When Summer finally arrives, Milwaukee does it right.
Every night of the week in the summer, our city offers free live music and concert series the whole family can enjoy.
Top pick for kids: Chill on the Hill
Tuesdays, June 4 – August 27, 2019
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Humboldt Park Bandshell (3000 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207)
(414) 257-8005
Chill on the Hill is the quintessential summer experience in Milwaukee’s eclectic Bay View neighborhood. Head to the bandshell in beautiful Humboldt Park and enjoy local bands from your favorite spot on the hill. It feels like a neighborhood party with food trucks, activities for kids, pets, picnickers, and a generally festive vibe.
Helpful hint: The playground and beer garden are just steps away, as well as a picturesque lagoon and walking paths.
Top Pick For Kids: Skyline Music Series
Tuesdays, July 9 – August 20
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Kadish Park (750 E. North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53212)
Riverwest’s popular free concert series is presented by COA Youth and Family Centers, ensuring their weekly events are truly kid-friendly. Pack a picnic or enjoy food from one of the vendors, and enjoy the fantastic view of the river and Milwaukee skyline from the hill in Kadish Park. This concert series features a mix of jazz, soul, funk, and reggae musicians.
Don’t miss it! Check out the kids’ art corner featuring giveaways, crafts, activities, and surprises.
Top Pick For Kids: Wonderful Wednesdays
Wednesdays, June 19 – August 14, 2019
6:30-7:30 p.m.
2975 N. Lake Park Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 962-1680
Held in beautiful Lake Park, this is the only concert series designed especially for kids and their families. Enjoy local kids’ bands such as the upbeat folk duo Fox and Branch, plenty of audience interaction, and lots of dancing. There is an indoor space available in case of inclement weather, so the concerts go on rain or shine.
Top Pick For Kids: Starry Night Series
Fridays, June-August
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts (19805 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield, WI 53045)
(262) 781-9520
Mark your calendars for live music & dancing under the stars with this annual FREE outdoor concert series! One of the most popular Wilson Center summertime traditions, Starry Nights boasts performances by acclaimed local and regional artists across a wide range of genres including big band, Afro-Cuban, Latin jazz, bluegrass, polkas, and more—perfect for families and audiences of all ages. And don’t miss the annual Classic Vehicle Night on July 12!
Concerts in the Gardens
Thursdays, June 20 – August 29, 2019
Boerner Botanical Gardens (9400 Boerner Dr, Hales Corners, WI 53130)
Not only do you get to enjoy live music, but admission to the gardens to attend the summer concerts is free after 6:00 p.m. Visitors can walk through the gardens afterward at no additional cost. You can pack a picnic or purchase food and beverages on site.
Heartbeats in the City
Every Wednesday at 12 PM, June 7 – August 30, 2023
Red Arrow Park
Musical Mondays
Mondays, July 8 – August 26, 2019
Lake Park (2975 N. Lake Park Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53211)
(414) 962-1680
River Rhythms
Wednesdays, June 12 – August 28, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Pere Marquette Park (900 N. Plankinton Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203)
(414) 276-6696
Waterfront Wednesdays
Wednesdays, June 5 – August 28, 2019 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Lakefront Park (222 W. Wisconsin Ave., Pewaukee, WI 53072)
Jazz in the Park
Thursdays, May 30 – August 29 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cathedral Square Park (520 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202)
(414) 271-1416
Schully’s River Sounds
Summer Sounds
Fridays, June-August
Cedar Creek Park (N55 W6079 Portland Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012)
Tosa Tonight
Select Wednesdays, June – August
Rotary Park Pavilion (1190 N 70th St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213)
(414) 395-0293
Traveling Tunes
June – August
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Milwaukee County Parks presents live, local music and art projects for kids every Thursday evening in the summer at rotating parks. Check their website for this summer’s schedule.
Tunes at Noon
Every Thursday at 12 PM, June 1 – August 31, 2023
411 East Wisconsin Center Courtyard
Twilight Concerts in Oconomowoc
Washington Park Wednesdays
July – August
4145 W. Lisbon Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Washington Park hosts live music concerts and family-friendly programming every Wednesday evening in July and August. Music typically includes eclectic hip hop, salsa, rock n’ roll, and more. There are always activities for kids, such as make-and-take art projects and meet-and-greets with local sports teams.
Waukesha Friday Night Live
Fridays, June – October
Downtown Waukesha (W. Main St., Waukesha, WI 53186)
