Milwaukee's best in rock/punk/emo head to the Harborfront for Summerfest Tech adjacent evening of fun and tunes!

A night of fun and music to run alongside the Summerfest Tech festival. Milwaukee's own Gold Step's, Outpacer, Barely Civil, Alley Eyes and Fakeout will bring the entertainment while Taco Moto provides the food and the vibes provided by you. This one is free to Summerfest Tech attendees/badge holders. Doors at 6, Music at 7, party forever.

GATHER THEM! returns to the Harborfront June 12th!

GATHER THEM IS COMING IN HOT  

Join us June 12th for our Pride Party! This collaboration with the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project is going to be an event to remember!

We are so excited to introduce a new format and so many new things to do!!

Scavenger Hunt Bingo

Pop up Variety Shows

Outdoor Games and Crafts

Queer Dance Party  

Local Vendors

Presale lasts until June 5th so get your tickets NOW!!

Get ready to keep the celebration going at The Cooperage! Join us on June 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM (Central Time) for an epic afterparty following the Pride Parade. Expect great vibes, awesome music, and a fun crowd. Don’t miss out on this chance to dance and connect with friends old and new. See you there!

7-8) silver october

(8-9) mya

(9-11) r3algrl (pole show 9-10)

(11-12) mowiah

OUTSIDE

(7-8) r3algrl

(8-9) mowiah

(9-10) djs pause for pole show

(10-11) silver october

(11-12) mya

A Pride pop-up market highlighting the local LGBTQ+ community!

On June 5, HYFIN will host its signature annual fundraiser, the HYFIN Anti-Gala, an immersive cultural experience where music, community and impact collide.

This year’s theme — “Shell Toes. Soundwaves. Social Impact.” — celebrates the bold creativity of the 1980s, a decade that reshaped Black music, fashion, entrepreneurship and global cultural influence.

More than a celebration, the Anti-Gala is a powerful investment in the future. The evening will honor four distinguished awardees whose work embodies HYFIN’s pillars — Music & Culture, Entrepreneurship, Youth Education and Storytelling — along with the prestigious Davis Award, recognizing a community leader who has dedicated their career to uplifting and empowering youth.

Guests will experience a one-of-a-kind atmosphere blending the energy of a family-style cookout, the nostalgia of the 80s, and the power of cultural storytelling, featuring DJs spinning classic sounds of the decade, authentic 80s memorabilia curated by the Milwaukee Hip Hop Museum, and a signature dessert experience from Kimberly Sweets, winner of the Netflix series Is It Cake?

General Admission tickets: $50

* Access to the party indoors
* Access to outdoor food trucks throughout the night
* A vinyl painting experience provided by Jack Daniel's

VIP tickets: $150

All the benefits of General Admission, plus:
* Early and exclusive access to the outdoor BBQ catered by Saz's
* A pair of Adidas shoes provided by Eric "Shake" James from Clicks
* A pair of Summerfest tickets

Sponsor this year's event!

The HYFIN Anti-Gala offers sponsors more than visibility. It provides an opportunity to align with one of Milwaukee’s most influential cultural platforms and directly support the preservation, amplification and future of Black music and culture. For more information about sponsoring, contact director of underwriting Jeremy Zuleger.

The 2026 HYFIN Anti-Gala is sponsored by Bill and Christie Krugler, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c., Peoples State Bank, Milwaukee Turners and Brewers Community Foundation.

id Boogie Down returns to the Harborfront for an all inclusive, dance party for the kids!

Kid Boogie Down brings its family friendly fun to The Cooperage! Join us one more time before we break for the warm weather! Live music/video show by DJ lukewarm complete with lights, lasers, bubbles, and more! Sugar Spun will be on-site with delicious fresh spun all natural cotton candy available for purchase.

Prominent Milwaukee-based DJ Lukewarm introduces young audiences to genres ranging from classic disco and funk to modern hits synced with matching music videos. Children of all ages can come ‘Boogie Down’ to the sounds of a live DJ with visuals, lights, lasers, bubbles, and more!

Wisconsin jam and funk favorites People Brothers Band returns to the Harborfront!

The People Brothers Band’s unique brand of rhythm and soul features some of the most talented vocalists and musicians in the region. The vibrant group of longtime friends, collaborators, and multi-dimensional artists formed in 2008 as an open mic songwriting outfit and hasn’t looked back since. The band has cultivated a captivating musical alchemy through collective dedication to their craft, the Midwest music community, and each other. The People Brothers Band is united by their shared vision of uplifting friends and fans through music.

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From the furthest depths of the galaxy, Chicago-based funk phenomenon Hot Like Marshas been sending shockwaves across the music scene lately. Possessing a refined blend of soul, funk, and high-octane dance music, Hot Like Mars puts on a masterclass of musical patience, excellence, and enthusiasm, carefully curating their sounds into an explosive array of musical prowess. If the backbone of Motown and gospel met the psychedelic experience of the jam world, Hot Like Mars would emerge from the ashes to deliver the funk to all those fortunate enough to bear witness. While these cats have already become a cornerstone in the Chicago music scene, The Hot Like Mars experience continues to grow nationally and has become a can’t-miss act in venues across the country.

Breaking And Entering is proud to present Milwaukee’s premier beat battle tournament, Big Beat MKE. Sixteen producers will compete in a head-to-head battle tournament over the course of four weeks. One lucky producer will be taking home a huge prize pack, as well as the honor of being dubbed the winner of the Big Beat MKE Tournament.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

The initial sixteen producers will be chosen based on online submissions reviewed by a selection committee consisting of members of Milwaukee’s music scene. Battles will be determined by a random draw.

During a battle, two producers will go head to head for three one minute rounds, alternating beats for the judges and the crowd to hear. If the crowd demands it, one optional overtime round will be contested. Judges will pick the winner based on style, overall sound quality, and crowd reaction.

May 28 – Semifinals and Finals
Performances by Kia Rap Princess and Mami Zaddy

✨LAST MINUTE TOUR ADDITION!
Wednesday, May 27th we welcome back our friend @thelmaandthesleaze with outpacer and a very special guest to celebrate the end of another school year and the birthdays of a few of our in house bad boys Will and Max, who shot this video @jasonburczyk presents showcase at this year’s @sxsw!! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Calling all Bravoholics! Watch Season 10 Summer House Reunion with us on the Big Screen with fun activities and of course, Loverboy!

From Bowie to Berlin, Nick Lowe to New Order, The Cars to The Cure to The Clash, a Flock of Seagulls, with a flock of b-sides and one-hit-new-wave wonders.

Straight from a vinyl and cassette collection of the new wave era, 1977 through the mid 80’s. Radio Radio is a band of Milwaukee pop musical stalwarts playing the new wave songs you havent heard live in decades, and in a way that makes you feel you are seeing and hearing the real thing live for the first time.

This unique and specific genre draws fans from an amazingly wide range, from twenty-somethings discovering new wave for the first time (thanks to video games, commercials and movies) to forty and fifty-somethings with old cassette collections filled with new wave.

Breaking And Entering is proud to present Milwaukee’s premier beat battle tournament, Big Beat MKE. Sixteen producers will compete in a head-to-head battle tournament over the course of four weeks. One lucky producer will be taking home a huge prize pack, as well as the honor of being dubbed the winner of the Big Beat MKE Tournament.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

The initial sixteen producers will be chosen based on online submissions reviewed by a selection committee consisting of members of Milwaukee’s music scene. Battles will be determined by a random draw.

During a battle, two producers will go head to head for three one minute rounds, alternating beats for the judges and the crowd to hear. If the crowd demands it, one optional overtime round will be contested. Judges will pick the winner based on style, overall sound quality, and crowd reaction.

May 21 – Quarterfinals
Performances by Dukalion and Macco North

Join us to celebrate one year of Vanguard Milwaukee at The Cooperage and help us raise funds for future seasons!

Join us to celebrate one year of Vanguard Milwaukee as we finish our first season as a non-profit professional theatre. Join us Monday, May 18th at the Cooperage for an evening of theatre and fellowship. Be the first to know about the exciting shows in Vanguard's upcoming season with scene readings presented by previous Vanguard cast members and Milwaukee Theatre favorites. Proceeds go to support Vanguard's mission of presenting grounded and contemplative works of theatre that address the social questions of our time. Come support another year of bold, provocative theatre in Milwaukee. Any questions or inquiries can be sent to info@vanguardmke.com

The weather is nice and its time for R&B LIVE MKE!

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR. DOORS OPEN 6PM.

hosted by Lena Cole & DJ Mister Martin

Performing: TBA

Follow us on all social media platforms:

R&B LIVE Milwaukee Band (Facebook)

rblivemke (Instagram)

Phun returns to the Harborfront for a night of hot Phish jams!

The Midwest’s best Phish Tribute Band is coming to the Cooperage! PHUN brings a new energy and hunger to put smiles on faces and gets you on your feet. You do not want to miss this!

PHUN has been blessed with the opportunity to share the music of Phish with crowds all over the Midwest for over ten years. Members of PHUN all enjoy the improvisational nature of the music, and the layers they can bring to a song, so its unique every time! “Part of our success is the energy and band chemistry we bring to the show,” said Mike Scieszinski, guitarist.
The band is active on social media where songs and setlists are voted on by fans. It's a great way for the band and the audience to share the love of Phish that brought them together in the first place. Check it out on the bands Facebook page!

The band aims to create a safe space for any and all to enjoy the groove; good vibes, kindness and respect. Some sit, some stand, some dance, and some sway; but everybody is entitled to a little PHUN!

Welcome to the electrifying world of Kowan Turner & Kowan & Da Homies, where Jazz Fusion collides with Funk, Hip-Hop, and fearless improvisation. A national and international recording and touring artist, Kowan Turner has established himself as a commanding force in the modern live-music landscape, captivating audiences across The Midwest, Parts of the south , West coast and more with his explosive musicianship, deep pocket, and undeniable stage presence.

Throughout his career, Turner has collaborated and toured with an impressive range of artists, including Robert Randolph and Jeremy Garrett, alongside Althea Rene, Steady Flow Funk, Watermelon Funk, Caleb Hawley, and Cisco Adler. These experiences have shaped a sound rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving—bold, expressive, and unmistakably his own.

Breaking And Entering is proud to present Milwaukee’s premier beat battle tournament, Big Beat MKE. Sixteen producers will compete in a head-to-head battle tournament over the course of four weeks. One lucky producer will be taking home a huge prize pack, as well as the honor of being dubbed the winner of the Big Beat MKE Tournament.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

The initial sixteen producers will be chosen based on online submissions reviewed by a selection committee consisting of members of Milwaukee’s music scene. Battles will be determined by a random draw.

During a battle, two producers will go head to head for three one minute rounds, alternating beats for the judges and the crowd to hear. If the crowd demands it, one optional overtime round will be contested. Judges will pick the winner based on style, overall sound quality, and crowd reaction.

May 14 – Opening Round Night Two
Performances by Wave Chapelle & NileXNile and Richie P. Goldchain

oin us for a Spring Break warm up on the Harborfront!

Revival was born in Kenosha, WI in 2016 with a drive to build something different than the typical group seen at your local festival or bar. ‘Not Your Uncle’s Cover Band’, Revival, brings an energy-packed performance that is guaranteed to have you singing and dancing along. While our repertoire primarily consists of 90’s and 2000’s pop and rock hits, our song list has something for everybody– complete with current Top 40s hits and re-imagined takes on classic throwbacks.

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Gold Steps has opened for Billboard-charting artists The Used, CharlotteSands, Stand Atlantic, Hit The Lights and letdown. to name a few. The band has
fine-tuned their energetic live show through extensive touring, including
supporting SayWeCanFly and Johnnie Guilbert on a full US Tour in 2022. Gold
Steps has performed at several prestigious music festivals, including the Vans
Warped Tour, Summerfest, SXSW and So What Music Fest.

Alternative Press named Gold Steps as one of “13 Artists Who Are Reclaiming
The Pop-Punk Music Scene in 2021” alongside Meet Me @ The Altar and Jetty
Bones. Gold Steps has over 1.91 million streams on Spotify, with tracks featured
on playlists including “Pop Punk’s Not Dead,” “New Punk Tracks” and “Fresh
Finds Rock.”

All live, full band experience from Chicago! All the HITS all the MOVES from Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, NKOTB, One Direction and more!

The Boy Band Night is the ultimate live tribute to the biggest boy bands of all time—delivering a high-energy, full-band show that recreates the moves, the moments, and the melodies that defined a generation. From Backstreet Boys and NSYNC to One Directionand Jonas Brothers, every performance is all-live, no tracks, and packed with fan-favorite hits.

With three frontmen and a full band behind them, the show blends tight choreography, big vocals, and real musicianship to bring arenas and bar stages alike to life. Whether it’s a bachelorette blowout, a summer festival, or a throwback club night, the crowd doesn’t just watch—they sing, scream, and dance like it’s 1999.

Founded by Glenn Hudy and Kenny Braasch—co-founders of The Right Stuff Entertainment—The Boy Band Night has grown from a passion project into one of the most in-demand tribute acts in the country. With national tours, international shows, and a dedicated fanbase, the band continues to deliver the kind of throwback night that always feels like the main event.

Breaking And Entering is proud to present Milwaukee’s premier beat battle tournament, Big Beat MKE. Sixteen producers will compete in a head-to-head battle tournament over the course of four weeks. One lucky producer will be taking home a huge prize pack, as well as the honor of being dubbed the winner of the Big Beat MKE Tournament.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

The initial sixteen producers will be chosen based on online submissions reviewed by a selection committee consisting of members of Milwaukee’s music scene. Battles will be determined by a random draw.

During a battle, two producers will go head to head for three one minute rounds, alternating beats for the judges and the crowd to hear. If the crowd demands it, one optional overtime round will be contested. Judges will pick the winner based on style, overall sound quality, and crowd reaction.

May 7 – Opening Round Night One
Performances by Mo’City and Super Ego Beats

The French Connection is a tribute show by the Madison-based band Steez, that honors French electronic artists like Daft Punk, Justice, and Air... A high-energy, danceable show that celebrates the music of French electronic artists. 2 sets from the live band and 3 VJ sets from Milwaukee legend DJ Lukewarm.

STEEZ is a popular five-piece funk/jam band from Madison, Wisconsin, known for their high-energy "Creepfunk" style, blending electronic, improvisational, and danceable funk with originals and covers, featuring members like Matt Williams (keys), Steve Neary (guitar/vocals), Alex Roberts (drums), Chris Sell (bass), and Andrzej Benkowski (sax/keys). Formed by UW-Madison students, they built a strong Midwestern following through festivals and venues, praised for their musicianship and camaraderie, balancing touring with studio albums.

The Cooperage welcomes Julius Rodriguez for an intimate performance on the Harborfront.

Julius Rodriguez is an American jazz pianist, composer, and rising star in the vibrant alternative jazz scene. Known for his soulful sound and dynamic playing, Rodriguez blends a deep understanding of traditional jazz with modern influences, creating a distinctive voice that resonates across genres. His music effortlessly merges elements of jazz, funk, and soul, capturing the essence of both old-school and contemporary styles.

Born and raised in New York, Rodriguez began his musical journey at an early age, studying piano and drums and developing a love for jazz through the city's rich musical history. He made a name for himself as young as eleven years old in the vibrant West Village jazz club scene, and later honed his craft at prestigious institutions such as the Juilliard School of Music, where he further shaped his sound and refined his improvisational skills.

ESTABLISHED IN 2014, ONE TRICK PONY WAS FORMED BY EVENT COORDINATOR, MAUREEN POST AND ALIVE AND FINE OWNER, ASHLEY SMITH AS A MILWAUKEE BASED VINTAGE MARKET. OUR FIRST MARKET FEATURED OVER 20 OF THE BEST VINTAGE VENDORS AROUND AND ESTABLISHED OTP AS A MUST ATTEND EVENT. IN THE YEARS FOLLOWING, WE’VE FEATURED OVER 100 UNIQUE VENDORS IN LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND BROUGHT IN THOUSANDS OF ATTENDEES WHO’VE BECOME A LOYAL FAN BASE OF FASHIONABLE, FORWARD THINKING SHOPPERS AND PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO PARTY.

FROM OBSCURE BOOK TITLES TO 1920’S FLAPPER DRESSES TO 90’S HYPE TEES, ONE TRICK PONY REPRESENTS VINTAGE FOR ALL. OUR DIVERSE MARKETS OFFER MORE THAN JUST INCREDIBLE VINTAGE SHOPPING. OTP PROVIDES A PLATFORM FOR VINTAGE SHOPPERS TO CONNECT TO SELLERS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS IRL AND SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY IN STYLE.

OUR SPRING AND HOLIDAY INDOOR EVENTS AT THE COOPERAGE FEATURE A HIGHLY CURATED, EXCLUSIVELY VINTAGE LINE UP WHILE OUR SUMMER AND FALL OUTDOOR EVENTS AT BAD MOON SALOON FEATURE OVER 60 VINTAGE AND HANDMADE VENDORS FOR AN ULTIMATE FLEA FEEL WITH A TASTY COCKTAIL TO BOOT.

Torcado returns to the Harborfront for a live album recording!

TORCADO is a Milwaukee based Indie project formed in 2023. Combining Indie, Funk, Alternative and Blues, TORCADO brings a wide variety of sounds to a live set. Founded by Jon Blair, TORCADO has played many times to packed crowds at The Cooperage and we are excited to have our first ever live album recording here at the venue!

The Goddamn Gallows return to the Harborfront with former/founding member Jayke Orvis!

In 2004 The Goddamn Gallows began their rough and tumble voyage and haven't looked in the review mirror since. Leaving six studio albums in their path, they have been reinventing their music with every record. Spit from the heart of America's Rust Belt, arising from a night of flophouse violence. Drifting across the states, they cemented their sound in Portland, OR and later in Los Angeles, CA, where they lived in abandoned buildings, squatter camps, storage units and shoebox apartments. In 2007, they left everything behind and spent the next four years living out of whatever vehicle would get them to the next town. Building upon their original sound of twanged-out, punk rock "gutterbilly" (Life of Sin 2004 and Gutterbillyblues 2007), they began picking up stray musicians along the way and adding to their sound; washboard, accordion, mandolin and banjo (Ghost of th’ Rails 2009 and 7 Devils 2011) creating a sound referred to as "hobocore", "gypsy-punk" or "americana-punk", while never being stuck in any one sound. Enter 2018 and The Goddamn Gallows have reinvented themselves once again with The Trial. From rockabilly, psychobilly and punk rock, to bluegrass and metal, The Trial infuses disparate sounds into a new strange recipe of seamless genre bending profundities. Chock full of impromptu antics of the shocking variety and hauntingly eclectic instrumentation, The Goddamn Gallows have made legions of fans with their legendary, live shows. The Goddamn Gallows, takes their progression of mixing punk rock, bluegrass, psychobilly, and metal to a whole new level! The Goddamn Gallows have now partnered with Sailor's Grave Records to help deliver the next chapter of their legacy to the world. The Trial begins now.

Don’t miss Melvin Seals & JGB on April 18th as they bring their special mix of all the tunes you know and love to the Harborfront!

Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Melvin spun his B-3 magic with the Jerry Garcia Band for 18 years and in doing so helped pioneer and define what has now become "Jam Band Music". From blues to funk to rock to jazz, Melvin Seals serves up a tasty mix with a little R&B and gospel thrown in to spice things up. Melvin and JGB bring an intuitive, expressive style, soul, spontaneity and remarkable chops to the table. John Kadlecik on lead guitar and vocal duties, John-Paul McLean's savory bass, Jeremy Hoenig on the drums and, of course, a heapin' helpin' of the wizard's magic on Hammond B-3 Organ and keyboards. Their chemistry is the focus from which they create a spontaneous and high art where the sky is the limit musically. They offer an exciting, often psychedelic musical journey that changes nightly and keeps the audience dancing and smiling(and some staring in amazement) for hours. Adding his rock-gospel-soul-rhythm and blues touch with his funky style of playing, no wonder Jerry nicknamed him "Master of the Universe". Melvin continues to treat music lovers to his unique brand of melodic flavor with JGB. Come see and hear for yourself!

MELVIN SEALS & JGB:

Melvin Seals-Hammond B3 Organ, Keyboards & Vocals

John Kadlecik-Electric Guitar & Lead Vocals

John-Paul McLean–Bass & Vocals

Jeremy Hoenig-Drums

THIS ONE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. An incredible lineup of insane reunions comes to The Cooperage for one night only!

The Plastic Constellations were a Twin Cities-based indie rock band, formed around 1995 in Hopkins, MN. They were known for their rhythmic intensity, anthemic melodies, and playful sense of humor. After a prominent presence on the Minneapolis rock scene for over a decade, the band announced an "indefinite hiatus" just before their album release show for their fourth and presumably final album, "We Appreciate You." This last performance was on April 19, 2008 at First Avenue in Minneapolis. They released albums via Frenchkiss Records, but earlier releases had been on 2024 Records, Modern Radio Records, Blood of the Young Records, and Pretentious Records.

This is run of shows is the band's first live performances in over 15 years. Let's do this thing.

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Out of the depths of Ten Grand (Iowa City) and Forstella Ford (Milwaukee) rises one of the best new bands in the Midwest, Tornavalache. Both Ten Grand and Forstella Ford released a slew of records and toured non-stop in the late 90’s. Their overlapping tour schedules brought them together and they became friends, playing a number of shows throughout the midwest and beyond. Ten Grand spent over 100 days on tour during 2002 alone. In 2003, they released their 2nd full length, “This Is How To Rule”, on Southern Records and supported the record with a European tour. Ten Grand’s end came after the death of our dear friend, singer/guitarist Matt Davis. He will be forever missed, but the bond forged by the remaining members made it impossible to stop making music together. Zach, Bob and Joel of Ten Grand joined forces with Whitney and Dan whose band Forstella Ford had broken up. Claiming both Chicago and Milwaukee as homes, Tornavalanche began playing and recording together in Fall of 2004, and in the Summer of 2005 they reached out to the greater Midwest.

This is their first tour since 2008.