Your Humpday reprieve is here! MeetStop by SteMartaen is back at X-Ray Arcade to bring you a mid-week special Vegan Wings pop-up.

Cali Cuzns aren’t from California, and they’re not your cousins, but they will emotionally wreck you in under three minutes. This show isn’t at our very famous arcade, its in Bayview at Sugar Maple!

FFO: Snowing · Joyce Manor · Algernon Cadwallader ❤️☠️🖤

If a beach party haunted by vengeful ghosts sounds like something you’re into, BOY, do we have a show for you!

FFO: The Cramps · Shannon and the Clams · La Luz ❤️☠️🖤

The Crosses are Milwaukee hardcore veterans who bring raw energy and a nod to the past. Fronted by Daniel Kubinski of Die Kreuzen, they play originals alongside full-album performances of Die Kreuzen's self-titled LP and favorites from October File. Maybe they’ll play some songs about beer and cows. Don’t miss out!

FFO: Die Kreuzen · Big Laugh · Population Control ❤️☠️🖤

Subspace is turning X-Ray into a full-on nerd haven for a day of dice rolls, dungeon crawls, and whatever cursed campaigns you conjure up. Whether you’ve got a level 12 bard or just wanna learn what a d20 even is, you’re welcome.

Loud, honest, and easy to scream along to. No frills, no filler, just solid tracks that hit where they need to. Catch ‘em at Anodyne!

FFO: Balance and Composure · Citizen · Pentimento ❤️☠️🖤

Oso nice they named it twice. Melodic, moody, and made for people who still overthink that one conversation from 2018 (but in the best way).

FFO: saturdays at your place · Prince Daddy & The Hyena · Microwave ❤️☠️🖤

You ever seen rhinestone cowboy meets DIY dive bar? Country music singer, songwriter, and bandleader who draws inspiration from queer icons, drag artists, and years of experience in Manhattan piano bars. In other words, catch you at this must-see gig.

FFO: Orville Peck · Lavender Country · Hurray for the Riff Raff ❤️☠️🖤

Big riffs, big hair energy, and the kind of rock that makes you wanna buy a muscle car…we’re thinking a nice red convertible corvette straight outta the ‘70s. You in?

FFO: Dirty Honey · Greta Van Fleet · The Struts ❤️☠️🖤

If you can spell it (and say it), you’re probably already in the pit. It's filthy, it’s guttural, and it grooves so hard you’ll forget your spine ever mattered.

FFO: 200 Stab Wounds · Job For A Cowboy · PeelingFlesh 

If you’ve seen 10 Things I Hate About You (if you haven’t, what are you even doing?), then you’re already familiar with this band. Boston’s own Letters to Cleo brought jangly guitars and power-pop hooks to the '90s alt-rock scene, and they’re still more fun than whatever else you’re listening to.

FFO: Veruca Salt · That Dog. · The Lemonheads ❤️☠️🖤

This isn’t your grandma’s death metal. Unless your grandma’s cool as hell. Straight outta Fargo and somehow even heavier than a North Dakota winter.

FFO: Dying Fetus · Revocation · Cattle Decapitation ❤️☠️🖤

Shoegaze with a little emo edge. Perfect for standing still and feeling everything all at once.

FFO: Basement · Deftones · Title Fight ❤️☠️🖤

Originally from Green Bay and a key piece of Midwest emo history, Giants Chair helped define that raw, mathy sound back in the ’90s. They’re celebrating 30 years, let’s go!

FFO: Sunny Day Real Estate · Boys Life · Jawbox ❤️☠️🖤

You probably know MC Chris as MC P Pants from Aqua Teen, but he’s also been out here rapping about nerd life since before it was cool. It’s funny, it’s fast, and somehow still hits harder than it has any right to (and it’s comin’ back to the X this July!)

DAIKAIJU RETURN TO ATTACK OUR VERY FAMOUS STAGE! Some would say this show will be flamin’ hot!

FFO: The Locust · Melt-Banana · Surf Curse ❤️☠️🖤

Shenanigans Trivia Co. has your non-stop, one-way ticket from Cudahy, WI to Hawkins, IN. See you in The Upside Down!

This one’s gonna be FUN. Scowl’s hardcore at its core, but they’re not afraid to mess with the formula. They pull from classic punk energy but push it somewhere new, louder, catchier, and totally their own.

FFO: Lambrini Girls · Militarie Gun · Gouge Away ❤️☠️🖤

Magazine Beach makes emo-punk for when you're spiraling, but like, still fun at parties. See ‘em at Sugar Maple for a night of Emo and Indie Rock!

FFO: Tigers Jaw · Oso Oso · Retirement Party ❤️☠️🖤

Garage rock that’s fast and wild (and doesn’t care about your noise complaint). Smudge your eyeliner and throw on some ripped fishnets and we’ll see you on the dancefloor!

FFO: The Sonics · The Gories · Shannon and the Clams ❤️☠️🖤

A little shoegaze, a little post-hardcore, a little “I’ve been thinking too much lately but in a cool way.” Askysoblack is headed to Sugar Maple! Don’t miss out!

FFO: Deafheaven · Deftones · Nothing ❤️☠️🖤

ULTRABOMB is a band made up of punk legends who clearly never got the memo to slow down. Greg from Hüsker Dü, Derek from Social D, and Ryan from Soul Asylum? Let’s party!

This one’s got all the makings of a night you’ll be yelling about in group chat for a week.

Boundaries play heavy, pissed-off metalcore with zero interest in subtlety. They’re rolling through with Stick To Your Guns, so yeah, things are gonna get loud. Sold out!

FFO: Counterparts · Varials · Jesus Piece ❤️☠️🖤

Boundaries play heavy, pissed-off metalcore with zero interest in subtlety. They’re rolling through with Stick To Your Guns, so yeah, things are gonna get loud.

FFO: Counterparts · Varials · Jesus Piece ❤️☠️🖤

Galactic Empire is what happens when metal dudes love Star Wars a little too much…and we fully support it. It’s all the iconic themes you grew up on, now with face-melting solos and full villain cosplay. Nerdy? Yes. Heavy? Also yes.

FFO: Star Wars (duh) · Dragonforce · Powerglove ❤️☠️🖤

Chicago band making noisy, twitchy post-punk that feels like it was born in a basement and raised on zines. This band’s way too cool to stand still.

FFO: Horsegirl · METZ · Protomartyr ❤️☠️🖤

A 5-band emo bill from all over the world. Worst Party Ever? Yes, but this will be a pretty good concert. Stacked bill. Big feelings. Too many bands to process emotionally. You’re gonna leave with a new favorite and probably a lump in your throat (but like, in a good way).

FFO: Snowing · Brave Little Abacus · Mom Jeans ❤️☠️🖤

Zao’s been doing heavy, chaotic metalcore since before half the crowd had WiFi. Loud, fast, emotional, and somehow still getting heavier.

FFO: Converge · Norma Jean · Every Time I Die ❤️☠️🖤

Ever feel like your brain won’t shut up, so you write a perfect indie rock song about it? Mal Blum gets it. Their songs are clever, raw, and catchy in that “laugh so you don’t cry” kind of way.

FFO: AJJ · The Mountain Goats · Sidney Gish ❤️☠️🖤

Kiesza broke big with “hideaway” (look it up, there’s a good chance you know it), and has been keeping dance floors weird ever since. It’s electro-pop with the kind of hooks that stick in your head for days.

FFO: Robyn · Jessie Ware · La Roux ❤️☠️🖤

Girls to the front! Febuary's coming through all the way from Las Vegas with the emo/screamo you know you love (and yes, that's how you spell it).

FFO: Saetia · Wednesday · Gouge Away

You ever feel like throwing a chair just to feel something? Good. This one’s for you. Real stomp-the-floor, clench-your-teeth, test-the-structural-integrity-of-the-venue energy.

FFO: Madball · Gulch · Knocked Loose ❤️☠️🖤

These legends have been dragging souls through the sludge since the 90’s, and they’re not getting any sunnier. Hope you like your metal slow and filthy.

FFO: Incantation · Autopsy · Temple of Void ❤️☠️🖤

Another great Midwest lineup! Sleepersound brings the dream pop/post-rock that leans into the floaty, foggy stuff, slow builds, spaced out vibes, and that “am I in a coming-of-age film right now?” kind of energy.

Modern Tigers celebrate the release of their new album “Loss/Less.” Don’t miss out!

Skramz from the matrix. Beaming in from NYC and Pittsburgh with a sound that feels like a dial-up modem having a meltdown

FFO: p.s. you’re wrong · The Kodan Armada · teen suicide ❤️☠️🖤

Floaty, fuzzed-out and just the right kind of heart-wrecked, MX Lonely are headed to Sugar Maple for a night of shoegaze!

FFO: Whirr · Cloakroom · Soft Kill ❤️☠️🖤

Bring your heart-on-sleeve energy and maybe a friend who’s a little too into yelling along to every lyric. No judgment. We’ll be right there with you.

FFO: Hot Mulligan · Spanish Love Songs · MUNA ❤️☠️🖤

Sad? Gay? Loud? Perfect.

FFO: Mannequin Pussy · Gully Boys · That dog. ❤️☠️🖤

This band feels like the onset of the “Indie Sleaze” revolution that took over in the 2000’s. It somehow feels nostalgic and new all at the same time. (Remember the first time you ever heard Modest Mouse? It’s kinda like that) 

FFO: The White Stripes · Franz Ferdinand · Hot Hot Heat 

Ocean Sleeper is coming all the way from Australia to scream directly into your soul from our very famous stage. If you're into getting loud, getting sad, or both at the same time...see you there.

FFO: Polaris · Dayseeker · Wage War ❤️☠️🖤

Oliver Francis makes vibey, emo-adjacent trap that’s perfect for blasting in your car while you overthink everything. He writes, records, and produces it all himself. Catch him on our very famous stage this August!

FFO: Bones · Wicca Phase Springs Eternal · nothing,nowhere. ❤️☠️🖤

Dreamy but pissed about it. If your idea of catharsis involves staring at your shoes while getting emotionally walloped, this one’s calling your name. Blush are headed to Sugar Maple for a night of Shoegaze!

FFO: Narrow Head · Softcult · Cloakroom ❤️☠️🖤

Accordion, banjo, and a whole lot of punk spirit, straight from Argentina and ready to light up the room with rad folk punk.

FFO: Days N’ Daze · Gogol Bordello · Leftöver Crack ❤️☠️🖤

Imagine a breakup text set to the best pop song you’ve ever heard. Boy Jr. is Pop music that bites back. Hyperpop covers of The Killers, internet brainrot, and catchy as heck.

FFO: Tessa Violet · Half·alive · King Princess 

Chicago basement Indie Pop glowup!

FFO: Hippo Campus · COIN · Dayglow ❤️☠️🖤

Five bands. All Wisconsin. All volume. Throwdown with the locals, it’ll be fun, we promise!

FFO: Sevendust · Breaking Benjamin · Nonpoint ❤️☠️🖤

Dirtnap Records are bringing an absolutely insane three-day fest to our very famous stage! Milwaukee Record summed it up best, check it out!

Dirtnap Records are bringing an absolutely insane three-day fest to our very famous stage! Milwaukee Record summed it up best, check it out!

Dirtnap Records are bringing an absolutely insane three-day fest to our very famous stage! Milwaukee Record summed it up best, check it out!

Come light a candle and lose yourself in the fog.

FFO: Christian Death · Rudimentary Peni · T.S.O.L. ❤️☠️🖤

If corpse paint, pig squeals, and circle pits are your love language, you already know what’s up.

FFO: Cradle of Filth · Carnifex · Whitechapel ❤️☠️🖤

Things are about to get real weird in the best way. You know him from The Cramps, The Gun Club, and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, but this is Kid doing his own freaky thing.

FFO: The Cramps · Nick Cave · Thee Oh Sees

It’s Hell’s Bells with better outfits, Dirty Deeds done with consent, and Back in Black, but make it fashion. AC/DC walked so GayC/DC could strut.

Started as one guy and a guitar, now it’s a full-blown folk-rock crew with Chicago roots and a knack for turning sad songs into singalongs.

FFO: Mt. Joy · Caamp · The Backseat Lovers ❤️☠️🖤

Alright, Myspace alumni, this one's for you! Somehow it's been 20 years since Suck Out The Poison came out, and you're gonna wanna scream the entirety of it in the pit! 

FFO: The Chariot · Maylene & The Sons of Disaster · Everytime I Die

Knifeplay and Euphoria Again are headed our way for a night of crushing, blown-out slowcore.

FFO: Whirr · Have a Nice Life · Duster ❤️☠️🖤

Conan plays doom metal that’s slow, loud, and absolutely massive. It’s all crushing riffs, no nonsense, and yes, it will rattle your teeth in the best way.

FFO: Bongripper · Electric Wizard · Monolord ❤️☠️🖤

Victim of Fire are headed to MKEUltra! Don’t miss out!

Loud, retro, cool as hell…like if The Ronettes got into a bar fight with The Sonics (and won). You’ll swear it’s straight outta the '60s, but louder and way less polite.

FFO: Shannon & The Clams · Black Lips · Death Valley Girls ❤️☠️🖤

This event is sponsored by our friends at WMSE!

This one's gonna float you into a pink-hued dream dimension. Shoegaze, noise-pop, and warm fuzzy feelings all in one night.

FFO: Tamaryn · Hatchie · Glare ❤️☠️🖤

If you’re into heavy stuff with some bounce, this one’s for you.

FFO: UnityTX · Vein.fm · Knocked Loose ❤️☠️🖤

Warm, scrappy East Coast emo that makes you wanna smile and sob at the same time. You don’t need a helmet to see Sports at our very famous arcade!

FFO: Panucci’s Pizza · Michael Cera Palin · Glocca Morra ❤️☠️🖤

Don’t fear the White Reaper-Rock and roll music from Louisville, Kentucky! this ain’t your grandma’s backyard gig.

FFO: Ty Segall, Japandroids, King Tuff ❤️☠️🖤

Punk the way it’s meant to be. Loud, fast, and with something to say. It’s the kind of set that makes you want to yell along even if you don’t know the words yet.

FFO: Tilt · Bratmobile · The Distillers ❤️☠️🖤

Frankie and the Witch Fingers deal in blown-out psych-punk with new wave glitches and just enough grease to stain your soul. Wild live show, serious pedalboard chaos, zero chill.

FFO: Ty Segall · Oh Sees · Thee Sacred Souls ❤️☠️🖤

Winter makes the kind of music you put on when you’re walking home alone and pretending you’re in a movie (just me?). It’s hazy, nostalgic, and a little bit sparkly in that “I’m processing something, don’t talk to me” kind of way.

FFO: Men I Trust · Jay Som · Beach House ❤️☠️🖤

Fire up the grill… Mutilation Barbecue is headed to Cactus Club for an evening of gory death metal!

FFO: Sanguisugabogg · 200 Stab Wounds · Undeath ❤️☠️🖤

These maniacs rip full game soundtracks live while their speedrunner plays through the game in real time on stage. We’re turning X-Ray into Bowser’s Castle, so come hang!

Ever wish your lo-fi daydreams had a little more bite? You got it!

FFO: Built to Spill · Grandaddy · Sparklehorse ❤️☠️🖤

The Grogans are headed to our very famous stage! Don’t miss out!

You don’t watch this band…you get abducted by them! (into interdimensonal jams)

FFO: Gong · Boredoms · Silver Apples

The kind of singalongs that leave your throat wrecked and your soul slightly less crushed.

FFO: The Clash · Bouncing Souls · The Interrupters ❤️☠️🖤

From the outer edges of the fuzziverse comes Kal-El, Norway’s heavy-hitting doom ‘n’ roll export. For fans of fuzz, Sabbath worship, and soundtracks to space battles you (probably) didn’t survive.

FFO: Monolord · Kadaver · Red Fang 

Long Island heart. Hardcore roots. All guts, no gimmicks.

FFO: Taking Back Sunday, Silent Majority, The Movielife 💔☠️🖤

Patrick Wolf makes emotional, genre-fluid art pop that somehow sounds like both a breakup and a renaissance fair. He’s been out of the game for a minute, but the new stuff’s got the same moody magic people got hooked on in the MySpace era.

FFO: Rufus Wainwright · ANOHNI · Owen Pallett ❤️☠️🖤

Skip the TV Party tonight… Black Flag is headed to our very famous stage. Don’t worry, we’ve got a Six-Pack waiting for you!

FFO: Circle Jerks · Dead Kennedys · Minor Threat (but really, do we even need this section?)
❤️☠️🖤

Weakened Friends is all big riffs, sing-alongs, and the kind of energy that makes you want to start a band with your best friends. Loud, fun, and impossible not to vibe with.

FFO: Mannequin Pussy · Slothrust · illuminati hotties ❤️☠️🖤

One minute you’re laughing at a lyric, the next you’re genuinely into the groove and wondering how you ended up in a full-blown singalong. It’s loud, it’s loose, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Just show up, grab a beer, and let things get a little weird.

FFO: Tenacious D · Andrew WK · Flight of the Conchords ❤️☠️🖤

The Haunt head to our very famous stage! Don’t miss out!

One part Wisconsin, one part London, fully chaotic Los Angeles energy.

FFO: Walk The Moon · X Ambassadors · Against The Current ❤️☠️🖤

After nearly 20 years of pioneering Deathcore, Ingested finally make their way to X-Ray Arcade. If you’re into blast beats, pig squeals, breakdowns, and vocals that sound like a swamp monster throwing a tantrum, don’t miss ‘em!

FFO: Dying Fetus · Aborted · Carnifex ❤️☠️🖤

Indie folk that starts off feeling kinda breezy, then sucker punches you (just a little). It’s honest, it’s catchy, and it somehow makes falling apart sound kinda hopeful.

FFO: Oliver Hazard · Knox Hamilton · Briston Maroney ❤️☠️🖤

Don’t miss Teethe at our very famous arcade!