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The Milwaukee Polka Riot is America’s first and (as far as we know) only alternative polka festival.

What began as a fever dream shared among Keith Gaustad, Tahrim Tatum and Evan Maruszewski, finally came to fruition for the very first time on October 21st, 2017.

In clandestine meetings with Jim Rice, Eoin McCarthy and Frank Chandek, the Milwaukee Polka Riot grew from a germ of a questionable idea to a full-fledged, ridiculous reality.

Whether you like it or not, The Milwaukee Polka Riot is an annual festival showcasing a host of amazing, off-kilter bands you’re unlikely to see all in one place, anywhere else.

“Milwaukee Polka Riot celebrates alternative permutations of the folkloric dance music of Central Eastern European, carried by immigrants to the Midwest, and with which the Cream City is still associated.” – Shepherd Express

Doors will be at 5pm
DJ Shotski will be warming up the room with a vinyl spin and keeping the vibes going between bands.
The Polkaholics® kick off at 6:30
The November Criminals w/ Mario The Poet go on at 7:30
The Frantastic Sound System join in the fun around 8:45
The Good Friends Klezmer band close out the live music beginning around 9:45
DJ Brumeister will end the night with a vinyl spin for anyone still trying to perfect their two-step

Doors at 5:00pm, The Milwaukee Polka Riot is free!

Free

September 6, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm

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