CRACKLE 2026

Friday, Sept. 11, 7-10 p.m. | Emmitt James 5-piece & Biscuit
Saturday, Sept. 12, 7-10 p.m. | The Stephen Hull Experience
CRACKLE, presented by MGE Foundation, is back with a blaze! Watch the mesmerizing flames while funky tunes invite you to get up and dance at this cozy night of great live music, bonfires, and tasty food. Plus, get a chance to enjoy our illuminated art exhibit GLEAM at no extra cost!
For the past three years, Olbrich has partnered with local Black farmers and chefs to highlight collards through our programming. This highly nutritious leafy green vegetable carries historical significance throughout the Black community. Collards will be featured on the menu at CRACKLE this year, serving as a lens through which to celebrate the community bonds, spiritual traditions, deep pride, and creative expression of Black culture.
Featured food vendors include Sistas Chicken & Fish, Kind Thailand, Naan Stop Fusion, and M&J Jamaican Kitch'n. In collaboration with REAP Food Group, Chef Yusuf Bin-Rella will be cooking up collards to share - limited bite-size samples.
Friday night features Emmitt James, a Hip-Hop-Jazz artist based in Milwaukee known for bridging the gap between jazz and rap with a 5-piece live band. He has opened for legendary acts such as Pharcyde, Hieroglyphics, and Yasiin Bay (formerly known as Mos Def).
On Saturday, enjoy the sounds of The Stephen Hull Experience. A native of Racine, Stephen Hull started playing the blues at age 14 and never stopped, taking cues from Albert King and B.B. King as he developed his sweet, soulful guitar sound.
The entertainment heats up during intermission with fire performances by Cirque du Cham!
--TICKETS ON SALE NOW--
$40 / $35 for members
Presale tickets available online (only): www.olbrich.org/calendar/crackle
Day of Event Tickets will be available online (only) starting at noon on the event date, weather permitting.
Must be 21+ to attend
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs as no seating will be provided outdoors.
Food & beverage available at additional cost
No carry-in food or beverages
All proceeds support the mission and daily operations of the Gardens. Additional support for CRACKLE is provided by Husch Blackwell.