Free Summer Music in Milwaukee
We’ve made it to the best time of year – Summer in Milwaukee. If you’re looking to enjoy the long summer nights with some FREE live music, here’s a comprehensive list of when and where you can check out free summer music in Milwaukee!
Mondays
Musical Mondays – Music in the Park: Lake Park, Milwaukee
Anyone can join for free music at Lake Park at the Summer Stage. Monday evenings, thanks to Lake Park Friends. Find the lineup and a map to the stage here.
Tuesdays
Chill on the Hill: Humboldt Park, Milwaukee
My personal favorite of the free summer music in Milwaukee, Chill on the Hill is Tuesday evenings at Humboldt Park, at the bandshell. This event is organized by the Bay View Neighborhood Association and is a beloved summer tradition for Bay Viewers and throughout the Milwaukee Area. Several food trucks start lining up at 5 p.m. and music starts around 6:00. Let the kids play at the playground nearby, stroll the paths through the park or pack a picnic to enjoy, this is my favorite summer music stop!
Skyline Music Series: Kadish Park, Milwaukee
Put on by COA Youth and Family Centers, the Skyline Music series is set with the prettiest Milwaukee skyline in the background. It’s hosted outdoors at Kadish Park, or “the curve” on North Avenue from July – August. Check out the lineup and city map here.
Riverwalk Commons Concert Series: Milwaukee Public Market
Tuesday evenings, enjoy free music in Milwaukee between the Public Market and the Milwaukee River with the Riverwalk Commons Concert Series in July and August. Happy Hour specials go from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., with the music going from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. The Lineup and more info can be found on the Milwaukee Public Market website, here.
Wednesdays
Wonderful Wednesdays: Lake Park, Milwaukee
Lake Park friends bring free summer music to Milwaukee Wednesday evenings. Bring the whole family to this series because it’s geared toward kids and their families. Get ready to boogy and bop, this music will keep the whole family entertained. Look on their website for lineups for July and August as well as a map to the Summer Stage.
Washington Park Wednesdays: Washington Park, Milwaukee
In perhaps the most beautiful bandshell in Milwaukee, check out free music every week at Washington Park Wednesdays. Come hungry and ready to support local food trucks or pack your own treats. Be ready for extra activities and themed weeks! Food and activities start at 5:00 p.m. and music kicks off at 6:00 p.m. Get your free music listening ears on and check their lineup here.
Live Music Lives: Bud Pavilion, State Fair Park
This free summer concert series is at State Fair Park and runs all summer through the end of August. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and all the shows start at 7:00 p.m. They have a full menu of food, snacks and drinks to grab while you enjoy the show. The free summer lineup for Live Music Lives can be found here.
Tosa Tonight: Rotary Performance Pavilion, Wauwatosa
This free summer music series takes place in the heart of Tosa, at the Rotary Performance Pavilion next to Hart Park. Let the kids get their energy out at the playground, grab some takeout from any of the great places along State Street in the Tosa Village and enjoy this relaxing summer series. Openers take the stage at 6:00 p.m. and main acts go on at 7:30! Review the lineup here before you go!
Heart(beats) of the City: Red Arrow Park, Milwaukee
If you’re looking for a mid-week, lunchtime free concert series, this is the one for you! From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., head down to see who they’ve booked for the week. Music starts at noon. So grab your lunch, grab your co-workers or kids and have a listen at Heart(beats) of the City.
Thursdays
Jazz in the Park: Cathedral Square Park, Milwaukee
Is it the O.G. of free summer music in Milwaukee? I’m going to unofficially say yes. Get yourself and your family to the heart of downtown for this well-loved Milwaukee tradition, put on by East Town Association. Bring your cheese trays and dancing shoes; Jazz in the Park is a guaranteed great time. Music goes from 6-9:00 p.m. with a happy hour before from 5-6:00 p.m.
Jazz at the Vine: Humboldt Park
If Jazz in a downtown park isn’t your thing, head to Bay View to listen to some Jazz at Humboldt Park. It takes place at The Vine beer garden, right next to the Pavilion and the playground, courtesy of Humboldt Park Friends. There are plenty of picnic tables and carry-in food is allowed. You can also purchase empanadas from Triciclo Peru on-site, if you’re looking for a tasty treat. My husband and I love to pack the chess board and head over for a relaxing mid-week date night, if you’re looking for inspiration.
Música del Lago: Lakefront Colectivo, Milwaukee
July 27 and August 24, 2023. Head down to the lakefront, take a stroll and make your way back to Colectivo’s Lakefront location at 6:00 p.m. for one of my favorite free summer music in Milwaukee events. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready for a huge celebration of Latin Music in one of the most beautiful places in Milwaukee.
Third Space Presents: Third Space Brewery, St Paul Ave, Milwaukee
If you haven’t yet been to the amazing patio at Third Space Brewery, get yourself down there for some free summer music on Thursday nights at 7:00 p.m. Get delicious Third Space Brews on tap and listen to their amazing lineup of artists. The patio is kid and dog friendly, and the summer concert series runs through September.
Friday
Deer District Summer Concert Series: Deer District, Milwaukee
Free summer music in the Deer District from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Beer Garden, and it runs through the end of September. Grab a beer, walk around the district and enjoy the sounds of summer. The music is free and you can support the surrounding businesses for drinks or a bite to eat.
Sounds of Summer: Bayshore, Glendale
They’re back for another year. Friday nights, enjoy a free summer concert series in the center courtyard at Bayshore. They will have food and drink pop-ups all summer long so bring the whole family to enjoy their Sounds of Summer. Sadly, no pups allowed at this event, but it is great for the rest of the family.
So there you have it! A quick list of the best and boldest free summer music in Milwaukee. I’m sure there are some we’ve missed, so let us know what to add in. Happy listening, Milwaukee!
