WMSE Turns Up the Heat for 16th Annual Backyard BBQ
Featuring DJ Set by Sylvan Esso, Superchunk, Field Report and More
Image courtesy of WMSE 91.7FM.
Milwaukee, WI – June 1, 2026 – WMSE 91.7FM is proud to announce the return of its beloved Backyard BBQ on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Humboldt Park in Bay View. The free, family-friendly music festival, now in its 16th year, arrives as WMSE celebrates its 45th anniversary as Milwaukee’s home for free-form radio.
The 2026 lineup opens with one of the Midwest’s most exciting emerging blues artists, Ivy Ford, followed by indie dream pop outfit Known Moons, acclaimed musical storytellers Field Report, and legendary North Carolina punk rock band Superchunk. WMSE DJs will spin throughout the day.
Sylvan Esso, known for blending electronic production with emotionally resonant songwriting, has become one of the most influential indie acts of the past decade. Their special DJ set at the Backyard BBQ brings a danceable and genre-blurring finale to this year’s event.
Superchunk helped shape generations of indie punk bands through their energetic performances, influential sound and fiercely independent spirit, inspiring artists such as The Get Up Kids, Motion City Soundtrack and Braid.
“The Backyard BBQ is one of the purest expressions of what WMSE is all about,” said Tom Crawford, station manager at WMSE. “As we celebrate 45 years in Milwaukee, this event brings together community, discovery and unforgettable live music in a way only WMSE can.”
The event will also feature food trucks, local craft beer, activities for all ages and more, all set in the beauty of Humboldt Park.
“WMSE listeners are passionate music fans, and this year’s lineup rewards that passion in a big way,” added Sid McCain, music director at WMSE. “Backyard BBQ is one of the few places where you can discover your next favorite band while also seeing artists who helped shape modern independent music, all in a neighborhood park and completely free.”
WMSE’s Backyard BBQ is presented by Lakefront Brewery and Gruber Law Offices, LLC. and made possible through listener support and community partnerships.
About WMSE
“Anti-established” in 1981, WMSE 91.7 FM has grown into Milwaukee’s truest and longest-standing music radio institution. A financially independent department of the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), WMSE – with a 24-hour free-form format representing every musical genre – has been primarily funded by listening supporters and community partners since its inception. The station’s vision is to educate the listening community by providing a wide selection of musical programming not heard anywhere else in the market. WMSE is Milwaukee’s champion for the city’s diverse community of musicians and artists. For more information, visit www.wmse.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.
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