Milwaukee Public Market to host free winter music series

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (January 6, 2026) — Milwaukee Public Market, in partnership with Radio Milwaukee, announced today the lineup for Market Unplugged, a new, free, winter acoustic music series launching Friday, Jan. 9 at 5 p.m. in the Market’s second-level Palm Garden. The four-night series will feature local Milwaukee musicians performing unplugged sets in a cozy and intimate setting while supporting public radio and community programming. Each concert will take place one evening per month from January through April and will begin with a happy hour and Radio Milwaukee guest DJ appearance from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by two live performances concluding at 8 p.m. Inaugural lineup

• Jan. 9: The Panoptics and Ben Mulwana
• Feb. 13: Nick Maas and Caley Conway
• March 13: Will Pfrang and Bear in the Forest
• April 10: Wave Chapelle and Violet Wilder

“Over the past four years, the success of our summer Riverwalk Commons Concert Series has shown us how impactful free, live music can be in bringing people together,” said Paul Schwartz, executive director of Milwaukee Public Market and Business Improvement District No. 2. “Market Unplugged builds on that momentum by bringing live programming indoors during the winter months, and reflects our ongoing effort to create fresh, engaging experiences that give people more reasons to spend time at the Market year-round.”

“Radio Milwaukee exists to bring people together through music, stories and community engagement,” said Jordan Lee, executive director of Radio Milwaukee. “We are proud to partner with Milwaukee Public Market on Market Unplugged because it reflects our mission to create a more inclusive and engaged city by amplifying local artists and shared experiences during the winter months.”

Market Unplugged is free and open to the public. Food and beverage will be available for purchase throughout the Market, with a bar located in the Palm Garden featuring beer, wine, Surreal Sips non-alcoholic elixirs and Central Standard Craft Distillery cocktails. A portion of proceeds from a Radio Milwaukee cocktail will benefit public radio.

Milwaukee Public Market thanks series sponsors Educators Credit Union, Events by Design, 333 Water, Forage Kitchen, Surreal Sips and Central Standard Craft Distillery for their support.

For more information, visit milwaukeepublicmarket.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.