10 Things to Do at Night in Milwaukee and Places to Visit for An Unforgettable Nightlife

There are many exciting things to do in Milwaukee during the day and you can continue the excitement into the night. Offering great activities such as live performances, historic restaurants, fantastic bars, and areas with a relaxing ambiance, you will never run out of options to choose from.

With so many choices it can be hard planning how you will spend your night in Milwaukee. But don’t worry we got you covered, we’ve compiled a list of things to do at night in Milwaukee so that you can make the most of your night out in Milwaukee.

1. Dance the Night Away – One of the Best Fun Things to Do at Night in Milwaukee

Dancing is one of the best fun things to do at night in Milwaukee. Dancing paired with great drinks and food is the definition of a great nightlife experience. Which is what makes Milwaukee so great, filled with amazing nightclubs where you can show off your moves and socialize with the other guests.

Places to visit:

• Pabst Brewery (Location: 917 W. Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233)

Every Thursday night, the historic Pabst Brewery transforms into a dance floor for a memorable night of dancing and socializing.

• Mad Planet (Location: 533 E. Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212)

Mad Planet is one of the funkiest music venues in Milwaukee and has been voted the number one dance club in Milwaukee. They often host alternative acts and dance parties like Get-Down, which features all-vinyl funk music. Every Friday they host the Retro Dance Party.

2. Join in With the Passionate Fanbase

Milwaukee is home to many sports teams and a passionate fanbase. Most notably, the NBA Champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Brewers of the MLB. With arguably the most beloved sports team in all of Wisconsin being the Green Bay Packers. They are former NFL champions and one the most historic teams in the NFL, with the fanbase being known for their passion and famous cheese hats. If you love sports, then spend the night watching a game at one of Milwaukee’s many sports bars.

Places to visit:

• Who’s On Third (Location: 1007 N. Old World 3rd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203)

Named by Business Insider in 2014 as one of the top 19 sports bars in America, this is the best spot in Milwaukee to catch the game. If you’re an NBA fan, then you need to catch a Bucks game here. This Official Milwaukee Bucks Bar has large TVs scattered throughout the bar, along with a 120” projection screen, so every seat provides a great view of the game.Their delicious food and drink menu make it the perfect compliment to the game.

• The Mecca Sports Bar and Grill (Location: 1134 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 532030)

They claim to be THE place to catch the game, boasting a 42-foot wide Ultra High Definition screen. With a screen like that, can you even argue? Filled with TVs, they also offer outdoor seating where you can catch the game with the locals. Pair it with one of their great beers on tap and some of their delicious burgers and fries, and this will be the perfect night out.

3. Watch World-Class Live Performances

There are lots of fantastic live performing arts such as opera and ballet acts, which you can see during your visit to Milwaukee. If you want to spend the night enjoying an incredible live performance, here are the best venues.

Places to visit:

• Florentine Opera Company (Location: 930 E. Burleigh Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212)

The Florentine Opera Company is a Grammy Award-winning opera group and the oldest performing arts organization in the entire USA.

• Ko-Thi Dance Company (Location: 3327 W Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208)

Ko-Thi is dedicated to performing dance and music rooted in the cultures of the African Diaspora. Making this the perfect place to spend an evening learning about and celebrating ancient and contemporary African music.

• Milwaukee Ballet (128 N. Jackson Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202)

They feature well-beloved classics and new and innovative ballet performances. The best thing about Milwaukee Ballet is they are the only ballet in the US that involves the orchestra in their ballet acts.

4. Experience the Best Milwaukee Nightlife on Water Street

Located downtown, Water Street is the prime location of nightlife in Milwaukee, filled with great foods, bars, theaters, and a whole lot more activities you can try.

Places to visit:

• AJ Bombers (Location: 1247 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202)

A popular restaurant that serves the best beers and burgers. A great casual restaurant where every age can have a good time while in Milwaukee.

• Marcus Performing Arts Center (Location: 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202)

This is where you can catch national Broadway and Off-Broadway tours and also local acts from Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and other known performers in Milwaukee.

• Red Rock Saloon (Location: 1227 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202)

This is the only country and rock music venue in Milwaukee. Featured on The Travel Channels “Man vs, Food Nation.” For their award winning BBQ, signature wings, and famous monster burgers. If you’re brave enough you can try to last eight seconds on their mechanical bull, ‘Red Rock’.

5. Enjoy a Night Full of Jazz Music

If you are a fan of jazz music, it is one of the best things to do at night in Milwaukee for you. Milwaukee is known to be home to a passionate jazz scene with a storied history. Much of that history is rooted in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood that has hosted jazz legends like Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington. So come and experience what Milwaukee has to offer.

Places to visit:

• The Jazz Estate (Location: 2423 N. Murray Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211)

Features a historic jazz club, along with a cocktail lounge that provides award-winning cocktails. They host world-class jazz music 3 to 4 nights a week and feature local and national jazz artists.

• Transfer Pizzeria Cafe (Location: 101 W. Mitchell Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204)

A perfect spot where you can relax with a night full of good quality music and food. The place caters to group seating, which makes it a good option if you are traveling with your family and friends.

6. Explore the Old World Third Street

Old World Third Street is a German community that is also a great spot for Milwaukee nightlife. The place has lots of bars and is also near concert venues and sports arenas.

Places to visit:

• Mader’s (Location: 1037-41 N. Old World Third Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203)

The most famous German restaurant in America. It is a family-owned restaurant that was built in 1902. It is one of the true landmarks of Milwaukee. One of their specialties is traditional Bavarian treats.

• Milwaukee Brat House (Location: 1013 N. Old World 3rd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203)

Want to try a true Milwaukee experience with a mix of German heritage? Visit Milwaukee Brat House. Enjoy their bratwurst, jumbo pretzels, and beer cheese soup. If you’re in Milwaukee during football season and want a real tailgating experience, book a spot on their pre-game party bus with all-you-can-eat food and drinks.

• Old German Beer Hall (Location: 1009 N. Old World 3rd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203)

It is said that the spirit of the famous Munich Hofbräuhaus is living inside this traditional beer hall. Paired with their great beer, they have a menu full of famous German favorites.

7. Craft Your Cocktails

Milwaukee is famous for its breweries and cocktails. So if you want to experience Milwaukee no trip would be complete without checking out their breweries or having a perfectly crafted cocktail.

Places to visit:

• Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge (Location: 1579 S. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204)

They have 450 vintage and specialty cocktails that can’t be seen on their menu. Instead, ask their bartenders to guide and craft you the perfect cocktail that your tastebuds will love.

• Central Standard Craft Distillery (Location: 2330 W. Clybourn Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233)

This distillery is known for creating small craft spirits. You can take a tour inside their tasting tour to try their bourbon, gin, handmade vodka, and white whiskey samples.

8. Take a Stroll at Brady Street

Brady Street is a popular street where you can also experience the best Milwaukee nightlife. They have diverse options for dining, bars, and salons. The place is perfect for spa and shopping, but at night is when it really comes alive.

Places to visit:

• Balzac Wine Bar (Location: 1716 N. Arlington Place, Milwaukee, WI 53202)

Looking for a perfect place for a first date? Dine-in at Balzac Wine Bar. It has a cozy vibe and has a palm-line patio especially during the warmer months. They have impressive wine options and food menus like duck nachos, chicken wings, and their signature dish “Sac Mac.”

• Hi-Hat Lounge/Garage (Location: 1709 N. Arlington Place, Milwaukee, WI 53202)

One of the two popular Milwaukee nightlife spots. Have a bite of their delicious dishes which are perfect to partner with their craft cocktails and beers.

9. Try Non-Drinking Activities As Well

Milwaukee nightlife may be popular for drinking and partying, but it’s not limited to activities related to that. Milwaukee also has lots of activities to offer for locals and tourists who prefer other activities besides the typical bar hopping.

Places to visit:

• Adventure Rock (Location: 2220 N. Commerce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202)

If you are an adventure seeker and game for any kind of challenge, why not try indoor rock climbing at Adventure Rock? A great place for all ages, where you can have fun, socialize and stay fit.

• Boswell Books (Location: 2559 N. Downer Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211)

Do you love adding to your library with the latest bestseller or finding the perfect addition by purchasing second-hand? Milwaukee’s favorite local bookstore is Boswell books. This spot has a great selection while offering many author visits. So before you visit make sure to check out their website to see if one of your favorite authors will be in town.

10. A Relaxing Evening in

If you prefer to stay in and have a relaxing evening after a tiring tour in Milwaukee, then it’s important you have a great rental. At Rental Trader you can find comfortable yet affordable vacation rentals in Milwaukee, along with offering vacation rentals throughout the US.

We make it our goal to offer relaxing accommodations for your family and friends where you can stay and rest during your trip. If you want to know more about these accommodations, visit our website and contact us with any questions you may have.

With the sunset, fun things can’t be stopped. The top ten things to do at night in Milwaukee must make your nightlife enjoyable. We hope you can have a great time on your vacation in Milwaukee! Also, you can read things to do at night in New York City.