We’re not even a month into summer.
That sentence seems insane, but it’s 100% accurate. There’s so much time for all of the excellent outdoor entertainment options Milwaukee brings us during the enjoyable (albeit occasionally sweltering) climate months, including the annual series that’s back at the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s outdoor grounds this week.
Rainbow Summer is one of the granddaddies of Milwaukee concert events, starting back in 1975 and running for nearly three decades before a long hiatus that ran from 2003-2020. It’s been back in its post-COVID form for a couple years now, and that iteration will take over the Peck Pavilion and surrounding area July 14-20.
Something the event has introduced in recent years is an eye-catching installation that often envelops the visitor. For 2025, it’s “Lost” from Parer Studio — a series of oversized, illuminated botanicals that “celebrate nature whilst inspiring fantasy.” It’s meant to evoke an Alice in Wonderland-like feeling of being reduced in size and forced to rediscover the world around you. The experience is open this week from 4-9 p.m. Monday, 2-9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
The other stars of Rainbow Summer are the artists taking the Peck Pavilion stage, toplined by Wednesday night’s performance from hip-hop legends Digable Planets. The show is also part of the Summer of Soul series and will include an outdoor marketplace featuring local artisans, makers, vendors, food trucks and more. Speaking of marketplaces, there are three others lined up for the week: 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday, and 2-8 p.m. Saturday.
Take a look down below for the Rainbow Summer 2025 entertainment lineup, and visit the MPAC website for more information.
Rainbow Summer 2025 lineup
July 14: Kids From Wisconsin
The Kids From Wisconsin have curated a summer playlist to accompany the season, bringing together the most iconic and sun-drenched medleys that transport you to lazy beach days, family road trips, backyard barbecues, and late-night sing-a-long bonfires.
July 15: Brass Queens
Brass Queens is a female-led brass band based in New York City, known for shaking up the traditionally male-dominated brass scene since their debut in 2019. Their sound blends New Orleans brass tradition with NYC flair, delivering party-ready sets of pop, reggaeton, and jazz.
July 16: Digable Planets
Digable Planets burst onto the music scene in 1993 with their Grammy-winning single, “Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat).” Made up of Ishmael Butler (“Butterfly”), Craig Irving (“Doodlebug”) and Mary Ann Vieira (“Ladybug Mecca”), the trio carved out a unique style of jazz-informed hip-hop.
July 17: Chicago Latin Groove
Known for their electrifying, high-energy performances, Chicago Latin Groove ignites crowds with music that’s impossible to resist. From salsa to cumbia, merengue to Latin jazz, bachata to ballads, and even a splash of Disco, CLG brings the full spectrum of tropical flavors to life.
July 18: Fool House
Fool House isn’t just a concert, it’s a nostalgic takeover. This ’90s throwback extravaganza invites you to slip into your retro threads, step into a red-carpet photo opp and take part in a pop-culture trivia showdown. A video DJ and two-hour live band performance will deliver singalong anthems and party classics designed to keep you dancing all night.
July 19: Family Day
Family Day invites audiences of all ages to an afternoon of high-energy entertainment featuring family-friendly activities, two exciting performances from explosive acrobatics troupe 4Stomp: What’s Next and Kid Boogie Down: Taylor Swift Dance Party.
July 20: Milwaukee Police Band
Milwaukee Police Band represents the Milwaukee Police Department and serves the community by providing music, education and goodwill while preserving the historical importance of the band. On this special day, we’ll celebrate and honor veterans, public service heroes and essential workers in our community.
