The East Side

The East Side Milwaukee's East Side BID includes Prospect, North and Farwell Avenues and many interesting turns in between.

Smokin’ Murray Ave Stage Lineup 🔥🎶Pull up on Saturday, June 13: the Smokin’ Murray Ave Stage is serving up a stacked lin...
06/03/2026

Smokin’ Murray Ave Stage Lineup 🔥🎶

Pull up on Saturday, June 13: the Smokin’ Murray Ave Stage is serving up a stacked lineup with plenty of edge, a little grit, and sets that hit just right as the night rolls in.

🎤 2:00 PM - Keshena Armon Music Company
Keshena Armon is a Milwaukee-based recording artist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Rooted in gospel, her dynamic sound draws from jazz, rock, soul, reggae, and blues. Whether performing solo or with others, her powerhouse vocals and genre-spanning artistry leave a lasting impression.

🎤 4:00 PM - Noah James Hittner
Noah James Hittner blends folk-rock, hip-hop, acoustic, and electronic influences into what he calls an “Acoustic-Tronic” sound. Using loop pedals and live effects, he builds a full-band feel on stage that turns every performance into something unexpected. 🎸

🎤 6:00 PM - The Hallelujah Ward
The Hallelujah Ward delivers high-energy rock performances packed with righteous riffs and unforgettable intensity. Known for their electric presence, they're a guaranteed jolt to any stage.

🎤 8:00 PM - Mural Hall
Mural Hall brings together four Milwaukee indie musicians pulling from noise punk, midwest emo, and twangy guitar riffs. Their sound is energetic and a little nostalgic, like being back in a garage with your friends figuring it out as you go.

Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Miller Lite and Educators Credit Union, for your support in making Summer Soulstice possible.

This stage runs thanks to Smokin' Jack's BBQ and Kawa Ramen & Sushi. 🙌

WMSE Kenilworth Stage Lineup 📻🎶Get ready! Summer Soulstice 2026 is bringing serious heat to the WMSE Kenilworth Stage on...
06/02/2026

WMSE Kenilworth Stage Lineup 📻🎶

Get ready! Summer Soulstice 2026 is bringing serious heat to the WMSE Kenilworth Stage on Saturday, June 13! This stage delivers a mix of bold sounds and standout sets that keep things loud and a little unpredictable.

🎤 1:00 PM - Modern Tigers
Modern Tigers kick off the Kenilworth Stage with a sound that moves between dreamy and heavy, nostalgic and experimental. Their latest release, LOSS / LESS, blends emotion, atmosphere, and raw energy into something that sticks with you. 🌊

🎤 3:00 PM - BLAX
Milwaukee-based artist BLAX blends sample-driven soul production with sharp, street-inspired lyricism. A WAMI Award winner featured in The Fader and The Source, he continues to build an independent path with his latest release Omnipotent Methodology.

🎤 5:00 PM - Asaka The Renegade
Detroit-born artist Asaka the Renegade brings a fearless mix of trap, R&B, funk, dancehall, and hip-hop. Fresh off a run of national tour dates and a win in T-Pain’s March Music Madness, his performances hit with both intensity and intention.

🎤 7:00 PM - The Mighty Deerlick
The Mighty Deerlick has spent years tearing back onto the scene with loud guitars, gritty energy, and absolutely no plans to slow down. Fiery garage rock n’ roll with a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek bravado has been this band’s brand for years now, and there’s still no sign of letting up or giving in.

🎤 9:00 PM - The Art of 3 (Rusty Pelicans)
Closing out the Kenilworth Stage are Milwaukee hip-hop supergroup The Art of 3. Made up of Dana Coppa, Phantom Channel, and Cadillac, the group is known for sharp lyricism, collaborative energy, and a sound that’s become a staple in the local scene. 🎤

Big thanks to our presenting sponsors, Miller Lite and Educators Credit Union, for making Summer Soulstice possible.

Appreciation to our stage sponsors, WMSE 91.7FM, Milwaukee Record, and Gruber Law Offices, for supporting this stage. ☀️

Happy Pride Month from Milwaukee’s East Side! 🏳️🌈Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while continuin...
06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month from Milwaukee’s East Side! 🏳️🌈

Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while continuing to support spaces where people can safely gather, express themselves, and feel seen.

The East Side has long been shaped by artists, creators, small businesses, and neighbors from all walks of life, and that diversity is part of what makes this neighborhood special. This month, we’re proud to celebrate the people, places, and events that help foster creativity and inclusivity here every day.

As always, we encourage everyone to show up for one another with kindness and respect. Attend a Pride event, support local businesses, and celebrate the people and spaces that make our community stronger. 🌈✨

New Land Black Cat Alley Stage Lineup 🖤🎧Summer Soulstice returns Saturday, June 13, and New Land Black Cat Alley Stage i...
05/29/2026

New Land Black Cat Alley Stage Lineup 🖤🎧

Summer Soulstice returns Saturday, June 13, and New Land Black Cat Alley Stage is where the dance floor takes over. DJs all day, a packed alley, and music that pulls you in from the first set to the last.

🎧 12:00 PM - Italohound & Ginosociopath

🎧 1:30 PM - Adrian More
Milwaukee-based DJ and producer Adrian More gets the groove going early with a sound based in house and techno, always centered around soul. His sets have earned support from artists like Boys Noize and Anetha. 🎶

🎧 3:00 PM - Richard Galling
Richard Galling is a DJ and producer with releases on international labels in Berlin and New York. As part of Club Ritual Records, he’s a key voice in Milwaukee’s underground scene.

🎧 4:30 PM - Don Black
Don Black brings the kind of set that pulls a crowd in and keeps it there. Known across Milwaukee for his disco and house selections, he knows exactly how to raise the energy at the right moment. 😎

🎧 6:00 PM - R3ALGRL & Mowiah
R3ALGRL and Mowiah take things into the evening with Dance Your Heart Out, their queer-centered rave collective focused on creating a safe, welcoming space. Their sets invite everyone in and keep the dance floor full.

🎧 7:30 PM - Digital.Maddie
Digital.Maddie keeps the momentum going with a mix of electro house, techno, and jersey club. She’s been behind the decks since 2019 and knows how to keep people locked into the music.

🎧 9:00 PM - Asher Gray & Greyhound
Closing out the night are Asher Gray and Greyhound. Asher Gray brings decades of experience in underground electronic music, while Greyhound layers in techno, house, and UK influence for a set built to end the night right. 🙌

Huge thanks to our presenting sponsors, Miller Lite and Educators Credit Union, for helping make Summer Soulstice possible.

And thank you to our stage sponsors, New Land Enterprises and Red Bull, for bringing this stage to life. 🙌

Miller Lite Farwell Stage Lineup 🍻🎶Summer Soulstice returns Saturday, June 13, and the Miller Lite Farwell Stage is set ...
05/28/2026

Miller Lite Farwell Stage Lineup 🍻🎶

Summer Soulstice returns Saturday, June 13, and the Miller Lite Farwell Stage is set for a full run of music that builds as the day goes on. Right in the middle of the action, this stage brings a mix of rising talent and established acts that keep the crowd locked in from afternoon to night.

🎤 2:00 PM - School of Rock Shorewood
Get ready for a rock show that the whole family can enjoy! The School of Rock house band returns with crowd-pleasing classics and serious student talent. 🎤

🎤 4:00 PM - Emmitt James
Emmitt James aka “Bean Daddy” is a barista by day. The rest of the time, he’s a jazz rapper making his mark in Milwaukee and beyond. He’s shared stages with artists like Yasiin Bey, The Pharcyde, and Joey Purp, bringing a smooth, thoughtful style to every performance.

🎤 6:00 PM - Wave Chapelle & NilexNile
Hip-hop artist’s from the north side of Milwaukee who grew up on the sounds of Soulful Midwest rap. Separately they put out a steady stream of music over the last 5 years and have performed at various music festivals including Summerfest, Mile of music, and SXSW. Recently they’ve come together to form a duo ahead of their new project in the works for 2026. 👀

🎤 8:00 PM - Group of the Altos
Group of the Altos brings their rock-driven sound to the Farwell Stage for one of the final sets of the night. The band has stayed a little elusive over the years, making this a rare chance to catch them live and loud at Summer Soulstice. 🎸

🎤 10:00 PM - Dead Soldiers
Closing out the night are Dead Soldiers, the acclaimed Memphis roots-rock band blending outlaw country, bluegrass, blues, and soul into one gritty, unforgettable sound. Their rowdy live shows and southern gothic storytelling make them the perfect band to send Summer Soulstice out loud. 🔥

Summer Soulstice is made possible by our presenting sponsors, Miller Lite and Educators Credit Union.

This stage comes to life thanks to Miller Lite and OnMilwaukee. 🤗

Hand-painted movie posters are taking over the Charles Allis Art Museum this weekend. 🎬🖌️ Join the Charles Allis Art Mus...
05/28/2026

Hand-painted movie posters are taking over the Charles Allis Art Museum this weekend. 🎬🖌️

Join the Charles Allis Art Museum for the opening of the Deadly Prey Pop-Up Exhibition on Sunday, May 31 from 6 to 10 PM.

Deadly Prey Gallery is a Chicago-based traveling exhibition dedicated to preserving and celebrating hand-painted Ghanaian movie posters while directly supporting the artists who create them. The exhibition features work from 10 artists living in Ghana, along with posters, T-shirts, and other merchandise available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the artists.

This marks the first time Deadly Prey has exhibited in Milwaukee, and the Charles Allis will be the gallery’s largest venue to date.

The exhibition will remain on view through June 7 during museum hours.

If you love film, art, pop culture, or just discovering something completely unique, this is one you won’t want to miss! 🎥

Educators Credit Union Ivanhoe Stage Lineup 🎶✨Summer Soulstice returns Saturday, June 13, and the Educators Credit Union...
05/27/2026

Educators Credit Union Ivanhoe Stage Lineup 🎶✨

Summer Soulstice returns Saturday, June 13, and the Educators Credit Union Ivanhoe Stage is set for a full afternoon and evening of live music in the heart of it all. This stage brings a strong mix of local talent and standout performances that carry you straight into the night.

🎤 1:00 PM - Los Mitoteros
Milwaukee-based ensemble Los Mitoteros brings a lively mix of cumbia, salsa, merengue, boleros, bossa nova, and regional Mexican music to the stage. Formed by longtime friends Ryder Haferman and Tlalok Rodriguez, the group knows how to get a crowd moving. 💃

🎤 3:00 PM - Kal Bergendahl Project
The Kal Bergendahl Project is a six-piece instrumental jazz-funk band bringing groove-heavy rhythms and smooth musicianship. Their sound keeps things loose, fun, and impossible not to nod along to. 🎷

🎤 5:00 PM - Bomber and Red
Bomber & Red deliver powerhouse vocal harmonies, skillful musicianship, and resonant lyricism. Their blend of folk, Americana, and soulful storytelling draws you in and lingers long after the final chord.

🎤 7:00 PM - Hanna Simone- Music Page
A storyteller at heart, Hanna blends Americana, soul, and R&B with smooth, rich vocals that speak to every listener’s path.

🎤 9:00 PM - Another One
Dive into a psychedelic journey with Another One, Milwaukee's tribute to the Grateful Dead. Their performances capture the improvisational spirit and timeless energy of the Dead's legendary live shows.

Appreciation to our presenting sponsors, Miller Lite and Educators Credit Union, for helping bring Summer Soulstice to life.

Special thanks to Educators Credit Union for powering the Ivanhoe Stage. 😎

Rev your engines, the East Side is about to get loud. 🏍️🔥The BikerFest MKE Block Party rolls onto Farwell, Ivanhoe, Keni...
05/26/2026

Rev your engines, the East Side is about to get loud. 🏍️🔥

The BikerFest MKE Block Party rolls onto Farwell, Ivanhoe, Kenilworth, and Black Cat Alley for a full day of music, activities, and motorcycle culture on Saturday, May 30th from 12 to 9 PM!

Presented by the East Side BID and BikerFestMke, this family-friendly block party is rooted in a unique mission: to empower communities through skill building, mentorship, and connection using the power of motorcycles.

This is a community-first, all-are-welcome kind of day. Come for the bikes, stay for everything else.

You can look forward to:
🏍️ Live music and entertainment
🏍️ Local food vendors and drinks
🏍️ Specials from small businesses and community partners
🏍️ Motorcycle showcases and displays
🏍️ Activities for all ages

Expect a display of slick bikes, delicious food, great music, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time! 🤙

Ready to get in on the action at Summer Soulstice? 🎶☀️We’re looking for volunteers to help bring this East Side favorite...
05/22/2026

Ready to get in on the action at Summer Soulstice? 🎶☀️

We’re looking for volunteers to help bring this East Side favorite to life and to assist with clean-up efforts the day after the festival.

Volunteers are the behind-the-scenes crew that keeps everything running smoothly, from set-up (hanging signs, setting up tables and chairs) to staffing BID booths, restocking supplies, and helping with tear-down at the end of the night.

Whether you’re available during the festival or can help us reset the neighborhood the next day, we’d love to have you on board.

Contact our Executive Director, Ryan, at [email protected] or fill out the volunteer form at summersoulsticemke.com to get involved!

05/21/2026

Summer Soulstice is back in just a few weeks, and the East Side is about to turn all the way up. 🔥🎶

From noon to midnight on Saturday, June 13th, we’re taking over the neighborhood with live music, local eats, cold drinks, and that can’t-miss first-festival-of-summer energy.

This year, we’ve got 5 stages and zero dull moments. Returning fan favorites? Of course. New artists to obsess over? Plenty.

And yes, the Black Cat Alley DJ takeover is back and ready to keep the party going. ☀️🎧✨

Bounce from stage to stage, follow the sound, grab something delicious, and stay out way later than you planned. It’s free, and it only happens once a year.

Address

E North Avenue
Milwaukee, WI
53202

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