It's been years since I had been to the Riverside Theater. Somehow I had it in my mind that it was not as nice as it's sister, The Pabst Theater. I was very wrong. Access is easier, with no stairs to get in. The entrance & main orchestra floor are on the same level. The decor & style have been maintained, keeping the theater l beautiful. Its nearly 100 years old, opening in 1928, Our seats were very good, row P. The slope of the floor, allows a good view of the stage from any seat. The seats themselves are older but were still comfortable. I hope i get to see a show there again soon. Security was smooth and easy. Tickets were on AXS app which is the same as other Pabst group shows. Parking is in a structure about 2 blocks away, unless you are lucky & find street parking. U read more

I've been going here to see who's throughout the past decade like Tosh.O, plays and music concerts. The most recent show I've seen was the Harry Potter Sorcerer's Stone film and live music orchestra performed by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. What a surreal experience, it was wild hearing live music as the movie played on the movie screen. They served Butter beer and popcorn to enhance the Harry Potter movie watching experience! The front facing building has been renovated which now looks more Modern. And refreshed. The inside shows the classic preserved historic look adding to the experience. Convenient service from the security bag check at the entrance, ticket checking, and concession stands! Come see a show and support the entertainment industry! Including local! read more

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We always enjoy an evening of music at the Riverside it's a beautiful venue with amazing and friendly staff. The building is also absolutely beautiful . read more

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I love the Riverside for music performances (along with the Pabst). It's big enough to host very talented/popular performances and small enough to call intimate. The fact that it is vintage, built in 1928 only adds to the charge. From the outside marquee to the carved staircase railings, it exudes style and grace. It's easy to enter with multiple doors. One is door is dedicated for will call. You can quickly get through security and ticket check. Once inside you are immediately in front of several bars areas. Merchandise for sale in straight ahead. There are also a couple of bars that serve drinks on the balcony level. The servers are usually efficient and friendly. Came here for another concert, Swell Season. Got tickets on the Balcony, frist row, which in my opinion are the very best seats in the house. An elevated view, without any obstructions. And the short wall in front makes a great spot to put your drinks. I shy away from the bigger venues, and always look to the Riverside (and Pabst) for my music performances. read more

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Haven't been here in awhile. It's a great venue! Good sound, and sight lines from the seats in the balcony are great. The Violent Femmes delivered, by the way! read more

Riverside Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I used to love this venue but they changed their ticketing process and now you're forced to buy two tickets and it's not about the music anymore it's about greed. I no longer support this theater company. read more

We have really liked seeing shows here over the years. It's got a great vibe - great decor, slim seats and old carpeting. Lots of nostalgia. We have been seeing the Harry Potter movies played along to by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The prices have gone up over the years. $14 for a Butterbeer in the plastic mug. Combo for $20. The staff was friendly and very quick to help us find our seats. Security was quick and efficient. Parking can be tricky and expensive but you can usually park a few blocks away and walk if needed. read more

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You can't go wrong with shows of any kind at the Riverside Theater. It's a beautifully ornate theater with good sound and sight lines. Use all doors at the entrance to make the line go faster! And while there's two bars at the entrance, ones in the basement and in upper levels are perfectly fine for beer! I've recently sat really close for Wilco, and it reminded me that once I sat in the very last row to see Jerry Seinfeld, or rather just hear him! I've seen so many good shows here, in recent years Bob Dylan, Spoon, Nightmare Before Christmas with symphony orchestra, Psychedlic Furs, My Morning Jacket. Find street or ramp parking within a few blocks, plenty of dining options within a 1/2 mile radius, or pre-gaming at Mo's Irish Pub. It's all happening at the Riverside! read more

I'm keeping this one short and sweet. Simply a classic venue. Great sight lines, great mix, easy in and out parking nearby! Drove from NW Chicago suburbs and will do so again! Until next time...tk read more

I seen a show here many years ago, before Yelp existed. Seen Carrot Top and it was awesome (he is way funnier than you'd think in person). Flashback to today's day and age and I'm heading to a hair band show, courtesy of my children and Christmas. I would liken this to the Pabst Theatre, but not as fancy dancy. The theatre has the ornate plaster and is a piece of Milwaukee history. The staff were very friendly and helpful in seating. The sound was very good and the acoustics are great for an old palace. Check it out and fear not to see a show there. You will see history and have a great time all in one. read more

Riverside Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Riverside Theater is a historic and absolutely gorgeous theater beautifully located right in the midst of downtown Milwaukee. Came here recently to see the comedy of Taylor Tomlinson. I think I've been to this theater only one time previously and was once again wowed by this stunner of a theater. So many gorgeously ornate details. The chandelier over the audience was my favorite feature. The theater itself isn't huge, so there's not a really bad seat in the house. I've sat on the floor (wonderful) and up in the nose bleeds (not bad). They have a bar on the main floor, which gets busy prior to the show with everyone getting their beverages. Pro tip: They also have a bar in the basement level which doesn't get busy. We were able to walk right up and order, no lines at all. The seats in the upper section are a bit tight but weren't uncomfortable for us. I would absolutely come here for any show. We had such a fun time in this gorgeous space. Get to it! read more

Riverside Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Hubby went with me for our Anniversary to see ZZ Top concert. He hasn't been to this theatre in a very long time but really enjoyed it. . We had an excellent experience. We thought the beverage staff were kind and efficient. Nice persons showed us to our seats also. Bathrooms were located downstairs and they conveniently had a bar available there as well. The view from Right Center Row AA aisle seats were fabulous. Sound in the place was great - very clear. The decor was beautiful! We took an uber and they were able to park right out front for us - no issues there but honestly I'm not sure how parking is on the area. Would go again to the lovely Riverside. read more

Attended a concert there last night !! It was a Queen Tribute! Mig Ayesa was the lead vocalist. Outstanding!!! Also, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performed flawlessly!!! One of the best concerts I have ever seen! Great job by all!!! Lots of energy!!! Thanks to you fine musicians and singers for a wonderful performance !!!! read more

Yay ASL Interpreters!!!!! This review is more about the program but as always this theater is a great venue for just about any type of entertainment. I do not change my opinion about this. Tonight we saw Charlie Behrens live and he did not disappoint. The audience was totally involved, Charlie was on his game and the evening was so much fun. But we all know Charlie can put on a great show. I do want to mention something that I don't see enough; ASL interpreters! This show has two alternating interpreters throughout the entire show, from opening acts to Charlie himself. And they did a great job! I so appreciate the inclusion of those who may not get to enjoy the shows that many of us can, but if you are interested in seeing a great gig, and need an interpreter to make it reasonable, Charlie Behrens is the show to see. Thank you Charlie for doing the right thing; it was easy and so right! read more

Went here in 7/22/23 @6:30pm to see Kansas 50th. Never been to the Riverside Theater. My friend and I had a great time. Loved the theater. Very nice in the inside. Laid out nicely and a touch of class! I would easily consider coming back to see a show at this place again. There is plenty of parking close by. I was a block and a half away, cost 8 bucks to park. Really enjoyed seeing Kansas. Until The next review Tell Steve-O out read more

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I enjoyed the October London concert on Saturday at the Riverside. I give it five stars for organization, clean and great concert.

Wooo! 'Twas fun! Elevator is sick. staff rules. Neat building! Will be back! :) read more

Panic in the Riverside .... Incredible. Although the seating situation - first come first serve was a pretty big sh*t show. Folks were "reserving" entire rows which left few and many fractured options for folks even looking for two seats together. Nevertheless, it's a beautiful theater. read more

Beautiful, old theater in a nice area of Milwaukee. We walked from the Hampton Inn and had dinner right around the corner at Mo's Irish Pub. The tickets we purchased were low cost but we could still see the show. I would definitely go see anofher show here. The parking was convenient, the service inside was good. There are a few restaurants very near. read more

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NOT impressed!!! Staff was extremely RUDE and not willing to help anyone with directions or instructions on anything especially if you're a first-timer !! Very unorganized no signs where to go if you're in Milwaukee for the first time . When you ask a question staff was very uncourteous and not willing to help ! Seats were extremely small if you ​ overweight you would be very uncomfortable and one of their seats ! Also the bathrooms only had three stalls!!! A bit uncomfortable if you have 300 people in line having to pee !! It said the doors open at 7:00 p.m. but they did not you had to stand out in the cold in a long long line before they would open the doors and they didn't open them until 7:30 so you stood in line for a half hour freezing your ass off read more

Never had a clue Riverside theater was so grand and majestic. So old school so massive inside. Yes, I've been to bigger venues but this place is so old and so decked out. I'm sure when the lights are on it may look a bit more worn than what it appears to be but either way I enjoyed a great show here. The acoustics were solid and despite our being way up we enjoyed a decent seat and view to the stage. Although it took the acts, Bill Burr and company over a half hour to start the show the show did start and there was not a care to continue the show well past end. This more than made up for the late start. In true Milwaukee fashion this place serves up some booze and at $6 for a Riverwest Stein 16 OZ and Double Tito's for $9 I was not at all annoyed. I was in fact amazed that the drink prices were actually reasonable at a venue of this caliber. This are of downtown Milwaukee is so unique. Kind of caught in the middle of downtown but not the center you are oh so close to all things Milwaukee. We got in with ease and found a parking spot on the street for free. We also got out with ease so boom to that. I really couldn't ask for more in my quest for an all-around solid venue. Good job Riverside! We'll be back! read more

Riverside Theater - Gorgeous interior. Really old skool! - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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We watched Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo's outstanding concert last night in this beautiful theater. The acoustics were fantastic and we were third row in left center on the first level. Staff were friendly. The theater is very beautiful. It was an easy Amtrak train ride from Chicago to the Milwaukee Intermodal station which is within short walking distance. read more

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Oh my Lord. Please make the parking situation more clear. We went to 2 parking structures as instructed and both were wrong. Seriously, it's easier in Chicago. We bought parking when buying tickets and it is absolutely nuts. Just find a spot on your own. read more

What a great old hall, a classic old theatre. They sure don't make them like this any more. We can up from the Chicago area as its easier to deal with Milwaukee than downtown Chicago (and cheaper) The site lines are fantastic, the seats are comfortable. The halls and common areas can get cramped when its a crowded show and it can take a few minutes to get out especially if your in the balcony. Buts it a wonderful place to see anything and that more then makes up for any of the other flaws read more

I've been to the Riverside a few times over the years, and have always had a great experience. Most recently, some friends and I went to see Tash Sultana *insert heart-eye-emoji*... she is amazing. The Riverside Theater is genuinely very cool, being so historic and majestic. The place is a little worn, but that's kind of the cool part about it. It's interior is gorgeous with a very intimate atmosphere, as it's not the largest theater. Anywhere you're sat you really will have a good view and feel close enough to the action! The seating is comfortable and spacious; you will not at all feel packed in or crunched, which is a bonus in my book! Staff was friendly, and drinks we're quick to get, despite the lines and masses of people. There is also an area to buy merch from the entertainer on show, which we did :) We'll be back! read more

It's classic 1940's-something, lovely great views from most seats, friendly matra'ds. Drinks are on point. Check it out!

This is my first time at the Riverside Theater. I came for the Harry Potter Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. I came a half hour early before the 8pm snow and struggled with street parking. I ended up parking in the Grand Avenue parking structure. Security and ticket line went by quickly and efficiently. The venue was small but cozy. I was seated towards the back corner of the theatre and it was so hot. I was surprised as I run very cold. It was uncomfortably hot. Drinks were reasonable. They had butter beer! Overall I'm glad I experienced the Riverside Theatre and will be back for more shows. read more

Saw Nate Bargatze at the riverside this weekend- phenomenal show! The inside of the riverside is beautiful and a great place for a show. We ordered drinks at the venue, the bartenders were efficient and friendly! The beautiful historic look of the inside of the building makes for a unique aesthetic. The building is kept up with while still maintaining it's gorgeous historic character. The long line into the building was quick and efficient. Parking was a little bit confusing and kind of a jam at the end when leaving but the experience overall was wonderful. read more

I won't lie to you: Despite going to the Riverside Theater multiple times since living in Milwaukee, I never realized why it was called the Riverside Theater until my friend and I went out a side door right onto the river walk. (For anyone else's reference, it's the place with the fish on it as you look down river from the Fons.) Anyway. The Riverside Theater is a gorgeous, historic venue that provides an intimate atmosphere for concerts and shows. The bathrooms are a bit frustrating with a significant lack of stalls. Beyond that, I love it. I'll continue to come back! read more

Concerts attended at the Riverside: -Tedeschi Trucks Band -Jerry Seinfeld ....(Come back with me now...) -Nelly & the St. Lunatics -Carrottop Maybe I saw other shows over the years but that's what's coming to mind. The good -wonderful acoustics. Seriously...the sound was beautiful. -reasonable concession prices (~$6 for a captain and coke) -even the higher up seats have good views. The "eh" -the higher up seats are not for the vertigo-challenged. If heights make you nervous you wil want to stay outta the balcony. I've read the comments that say the seats were too small/uncomfortable and am a little perplexed. I'm not small by any stretch of the imagination but thought they were comfortable. If you can't find street parking theres a semi reasonably priced parking garage in the Hampton hotel across plankinton west of the theater. read more

Riverside Theater - Tedeschi trucks band - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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First time at The Riverside and I'll definitely be back. Will call ticket pick up, super easy despite the masses of people in front of the theater. Staff did a great job of just letting the person whose name the tickets are under in to grab them preventing a clog of unnecessary people in the small area. After entering the theater we were asked if we wanted to stand in the pit or sit during the show. I decided to stand one because I wanted to be close to the stage and two, I like to move to the music and it's easier to do that if you're standing. The Lord Huron show was fantastic. Sound and lighting good, really enjoyed being close to the stage though I'm curious to what the view is like from the seats. Decent beer selection as well though I only got a bottle of water. While 3.50 isn't cheap for a standard bottle of water, it was certainly less than what I was expecting. I definitely recommend The Riverside as a venue! read more

Riverside Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I have been to the Riverside Theater for several shows over the years. Overall, I've had pretty good experiences. The most recent show I attended here was the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Plays Led Zeppelin. That was a fantastic show! The Riverside is aptly named for it's location right next to the Milwaukee River. It is one of the oldest, and most opulent, theaters in Milwaukee (the gold trim! The red walls and curtains! The crystal chandeliers!) The seating is such that you have a good view from anywhere you sit. However, it does lack a bit in the legroom department. Overall, the Riverside has pretty good acoustics. The only time that the acoustics were not good was when hubby and I saw Chevy Metal at the free show that was put on by Miller Brewing. It was hard to make out the songs that the band was playing. This may have had something to do with the band's equipment, and not the theater itself. We haven't had that issue with other shows that we've seen there. There are several bars located throughout the venue if you want to enjoy an adult beverage during the show. Parking tip: if you park in the parking structure at the 720 Building, located at W Wisconsin Ave & N Water St, you can get parking thru the theater for only $5. You can purchase this thru the box office in the lobby of the theater. Otherwise, you'll get charged $15. read more

Similar to the Pabst, this is an outstanding, historic venue and a terrific place to spend an evening. Gorgeous architecture abound and wonderful acoustics, the Riverside is one of the best places in the whole area to see a show. read more

Wow! Finally made it to the historic Riverside Theater and it was all that I had hoped for. Gorgeous ornate & intimate theater, with all the historical charm with drapes in reds, the trim in golds. Of course the acoustics were exceptionally great here too. After visiting more than a few theaters for concerts this year I can say that this was definitely one of the best sounding venues. But that's why it's on most peeps' short list for destination concerts. There's another something that the Riverside had (at least during the three sold out shows I attended) that I wish more theaters would figure out. But somehow the line for drinks was never longer than a minute or two at any point. The staff was also insanely friendly and maybe that's just a part of being in Milwaukee, but I gotta give em a shout out for that as well. Big points for both of those in my book! read more

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Security was very thorough and also very friendly. The venue was clean, organized, and the show started on time. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. Drinks were a little pricy, which was to be expected at any venue like this one. (Water was $4). My only major complaint is that the chairs we sat in were very flimsy and uncomfortable. The show itself was very good and I enjoyed myself despite the chairs being uncomfortable. Definitely a nice venue. read more

One of the great things about living in a big(ish) city is having great spaces to see concerts and touring comedians etc. Milwaukee is very fortunate to have the Pabst, Riverside and and turner hall. All are fantastic places to see a live event. I can't even count the number of shows I've seen here through the years and I can't believe I've never written a review on Yelp (yet). Historic places without that old and moldy feel. Going to see Fluffy and Louis black this spring. Saw Nora Jones a few months back. Too many other shows to list but all were memorable. If you haven't seen a show here yet, it should be on your "Milwaukee to do" list. read more

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The Riverside theater is a wonderful, historic theater! As with most older theaters the seating is very tight and not particularly comfortable, but not as bad as some older theaters. However, it's awesome to see a concert in this venue! Beautiful lighting and curtains, and you feel really connected to the musicians in this intimate environment. The location is great downtown and close to hotels and restaurants. read more

Riverside Theater - Inside the Riverside - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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The Riverside is the largest in the holy trinity of Milwaukee venues owned/operated by the "Pabst consortium." I just made that name up. It's not an official title or anything. But it's true. The Riverside, the Pabst, & Turner Hall = all owned/operated by the same group. And they bring in great talent, and it really adds to the cultural fabric of MKE. #truth The sound is awesome at the Riverside, the talent ranges (Lyle Lovatt, Louis CK, the National, Pink Floyd laser light show, etc.) I generally prefer the acts that roll through the Pabst and Turner, but sometimes someone really special comes to the Riverside, and I'll throw down. I love that the venues are all historic in nature. I also love that they're really unique to the city. The really up Milwaukee's cultural game, and bring a vitality to our downtown area. It's a little scary to sit all the way up at the top, but you know. Nosebleeds. read more

I came here the other night for the Walking Dead cast show. The theater is just beautiful and looks like your everyday olden days theater but is well kept and clean. There really isn't a bad seat in the house and how can you go wrong with a full service bar right when you walk in?? Parking is extremely close and there are plenty of restaurants on Wisconsin Avenue if you get there early for a show. I'm looking forward to seeing a few of the upcoming events here. read more

Brit Floyd twice, Yanni, and Mannheim Steamroller come to the top of my head for recent concerts I've seen at the Riverside and while, for a tall guy, the seats can be a little uncomfortable, there's not a bad seat in the house when it comes to sound, which is why we're at a concert, right? Staff has always been friendly in helping find seats and the beer selection only continues to get better, just double check packing before hand, some local places SUCK to get in and out of. read more

Riverside Theater - How the hell do they change the burnt out bulbs in the chandeliers?! - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin