Milwaukee NIVA Members

The Baird Center, a beacon of innovation in Milwaukee, stands as an architectural marvel following its recent $456 million expansion and modernization. This state-of-the-art convention center now spans over 1.3 million square feet, featuring 52 diverse meeting rooms and 300,000 contiguous square feet of exhibition space. With amenities like the rooftop Baird Ballroom and the Baird Sky View Terrace offering panoramic views of downtown Milwaukee, the Baird Center exemplifies a new era of accessibility, ingenuity, and unparalleled event experiences. As an engine of economic growth for Wisconsin, the Baird Center is committed to providing flawless execution for every event, ensuring every visit leaves a lasting, positive impact.

Cactus Club, an artist-run and queer-owned venue in Milwaukee, WI, has evolved from its early 20th-century roots as an Italian Anarchist book club to a vibrant, multi-disciplinary arts and performance space. Celebrating over three decades, this corner building has served as a multicultural social center and a seminal hub for punk music in the early ’90s. Today, Cactus Club is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships through its culturally expansive and intergenerational programming. The venue champions local talent, artistic voices, and creative experimentation, offering a supportive platform for tastemaking and interactive educational opportunities. This commitment to the community and creative misfits continues to define its rich, diverse ecosystem.

Nestled under Milwaukee’s iconic Hoan Bridge on the vibrant Harborfront, The Cooperage is your go-to venue for an eclectic mix of live entertainment, private parties, and special events. Once a warehouse for Milwaukee’s cooper’s trade, our storied brick walls now form a playground for fun-seekers with pedal-powered taverns, the city’s best tacos, and craft cocktails. From weddings in our picturesque garden overlooking the Kinnickinnic River to comedy shows and community bashes at The Coop, The Cooperage offers a unique ambiance for memorable occasions. Whether it’s a casual night out or a grand celebration, The Cooperage combines historical charm with modern entertainment to create unforgettable experiences.

Nestled in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood, Falcon Bowl marries rich history with vibrant culture in one of the city’s oldest buildings. Established in the late 1800s and featuring a basement bowling alley since 1915, Falcon Bowl has transformed under new ownership into a premier live events venue. It now boasts Falcon Hall, a 225-capacity concert hall with a brand-new stage and sound system, and the Falcon Nest, a 40-capacity club venue that also serves as a luxurious green room. With a commitment to local artists and community engagement, Falcon Bowl aims to be a cultural hub that instills pride in locals and awe in visitors. Experience why Falcon Bowl is considered Milwaukee’s newest gem for live music, comedy, and private events.

The Fitzgerald stands as an elegant, historic mansion nestled in Milwaukee’s vibrant East Side neighborhood. Built in 1874 by architect Edward Townsend Mix for Great Lakes Captain Robert Patrick Fitzgerald, this Italianate style residence is a symphony of architectural harmony, featuring double-arched windows, an arched doorway, and ornate pillars. Now transformed into a luxurious venue, The Fitzgerald offers exquisite parlors, a grand ballroom, and a lush garden terrace, making it a premier destination for weddings and elite gatherings.

Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, established in the summer of 1993, is a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s music scene, exuding turn-of-the-century charm with its meticulously restored 1902 tavern ambiance. Owner and passionate musician Jim Linneman spearheaded the remodeling, ensuring the venue maintained its historical integrity while adapting to the modern demands of live entertainment. Known for its Wednesday night acoustic open stages—an enduring tradition—Linneman’s has become a launchpad for local talent, giving rise to Milwaukee music mainstays and hosting notable acts like the Violent Femmes and BoDeans. The inn’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and its eclectic roster of performances have made it a beloved hub for artists and music lovers alike.

For over 55 years, the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) has been at the forefront of Milwaukee’s cultural landscape, located in the heart of downtown. MPAC is home to three theaters, an outdoor amphitheater, and a plaza that collectively host a diverse array of live performances, from world-class Broadway shows to dynamic outdoor festivals. Historically, MPAC has welcomed a pantheon of artistic legends, including jazz greats Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, rock icons like Elvis Presley, and comedians such as Robin Williams. As a hub of innovation and social engagement, MPAC is committed to creating an inclusive and transformative experience, making it the region’s premier venue for the performing arts and a proud proponent of diversity and community collaboration.

Since opening in 1909, the Miller High Life Theatre has stood as a beacon of entertainment in downtown Milwaukee. With a seating capacity of 4,100, this venue blends historic charm with modern amenities to host a diverse array of events, from buzzworthy concerts and Broadway shows to children’s theater and comedy. Operated by the Wisconsin Center District and partnered with the Pabst Theater Group, the theatre consistently attracts major entertainment acts to Milwaukee. It’s also an ideal venue for private events such as weddings and corporate meetings. The Miller High Life Theatre is committed to providing unforgettable experiences, ensuring every guest leaves with a lasting impression of Milwaukee’s vibrant cultural scene.

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO), under the baton of Music Director Ken-David Masur, stands as Wisconsin’s largest cultural institution and one of the nation’s premier orchestras. Since its founding in 1959, the MSO has dedicated itself to enriching the local community through innovative musical programming and extensive outreach. Each season, the orchestra performs over 135 concerts, ranging from classical masterpieces to pop and family-friendly events across various venues statewide. Renowned for premiering works by composers like John Adams, Philip Glass, and Camille Pépin, the MSO also made history as the first American orchestra to offer live recordings on iTunes. Through its commitment to music education and community engagement, the MSO continues to foster musical appreciation and develop young talent, enhancing Milwaukee’s cultural landscape.

Shank Hall, celebrating over 36 years as Milwaukee’s premier venue for live music, is named after the fictitious venue from the film “This Is Spinal Tap.” Promised by Spinal Tap’s band member during a 1984 Milwaukee performance, Shank Hall has become a cornerstone of the city’s music scene. Owned by Peter Jest, who also leads the Alternative Concert Group, it stands as Milwaukee’s longest-running dedicated live music club and a hub for both emerging talents and seasoned veterans, offering a vibrant concert experience steeped in local music history.

The Pabst Theater, a jewel in Milwaukee’s downtown theater district, is renowned for its breathtaking architecture reminiscent of a grand European opera house. Originally constructed in 1890 by Captain Pabst as Das Neue Deutsche Stadt-Theater, it was swiftly rebuilt in 1895 following a devastating fire, under the directive “Rebuild at once!” from Captain Pabst himself. This historical venue, completed in just 11 months, today stands as a versatile space, hosting a myriad of performing arts forms. With its ornate interior and state-of-the-art acoustics, the Pabst Theater continues to be a pivotal cultural landmark, drawing audiences to its diverse array of performances.

The Rave/Eagles Club, a landmark entertainment complex in Milwaukee, spans a 180,000 square foot, seven-level facility with eight independent performance spaces. Established in 1927 as the Milwaukee home of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the club has evolved into a vibrant hub for live music and events, featuring the spectacular Eagles Ballroom with a 25,000 square foot dance floor and an opulent balcony that encircles the venue. Known for its striking architecture and historical significance, the venue has hosted iconic performances ranging from Glenn Miller to Green Day, playing a pivotal role in the city’s cultural narrative. Today, The Rave/Eagles Club remains a favorite destination for both up-and-coming talents and legendary artists, continuing its tradition as a central figure in Milwaukee’s live music scene.

The Riverside Theater, a Milwaukee gem since its opening on April 29, 1928, is celebrated for its opulent setting along the Milwaukee River. Originally part of the RKO vaudeville circuit, this grand theater replaced the 1908 Majestic Theater and was integrated into the Empire office building, making it a prominent landmark. The theater’s original ornate decor, featuring teal velour swags and rich ochre galloons with henna red tassels, was lost to a fire in 1966, and replaced by simpler yet elegant dark red duvetyn. Despite these changes, the Riverside Theater remains one of Milwaukee’s most lavish venues, hosting a wide array of high-caliber artists from Kevin Hart to Neil Young and Norah Jones, continuing its legacy as a premier destination for arts and entertainment.

Since its inception in 1968, Summerfest has grown to become a premier national music festival, celebrated for its vast and diverse array of performances spread across 12 stages on the 75-acre festival grounds along Lake Michigan. Known for its affordability, Summerfest offers single-day general admission tickets at only $30 in 2025, making it one of the most accessible music festivals in the world. Each year, the festival showcases hundreds of artists, catering to a wide range of musical tastes and attracting a global audience to Milwaukee’s vibrant waterfront setting.

Located within the historic Turner Hall, a National Historic Landmark built in 1882, the Turner Hall Ballroom offers a majestic setting for an array of events. This 7,000-plus square foot venue features a grand 31 x 56-foot raked stage and an expansive balcony that envelops the audience in a sweeping embrace. Historically, it served as a cultural hub for Milwaukee’s German immigrant community, hosting everything from concerts and dances to gymnastic competitions and theatrical presentations. Today, Turner Hall Ballroom continues to be a vibrant venue for social, cultural, and political events, celebrating an eclectic mix of shows that welcome all ideas, ages, and cultures.

The Pabst Theater Group’s newest addition, Vivarium, is a 450-capacity multi-purpose venue designed to foster Milwaukee’s burgeoning music scene. Every detail, from the Wisconsin-made fixtures to the Cream City brick and wood paneling, reflects a commitment to local craftsmanship and the spirit of creativity. This venue serves as a developmental platform for emerging artists, acting as an incubator where tomorrow’s stars begin their ascent. With its thoughtful design and emphasis on fostering self-expression and community ties, Vivarium is poised to become a natural and vibrant addition to the neighborhood.

X-Ray Arcade stands out in the Milwaukee entertainment scene as an artist-owned and operated venue dedicated to delivering a dynamic blend of Electric Entertainment. With offerings that range from live music and DJ sets to indie film screenings, art vendor pop-ups, and even weddings, X-Ray Arcade is a vibrant hub for all forms of creative expression. This venue is committed to inclusivity, ensuring a welcoming environment for all ages and strictly enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. Join us at X-Ray Arcade to experience the power of community and celebration in a space where everyone is invited to play and express themselves freely.

Set to rejuvenate the historic Fox Bay Theater in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, The Argo is a multi-faceted venue poised to become a new cultural cornerstone. Featuring an entertainment hall, a bar & restaurant, and an event space, The Argo will cater to a diverse array of public and private events. From live concerts and comedy shows in the entertainment hall to craft beer and classic comfort food in the restaurant, The Argo promises to be a vibrant, community-driven hub. Ideal for hosting everything from weddings and corporate retreats to community gatherings and private celebrations, The Argo offers a unique blend of modern amenities and classic Wisconsin charm.

Set to open soon, Villa Theater stands as a beacon of community revitalization, transforming a historic venue into a vibrant multi-use space dedicated to arts, culture, and community engagement. This development artfully merges preservation with modern innovation, ensuring that while the theater retains its historical charm, it also meets the dynamic needs of today’s audiences. Villa Theater will serve as a central hub, fostering an environment where creativity and community flourish together.