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
Outdoor Stage
DJs Stashu, Shotski and Brümeister will kick things off at 2pm
3pm Forró Fo Sho
4pm The Baggie Magnums
5pm The November Criminals
w/special guest Mario The Poet
we then move indoors for
7pm Good Friends Klezmer Band
8pm The Polkaholics
9pm The Frantastic Sound System
2:00pm – 10:00pm, No Cover, but buy a t-shirt to support The Milwaukee Polka Riot!!
