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 – All eastbound lanes of I-794 were closed at Van Buren Street in Milwaukee on Monday night because of a crash.
What we know:
The crash happened around 7:42 p.m. near North Van Buren Street and East St. Paul Avenue.
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The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office is handling the incident.
Officials estimated the closure would last about two hours.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
The Source: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation provided information.
MILWAUKEE – There was a police presence at MacArthur Square parking garage in Milwaukee on Monday morning, May 18.
What we know:
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene around 6:30 a.m. for reports of an assault.
One person was taken to the hospital.
Police continue to seek an unknown suspect.
Milwaukee police presence at MacArthur Square parking garage
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FOX6 News is working to gather information about this incident. When we have more information, we will update this post.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the Milwaukee Police Department.
MILWAUKEE – Investigators say a Milwaukee woman preyed on a little girl, then threatened her life. Erin Conley was charged with repeated sexual assault of a minor and went on the run.
Search for Erin Conley
What we know:
Investigators say the 27-year-old repeatedly forced herself onto the small child, then threatened her life if she told anyone.
“At some point, the child just experienced too much anxiety and stress and the fear of being harmed, which led to her finally coming out and saying something,” the U.S. Marshal said.
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In May 2025, Conley was charged with the repeated sexual assault of a minor. She was never arrested. Investigators have not been able to find her.
What they’re saying:
“It’s very important that Erin gets found and gets taken off the street and away from any children that she decides to prey on next,” the marshal said.
Authorities say Conley has been spotted around Milwaukee County, and is believed to still be in the area.
“We hope Erin would take responsibility for what she did,” the marshal said. “We are not going to let this kind of behavior continue. We can’t.”
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Conley is described as being 5’2″ tall and weighing 220 pounds.
Call with tips
What you can do:
Anyone with information about where Conley is located should call the U.S. Marshals Tipline at 414-297-3707. You will remain anonymous.
The Source: Information in this post was provided by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.
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