.470 slash line with 24 stolen bases.
While Perkins is the more seasoned pick to replace Frelick, he is a glove-first, weak-hitting player. In his career, Perkins has a .223/.307/.330 slash line with 14 home runs in 295 games.
Jake Bauers also has experience in the outfield if need be.
One thing is for certain: if Frelick gets back to full health and starts hitting again, the Brewers will have a big chance of securing the NL Central once again.
Matthew Singer Matthew Singer is a sports reporter covering MLB for Heavy.com. He has written for Heavy since 2025, and has two years of experience covering local professional, collegiate and high school sports, including writing for Cronkite News and Arizona PBS. More about Matthew Singer
MILWAUKEE – Forecast from FOX6 Meteorologist Lisa Michaels
There is a chance for a few showers/storms early Saturday with the passing of a cold front. As a lake breeze kicks in this afternoon, a few more could develop along it.
The cold front will help drag wildfire smoke down to the surface. Plan on increasing smoky skies Saturday afternoon and evening. Wildfire smoke can linger on Sunday due to an easterly wind. Smoke should become less on Monday.
High temperatures reach the upper 80s on Saturday, low 80s on Sunday, and back to the upper 80s on Monday.
There is a higher chance for stronger storms on Monday afternoon and evening.
Today: Isolated morning rain/storm. Warm and humid. Smoky skies in the afternoon/evening.
High: 89°
Wind: WNW 5-15
Tonight: Smoky skies
Low: 64°
Wind: NE 5-10
Sunday: Partly sunny and cooler. Smoky skies again.
High: 83°
Wind: E 5-10
Monday: Chance for t-storms. Windy, warm and humid.
AM Low: 65° High: 88°
Wind: SW 10-20
Tuesday: Partly sunny.
AM Low: 68° High: 83°
Wind: NW 10-15
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, cooler and less humid.
AM Low: 60° High: 77°
Wind: N 5-10
Thursday: Mostly sunny.
AM Low: 56° High: 83°
Wind: S 5-10
6-day planner
FOX6 Weather Extras
Local perspective:
Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following:
FOX6 Storm Center app
FOX LOCAL Mobile app
FOX Weather app
FOX Weather
Big picture view:
Maps and radar
We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there.
School and business closings
When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. Monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.
FOX6 Weather Experts in social media
The Source: Information in this report is from the FOX6 Weather Experts and National Weather Service.
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