Wondering where to find the best music venues around town? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top music venues in Milwaukee, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to go to hear everything from hard rock to jazz.
1. Pabst Theater
Topping the list is Pabst Theater. Located downtown at 144 E. Wells St., it is the highest rated music venue in Milwaukee, boasting 4.5 stars out of 106 reviews on Yelp.
Built in 1895, the grand theater features a "stunningly beautiful backdrop of a European opera house," according to its website. It hosts everything from plays to upcoming artists like contemporary jazz performer Chris Botti. Visit the website for more information.
2. Riverside Theater
The historic Riverside Theater, located at 116 W. Wisconsin Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the music venue and performing arts spot four stars out of 94 reviews.
Also a part of The Pabst Theater Group, Riverside has hosted some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment business, from Kevin Hart and Neil Young to Norah Jones and Aretha Franklin. Riverside welcomes Grammy award-winning musician Ray LaMontagne on Oct. 27.
3. Turner Hall Ballroom
Turner Hall Ballroom is another go-to, with four stars out of 79 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1034 N. Fourth St. to see for yourself.
Yet another branch of The Pabst Theater Group, Turner Hall has a reservable ballroom and a restaurant in addition to its performance stage. Musical events happen regularly, as do stage performances. Check out the popular SuicideGirls Blackheart Burlesque production on Oct. 29. The show has been running since 2003 and has been performed in six countries.
4. Mad Planet
And then there's Mad Planet, a Riverwest favorite with four stars out of 47 reviews. Stop by 533 E. Center St. to hit up the dance club, dive bar and music venue next time you're in the mood.
Established in 1990, Mad Planet dubs itself an eclectic nightclub and concert venue that packs its interior every Friday and Saturday night. Stop by on Oct. 26 for a Halloween Bash Retro Dance and Costume Party, or on Oct. 27 for the Ninth Annual Halloween Monster Mash featuring performances from R.A.S. Movement. Check out the website here for more information.
