By Matt Mueller Culture Editor Published Apr 10, 2024 at 11:56 AM Photography: Washington Park Wednesdays Facebook

Ah, it feels like summer today – no, not because the weather's actually nice, but because we got an outdoor summer concert series lineup announcement courtesy of Washington Park Wednesdays, hitting the stage for eight musical evenings throughout July and August this year. 

Hosted as always at the stunning Washington Park Bandshell at 4599 W. Lloyd St., the diverse genre-hopping free outdoor concerts begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, with activities – like kids' games, food trucks, vendors, community groups and more – getting things started each night at 5 p.m. Each show comes with a different theme – and, best of all, each show is free to attend. 

With no further ado, here's the lineup for this year's Washington Park Wednesdays concert series:

  • July 10 – "Venus Rising" with Vox Starling and Aya | Daryl Ann
  • July 17 – "Ride On!" with King Courteen and Emmitt James
  • July 24 – "Old School" with the Florentine Opera & Phe and Jah Boogie
  • July 31 – "Viva! The World Sounds of Brazil" with Octavio Arcanjo and Mitchell Shiner's Latin Vibes with guest dancer Kerensa Demars of Studio K Flamenco
  • Aug. 7 – "Live!Art" with Adem Tesfaye and Aliesa Nicole
  • Aug. 14 – "Carnival at the Shell" with Afro Dead and Sia Tolno
  • Aug. 21 – "Farm to Park" with Hyperbolic and Paul Spencer Band
  • Aug. 28 – "Back 2 School" with Evan Christian & Peter Thomas and Marcya Danielle Group

"This year’s Washington Park Wednesdays concerts are more than just exciting music – they are eight amazing gatherings of people who love community," said Melissa Muller, Washington Park Neighbors Board President, in a release. "It brings together our neighbors while highlighting the amazing talent we have in Milwaukee and regionally. We are thrilled to bring back more wonderful evenings full of conversation, art, performances and, most importantly, accessibility to all!"

To help support this summer tradition, you can donate at Washington Park Neighbors' website – or you can donate AND get an early night of entertainment by attending their fundraiser event on Friday, May 8. Hosted at Denizen | MKE, Washington Park Media Center and Artists Working in Education – all found on West Vliet Street – the fundraiser will feature food, family activities and more from 5-8 p.m. Tickets cost $10 per person, or $20 for a family, at the door. For more information, visit Washington Park Neighbors' website

And for more information on the great Milwaukee summer taking shape – including more free outdoor summer music series – stay tuned to OnMilwaukee!

Matt Mueller Culture Editor

As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.

When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.