Milwaukee’s concert scene has a lot going on, so we look at the shows coming up to find the ones you’ll look back on and be glad you went. Then we add them to our weekly Milwaukee Concert Picks.
There’s a great divide in Milwaukee — an ideological split that tears families apart and turns friends into bitter enemies. It’s an issue that is at its most prevalent during the warmer months but occasionally rears its head in the depths of winter, like a nightmare-ish groundhog.
We speak, of course, about the debate over whether to put a space before the “Fest” in the name of a festival.
You can find examples of both littered throughout the calendar. Repping the no-spacebar group, we’ve got events like Summerfest and PrideFest. Then there are the ones that prefer a little more elbow room, like this week’s Milwaukee Concert Pick: Mitten Fest.
The return of the annual party this Saturday outside Burnhearts in Bay View resuscitated the age-old debate because it seems that Milwaukee as a whole struggles with the space issue for this particular festival. Mitten Fest is, in fact, correct and official. But you’re just as likely to find it listed as the smushified “Mittenfest” in any number of locations.
Fortunately, the good vibes that have always permeated Mitten Fest are certain to tamp down any raised dander that might arise from such a typographical tangle. It’s an annual event that’s all about being together and getting along as we stand strong in the face of our common enemy: winter and its many minions (salt on our cars, sleet … and, of course, ice).
Putting digressions aside, this is a recurring feature about live music, and Mitten Fest has its usual batch of mercury-braving bands ready to entertain. Here’s the schedule (with WMSE’s Christreater DJ’ing in the spaces between):
- 1 p.m. — Bellends
- 2:30 p.m. — Hello, Face
- 4 p.m. — Shrinestone
- 5:30 p.m. — The Hallelujah Ward
With tunes from those artists in your ears, you’ll have the opportunity to put a variety of beverages in your hands to warm your insides. We’re talking special offerings from Central Waters Brewery and Founders Brewing (including Central Waters’ very first N/A beers), old fashioneds, ginger hot toddies and coffee from Valentine with a nip of whiskey or tequila if that’s your thing.
On the food front, organizers have enlisted the mobile services of Roll MKE, Tots On The Street, Hue, Troublemakers Cocina and Offshore. But they’re also quick to remind everyone that this is a neighborhood event, and visitors should feel very welcome to support the other bars and restaurants within walking distance.
Speaking of support, this year’s Mitten Fest once again benefits Hunger Task Force, although it’s important to note there will NOT be a physical collection of food and clothing. Instead, you’ll be able to make some high-impact financial donations via cash and credit card, as well as through fancy digital means via the QR code you’ll find throughout the festival area. If you just can’t wait for Saturday to do some good, follow this link and contribute to the virtual food drive happening right now.
For all the information you need to make the most of Mitten Fest 2026, pop over to Milwaukee Record and check out their comprehensive guide to this year’s festival.
Best concerts in Milwaukee this week
- Feb. 4: Nzinga, Spectaculous, Turtle Sooup @ Cactus Club, 7:30 p.m.
- Feb. 5: Drumline Live @ Marcus Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.
- Feb. 5: Coolzey, Lily Slay, Guerrilla Ghost @ Cactus Club, 7 p.m.
- Feb. 6: Greg Koch w/The Koch Marshall Trio, Ila Rose, Woody Mankowski @ The Argo, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 6: Group of the Altos, Astral Hand, EXITSTATEMENTS @ X-Ray Arcade, 7:30 p.m.
- Feb. 6: Barely Civil & Known Moons (cassette release), Frantic Repair, The Hallelujah Ward @ Cactus Club, 6 p.m.
- Feb. 7: Maximiano w/Bitch Creek, Marble Teeth @ Linneman’s, 7 p.m.
- Feb. 7: A Benefit Show for Life After Hate w/Vacant Voice, Killer High Life, Socially Suspect, Gnatiform, Talkie, Key of Evil, The Lillies @ X-Ray Arcade, 4 p.m.
- Feb. 7: Alley Eyes, Varsity Mac, Bowvee, Fakeout @ Cactus Club, 6:30 p.m.
- Feb. 7: Mike Dunn w/Twan, Phlury, Riptide @ Falcon Hall, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 8: Adam Blackwood, John Stanford, Bowvee @ Anodyne, 7 p.m.
