There’s no business like show business in Milwaukee! Home to intimate jazz joints, historic theaters and incredible music festivals, this city is a prime destination for all things entertainment. Laugh out loud at popular comedians. Dance the night away to alternative rock. And snap your fingers to the smooth tunes of jazz.
Whether planning a trip or just passing through, check out these top venues in Milwaukee.
Miller High Life Theater:
Opened in 1909, the Miller High Life Theater is a historic venue in Milwaukee’s Haymarket neighborhood. Home to Broadway-style musicals, comedy shows and concerts, this theater offers many options for a night of good ‘ole toe-tapping entertainment. Laugh at the comedic wiles of Jerry Seinfeld. Groove to the beats of Ringo Starr. Or, grab a bite at the on-site restaurant Turning Tables for a delicious burger or sweet and smoky barbecue.
Fun Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. and President Teddy Roosevelt gave speeches at this theater!
The Pabst Theater:
Prepare to be transported to 18th-century Europe at the Pabst Theater, a 1,300-seat historic gem designed to be reminiscent of European opera houses. Considered the centerpiece of Milwaukee’s downtown theater district, this space amazes with ornate German Renaissance Revival style architecture, from a massive staircase made of white Italian marble to the proscenium arch highlighted in gold leaf. Kick back and enjoy comedy from the likes of Nikki Glaser and David Sedaris, musical stylings of Beatles cover bands, or be swept away by the incredible performances by the Kyiv Ballet.
Cactus Club:
With its neon-lit sign and unassuming façade, it’s easy to pass right by the Cactus Club, a beloved local hot spot in Milwaukee’s nightlife scene. Here, you’ll find an effortlessly cool façade in the dimly lit space featuring an array of eclectic artwork on the walls and a small stage that plays host to an impressive lineup of local bands, indie acts and emerging artists, such as Emmitt James and Madison McFerrin. Enjoy dinner from Frida’s Cocina Food Truck on Saturday nights and lounge on the outdoor benches as the music echoes from inside.
The Rave/Eagles Club:
Located in a 1920s building, The Rave/Eagles Club has six performance spaces under one roof. Test your dance moves on the 25,000-square-foot dance floor in the Eagles Ballroom. Enjoy a concert in the smaller Rave Bar, where famous acts debuted, like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Don’t miss heart-pounding performances at Rave Hall – there’s not a bad view in the space thanks to the wrap-around balcony. Relax in the Eagles Craft Beer Garden for a more chill vibe, and throw back a few cold ones with friends.
Mad Planet:
Tucked away in Milwaukee’s vibrant East Side, this alt-rock dance club immediately sets the mood with its blend of colored lights, vintage arcade games, funky artwork and a distinctive lounge area with 1970s-style décor. Come on Friday nights for the popular Retro Dance Party, or check out a weekly concert. Popular acts performed on the Mad Planet’s stage include Arcade Fire and The Black Keys.
Shank Hall:
Opened in 1989, Shank Hall is a small rock club with a no-frills vibe and cozy stage that simply puts on a good show. Grab a drink from the bar and enjoy the musical stylings of national acts, such as Dobie Maxwell and the Altered Five Blues Band. Cover bands also bring down the house with tributes to famous bands like Nirvana. Be sure to check out the photo wall, which features framed, signed photographs of the artists who have performed at Shank Hall in the past.
The Estate:
For over 40 years, The Estate has been the go-to spot for cocktails and intimate jazz performances in Milwaukee. From the plush leather bar stools to golden lighting and candles in vintage red glasses, this space is a throwback to the late ‘70s. The lounge offers an array of nightly entertainment, such as cocktail-making classes, poetry readings, DJs and concerts. But the cocktail menu is the true stand out. Try the 90s Heartthrob, a delicious blend of lime, banana, pineapple, coconut rum, and a splash of Jamaican #1 Bitters.
Linneman’s Riverwest Inn:
Tucked away in the eclectic Riverwest neighborhood, this unpretentious venue has been a launching pad for countless musicians and bands, including the Mosley’s, a popular Milwaukee group. Easily identified by its red-brick exterior and vibrant green roof, this location looks like a charming inn from the outside but offers a dive-bar vibe on the inside with its small stage, mismatched seating and worn wooden bar. Beyond music, the venue hosts open mic nights, poetry readings, art exhibitions, and book signings.
Milwaukee Summerfest:
Often hailed as “The World’s Largest Music Festival,” this massive event attracts 900,000 music lovers to Milwaukee. Taking place for three weekends in late June and early July, more than 800 bands and solo artists perform on 12 stages in Henry Maier Festival Park. Rock out to a diverse lineup of artists, from pop to country, hip-hop, EDM, and everything in between. Previous performers include Teagan and Sara, Elle King, and the Zac Brown Band. Of course, there’s more than just music, with local food vendors serving Wisconsin staples like cheese curds and frozen custard.
