Family fun comes in many varieties when summer rolls around in Milwaukee. The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts takes advantage of the festive season to offer guests plenty of entertainment for the entire family. Sazama’s Fine Catering, The Marcus Center’s exclusive caterer, is excited to sponsor a few of these events, and partners with this premier Riverwalk venue to offer exceptional service and hospitality year-round.
Since there is so much to see, we’ve put together a list of events happening throughout the summer to make sure you don’t miss out. We’ll keep the calendar updated throughout the season, so be sure and bookmark this page to see the latest!
KIDZ DAYS AT THE CENTER – June 18 – August 22, 2019 10AM – 11AM
KidZ Days at the Center is an interactive arts programs that showcase a variety of performing arts presented by local Milwaukee-area acts. This program serves to entertain and educate, making it perfect for daycare and elementary-age groups. This free programming takes place at the open-air KidZ stage, which is located along the Milwaukee River and adjacent to Vogel Hall.
- June 18 – 20 | First Stage, Water Street Dance Co., Florentine Opera
- June 25 – 27 | First Stage, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Chef Lisa Kay
- July 2 – 3 | First Stage, True Skool
- July 9 – 11 | First Stage, True Skool, Milwaukee Ballet
- July 16 – 18 | First Stage, Salsabrosa Dance Company, Peter John Balloons
- July 23 – 25 | First Stage, True Skool, Salsabrosa Dance
- July 30 – Aug 1 | True Skool, Ballet Folklorico Nacional, Water Street Dance Co.
American Girl Live – May 14 – 19, 2019 (Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall)
Embark on an adventure with five spunky campers, their American Girl dolls, and camp counselors at Camp American Girl! This new, original musical celebrates the power of girls and the strength of friendship. The brave campers will inspire and empower audiences with their delightful-musical numbers.
Bill Zaferos: Poison Pen Book Launch – May 15, 2019 (Studio 4A)
Poison Pen (a novel) was written by author Bill Zaferos while he was unknowingly suffering from bipolar disorder in 2000. Join Zaferos and A Night for NAMI at this book launch/fundraiser to learn more about how Zaferos channeled mental illness into creativity. Proceeds will go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Greater Milwaukee.
Glen Miller Orchestra – May 24, 2019
Shine your shoes, put on your smartest outfit, and get ready to be transported back to the Swing Era! Enjoy big band favorites from the 1930s, 40s, and modern selections with the world famous Glen Miller Orchestra.
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra –
Prepare to be dazzled and mesmerized by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra this summer! From the romantic and carnal Carmina Burana to the greatest hits of the 70s and the iconic music of Michael Jackson, the MSO is ready to take you on a symphonic adventure.
- Fire and Rain – May 21 | Relive the greatest hits of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Carol King and more!
- Kahane Plays & Conducts – May 24 + 25 | Enjoy Schubert’s immortal “Unfinished” symphony, as well as Mozart’s magnificent clarinet concerto and the Piano Concerto No. 14.
- The Music of Michael Jackson – June 9 | A live concert tribute in dance and song to The King of Pop! Enjoy music from the Jackson 5 to “Thriller and beyond.
- Carmina Burana – June 21 – 23 | Prepare yourself for the sacred and profane Carmina Burana. The Milwaukee Symphony and Chorus paired with John Adam’s Doctor Atomic Symphony have a mesmerizing performance planned.
- Mahler & Mendelssohn – June 28 + 29 | The breathtaking violinist Simone Lamsma joins the MSO in this youthful, wild, and exuberant season finale.
Milwaukee Ballet:
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream – May 30 – June 2 (Uihlein Hall)
Journey into the Enchanted Forest with the Milwaukee Ballet. This whimsical, comedic Shakespearian masterpiece is full of fairies, dancing, drama, comedy and magic! - Ballet Beat – July 18 (Peck Pavilion)
Don’t miss your chance to interact with professional dancers from the Milwaukee Ballet! Dancers from the ballet will be hitting the streets in June and July with FREE, family-friendly activities across Milwaukee. The Finale will take place at Peck Pavilion on July 18! Check out the full summer schedule on milwaukeeballet.org.
Garrett Davis Daddy’s Boys – June 8, 2019
The Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute Regional Milwaukee Office, Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center and City of Milwaukee invite you to attend the upcoming stage play, Daddy’s Boys. This entertaining Broadway-style stage play is filled with music, drama, real-life messages, and comedy! Bring the entire family along for this educational performance presented by the Prostate Health Education Network.
Flag Day Celebration – June 14, 2019 (Peck Pavilion)
The Marcus Center is proud to host the FLAG DAY CELEBRATION in honor of veterans for their heroic service. Join us as we “Honor the Dead by Serving the Living” with a formal service followed by a performance courtesy of the all-Veteran band East 2 West. This community event is free and open to the public.
14th Annual Broadway Bash – Sponsored by Sazama’s – June 14, 2019
The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts will host its 14th Annual Broadway Bash on Friday, June 14th! The Bash, proudly sponsored by Sazama’s Fine Catering, will feature dinner, silent and live auctions, followed by a private concert with Broadway Legend, Chita Rivera. After the performance, don’t miss the dessert reception for delicious hors d’oeuvres from Sazama’s and plenty of dancing!
Virtuosi of Piano & Dance – June 16, 2019 (Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall)
Come join many talented artists in the culmination of the three-day Piano Personalities Anniversary Festival. Enjoy performances by the Varshavski-Shaprio Duo, The Milwaukee Ballet’s Timothy O’Donnell, and Aleksandra Kasman. Christopher Taylor will close out the festival with Liszt’s transcription of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.
Anastasia: The New Broadway Musical – July 23 – 28, 2019
From Tony Award-winning creators, Anastasia: The New Broadway Musical is a romantic and adventure-filled musical adaption of the 1997 film of the same name. This dazzling musical transports audiences to 1920s Paris and follows the amnesiac Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia (Anya) on her journey to finding not only her family, but who she really is. Paris holds the key to your heart, so don’t miss out on this exhilarating musical!
LIVE at Peck Pavilion- June 26 – July 28, 2019 (Peck Pavilion)
If you want to experience the Marcus Center in a whole new way, take in some live entertainment at the Peck Pavilion. This outdoor amphitheater is surrounded by gorgeous chestnut trees and is just steps from the Milwaukee River. This summer’s Live at Peck Pavilion series will bring a wide variety of performances for all to enjoy. And with the new Sazama’s River’s Edge Patio open for all performances, you can enjoy delicious food and beverages available for purchase from Sazama’s Fine Catering.
- Optimist Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park “A Comedy of Errors” –
- June 26 – July 13
- Sunday Band Concerts | 2pm
- June 30 – Kids from Wisconsin (Wilson Theater)
- July 21 – Milwaukee Festival Brass
- July 28 – Command Performance Big Band
- Tribute Band Thursdays | 7PM
- July 25 – Mixtape MKE
- Thursday Lunch Concerts| Noon
- July 25 – Nineteen Thirteen
True Skool Block Party– July 27, 2019 (Peck Pavilion and MC Grounds)
The True Skool Block Party is a six-hour Milwaukee style summer celebration! This FREE family friendly event will feature live interactive community murals, Circulate Market vendors, children’s area, live performances, a skateboard competition and all the elements of Hip Hop!
Michael McKay’s “Hymns for Him” “The Conversation” – July 27, 2019
Part of the Black History in July celebration, this premier event is sponsored by The Better Project Awareness Inc. Join singer, songwriter, and gospel music pioneer, V. Michael McKay as he leads the conversation on ‘Black Church Culture’ and its important role in community growth.
Galas, Weddings, Corporate Events and More!
Perhaps the most unique way to experience the versatility of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts is with your own private event, where you can offer your guests exceptional cuisine from Sazama’s Fine Catering surrounded by the beauty of The Marcus Center for the Performing Art’s many unique and vibrant spaces, perfectly suited for many types of events – like weddings, business meetings, cultural celebrations, fundraising galas, and more! Explore the many ways Sazama’s Fine Catering can assist you in creating the perfect summer event of your own!