Beyond the vibrant summer festivals of Milwaukee and its suburbs, music enthusiasts often seek adventures further afield. Fortunately, several out-of-town music festivals continue to celebrate Milwaukee’s rich musical talent, offering fans a taste of familiar sounds while exploring new destinations. From Wisconsin’s lush landscapes to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, these events provide a platform for local artists to shine on broader stages. This article delves into five such festivals that consistently feature Milwaukee-based performers, highlighting their unique contributions and appeal.
In Eau Claire, the Blue Ox Music Festival has become a staple since 2015, drawing renowned bluegrass, Americana, and roots musicians from across the globe. While national acts dominate the lineup, Milwaukee artists have consistently made their mark over the years. Notable past performers include Chicken Wire Empire, Buffalo Gospel, Valley Fox, Dead Horses, Joseph Huber, and Long Mama. Looking ahead to its tenth edition in 2025, the festival promises another showcase of Milwaukee’s finest with Ben Mulwana, Ladybird, and Long Mama joining an impressive roster of headliners.
Green Bay also hosts a lively event, the UFO Invasion Fest, which originated in 2023 after the closure of Exclusive Company's Green Bay location. Booked by Tom Smith, a prominent figure in Wisconsin's punk scene, this festival bridges Milwaukee and Green Bay through shared musical interests. In its inaugural year, The Crosses headlined alongside other Milwaukee bands like Holy Shit!, Tim Schweiger, Toadskin, and Florida Brothers Band. Scheduled for July 25-26, 2025, the upcoming edition will see Boris The Sprinkler and Smart Shoppers as headliners, supported by Milwaukee acts Devils Teeth, Lavish Waste, The DUIs, Combuster, Florida Brothers Band, and Sex Scenes.
Further west, HomeGrown Music Festival in West Bend celebrates indie originality with an all-Wisconsin lineup. Since 2015, this two-day celebration has relied heavily on Milwaukee's diverse musical community. This year’s edition, set for July 12-13, features Zach Pietrini, Valley Fox, and Joseph Huber among others who have graced previous editions. Past participants include The Midnight Purchase, Marielle Allschwang & The Visitations, The Nile Club, Chris Haise Band, Brett Newski, Trapper Schoepp, Driveway Thriftdwellers, Nickel & Rose, Chicken Wire Empire, Buffalo Gospel, Listening Party, and Jay Matthes.
Appleton’s Mile Of Music stands out as a completely free annual extravaganza featuring hundreds of musicians performing in various downtown venues. Established in 2013, it prioritizes showcasing Wisconsin talent, including many from Milwaukee. As of now, confirmed Milwaukee participants for the 2025 edition (July 31-August 3) include Listening Party, Ben Harold & The Rising, Chris Haise Band, Modern Joey, Allison Mahal, The MilBillies, NilexNile, Social Cig, Driveway Thriftdwellers, Zach Pietrini, Lost Orange Cat, Devils Teeth, Moonglow, Holy Pinto, Mizzy, Reyna, The Delta Routine, and Valley Fox. With more announcements pending, anticipation builds for a comprehensive overview of Milwaukee’s involvement.
Finally, Yoop! Fest in Calumet, Michigan, rounds out our list. Produced by Kitschy Spirit Records since 2021, this underground festival draws bands from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. Though details about the fifth edition remain scarce, past lineups featured Milwaukee groups such as Ressurectionists, Delicious Monsters, Robits, The Stinkeyes, Chi Chi’s Restaurant, Chinese Telephones, Gorilla Knifefight, Habitat For Insanity, Holy Shit!, Iron Pizza, Jinksie, and Peroxide, ensuring Milwaukee's eclectic sound resonates even in distant locales.
These festivals not only extend Milwaukee's cultural influence but also foster connections between communities through shared appreciation for music. By bringing together diverse talents and audiences, they underscore the universal language of melody and rhythm, proving that great art transcends geographical boundaries.