Cactus Club

The Cactus Club, located at 2496 S. Wentworth Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is an artist-run, queer-owned, multi-disciplinary arts and performance space that has been a part of the Midwest's live music scene for over 25 years. The venue has a rich history, with its building having served as an Italian Anarchist book club in the early 1900s and a mid-century multicultural social center for weddings, birthdays, and cribbage clubs.

Over the years, the Cactus Club has evolved from a niche indie venue to a cultural hub and national destination, fostering meaningful relationships and highlighting artistic voices. It has been instrumental in the careers of many up-and-coming artists and has played a significant role in the Milwaukee music scene.

The venue has hosted a wide range of artists and bands, including The White Stripes, Queens of the Stone Age, Interpol, Death Cab for Cutie, Trans Am, The Promise Ring, The Dirtbombs, The Spits, The Faint, Spoon, Bright Eyes, Themselves, Eyedea And Abilities, Andrew Bird, Dan Deacon, Dalek, MC Chris, The Sword, High On Fire, and countless others.

In addition to its music programming, the Cactus Club has also launched Cactus+, an initiative aimed at broadening the reach of arts education and community inclusivity and sustainability. This initiative includes youth-organized events and skill-shares, such as Stop Motion Animation, Intro to Electronic Repairs, and DIY Mycology.

The venue is also known for its unique traditions and events. For instance, it hosts distanced outdoor programming which includes a variety of food vendors, artist pop-ups, and maker markets. It also offers a "Record Recommended" beer and shot special, which features an ice cold bottle of Miller and a mystery shot for a low price of $6.

The Cactus Club is committed to inclusivity and accessibility. In 2019, the venue worked with local legislators to restructure the formal qualifications of what constitutes a performing arts space, making it easier for the venue to host all-ages shows.