Festivals & Special Events
16th Annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest
Milwaukee Oktoberfest moves to its new home at Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds) on the lakefront, fulfilling a 57-year-old dream for the city's largest German celebration.
Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026 · Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds)
Taking Back Sunday with Thrice & Saves The Day
Fall 2026 tour stop brought to you with friends from Riot Fest, featuring Taking Back Sunday headlining alongside Thrice and Saves The Day.
Friday, October 2, 2026 7:00 PM · The Rave / Eagles Club
Little Big Town
Country music supergroup Little Big Town performs live at Miller High Life Theatre.
Friday, October 2, 2026 7:30 PM · Miller High Life Theatre
Chad Daniels at Milwaukee Improv
National touring stand-up comedian Chad Daniels performs four shows over the Friday-Saturday weekend at Milwaukee Improv's Main Room.
Friday, October 2 – Saturday, October 3, 2026 · Milwaukee Improv
Amy LaVere and Will Sexton at The Cooperage
Memphis/Austin legends Amy LaVere and husband Will Sexton return to The Cooperage for an early Sunday afternoon matinee following the noon Packer game.
Sunday, October 4, 2026 · The Cooperage, Milwaukee Harborfront
Victoria Monét
Grammy-winning R&B artist Victoria Monét performs live at Landmark Credit Union Live in Milwaukee.
Friday, October 9, 2026 · Landmark Credit Union Live
GO DOG GO! / VE PERRO ¡VE!
P.D. Eastman's classic comes to life in a fast, funny, bilingual musical stage romp full of roller-skating, bicycle-riding, and car-driving dogs—delightfully fun for all ages.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 · Milwaukee
DanceFest by No Studios
One day, 22 performances — an all-ages family-friendly event at Marcus Performing Arts Center showcasing dance companies from across the Midwest in styles from cultural to street.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 · Marcus Performing Arts Center
Family Free Day at the Zoo
Milwaukee County Zoo opens its gates for free, letting guests enjoy all the Zoo has to offer in the fall season at no cost.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 9:30 AM · Milwaukee County Zoo, 10005 W. Blue Mound Rd.
Roast of Milwaukee
Milwaukee Record's long-running Roast of Milwaukee returns as the kickoff show for the Milwaukee Comedy Festival, featuring a stacked cast of local comedians at The Cooperage.
Thursday, October 1, 2026 · The Cooperage
MOHANAD ELSHIEKY at The Laughing Tap
Stand-up comedian Mohanad Elshieky performs live at The Laughing Tap comedy club in Milwaukee.
Friday, October 2, 2026 7:30 PM · The Laughing Tap
The Bradley Showmerauer and What the Mel!
An original sketch comedy show featuring aliens, Lake Michigan mermaids, and a reimagined Disney classic—written by Bradley Colmerauer and Mel Koehler with a stacked cast.
Friday, October 2, 2026 8:00 PM · ComedySportz Milwaukee, 420 South 1st Street
Yoga + Cocktails at South Shore Cocktail Club
MKE Yoga Social brings its popular yoga + cocktails event to a brand new venue, South Shore Cocktail Club, combining movement with craft drinks in a social setting.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 · South Shore Cocktail Club