Not every music festival is created the same. Milwaukee’s Summerfest is no different. This festival spans over 11 days, June 25-29 and July 1-6, has 11 stages and has booked over 800 acts and 1000 performances. It has been titled The World’s Largest Music Festival, with the grounds spanning close to 75 acres along the lakefront.
Summerfest provides a unique festival experience due to the wide variety of food provided by over 40 vendors, a strips of marketplaces set up around the grounds, and a skyglider that allows patrons to get a scenic view of the festival.
Tickets are only $18 for General Admission and Weekday Admission is $11. These tickets will get you in to all shows, except shows at the Marcus Ampitheater. Marcus Ampitheater tickets are sold online, starting from $45 dollars.
The city of Milwaukee is a whole different component in this festival experience. From the Historic Third Ward to Brady St, there are different shops, restaurants, and attractions to see and experience at every turn.
Below we have provided informative and fun-filled guides to Summerfest and Milwaukee. Enjoy this wonderful city and soak up some rays before returning to Chicago to experience upcoming hometown events!
Summerfest Schedule
Week 1, June 25 – June 29
Wednesday, June 25
Opening nights of music festivals are always a blast and Summerfest is no exception, with the headliner being Bruno Mars. He will be hitting the Marcus Ampitheater at 7:30 PM that night. Bad puns aside, there are many other awesome acts to check out this night. Ray LaMontague will be taking on the BMO Harris Pavilion at 8 PM, indie rockers Arctic Monkeys will be playing the Miller Lite Oasis at 10 PM, and returning group Neon Trees are booked to play the US Cellular Connection Stage at 10 PM. Also, if you’re in for new and upcoming bands, check out White Denim at the Miller Lite Oasis at 4:30 PM and Smallpools at the US Cellular Connection Stage at 8 PM.
Thursday, June 26
Pop queen Lady Gaga will be headlining the Marcus Ampitheater this night at 7:30 PM with special guest, Crayon Pop. There are other acts that you won’t want to miss, including American Idol Winner and country music superstar Scotty McCreery, who will be playing the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse at 9:30 PM, Classic rockers Kansas, who will be playing the Uline Warehouse at 10 PM. Be sure to check out Best Coast at the US Cellular Connection Stage at 10 PM and B.o.B at the Miller Lite Oasis at 10 PM as well.
Friday, June 27
Country rock fans, listen up, because this is a great night of Summerfest for you! Brad Paisley, along with special guests Darius Rucker and Joel Crouse will be playing the Marcus Ampitheater at 7:30. Here are some other acts that will take the stage this Friday night: Tegan and Sara will play the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard at 10 PM, Bleachers will perform at the US Cellular Connection Stage at 10 PM, and ZZ Ward will hit the Uline Warehouse at 10 PM. Some  groups that are performing earlier in the day are The Pretty Reckless, who will play the Harley-Davidson Warehouse at 3 PM, and Wild Cub, who will play the US Cellular Connection Stage at 8 PM.
Saturday, June 28
This is yet another great night for country rock fans! Luke Bryan will be headlining at the Marcus Ampitheater at 7:30 PM. Some other acts worth seeing this night are Kongos, who will play the US Cellular Connection stage at 10 PM, A Great Big World, who will perform the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse at 8 PM, and Girl Talk, who will put on their show at the Miller Lite Oasis at 10 PM.
Sunday, June 29
The reunited supergroup Outkast will be headlining at 7:30 in Marcus Ampitheater along with equally impressive “opening act” Gary Clark Jr.. I’d also suggest going to see The Head and the Heart at 10 PM at the Briggs & Stratton Backyard stage and The Neighborhood at 10 PM at the US Cellular Connection stage.
Week 2, July 1-6
Tuesday, July 1
This is the second week of Summerfest and there are plenty of big names to get excited about. One Republic will be headlining the Marcus Ampitheater at 7:30 PM and Switchfoot will be playing the US Cellular Connection Stage at 10 PM. Also, don’t forget to check out Nas at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse at 10 PM!
Wednesday, July 2
There is definitely a variety of musical groups that will please people of all different tastes this night! Dave Matthews Band will be headlining the Marcus Ampitheater at 7 PM. Other groups that are performing are Jersey Shore’s own DJ Pauly D, who will play the Harley Davidson Roadhouse at 10 PM, Ludacris, who will take on the Miller Lite Oasis at 10 PM, and The Airborne Toxic Event, who will rock the US Cellular Connection Stage at 10 PM. Classic rockers will also be happy to hear that Joan Jett & The Blackhearts will return to Milwaukee at the Uline Warehouse at 9:30 PM.
Thursday, July 3
Get ready to rock out this night! Zac Brown Band will be headlining the Marcus Ampitheater at 7 PM, New Order will be at the BMO Harris Pavilion at 8 PM, Rise Against is booked for the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse at 10 PM, and The Fray will perform at the Miller Lite Oasis at 10 PM.
Friday, July 4
It’s time to get patriotic! What’s better than American rock legends Motley Crue and Alice Cooper, who will be headlining the Marcus Ampitheater at 7:30 PM. I’d also suggest going to see Fitz & The Tantrums at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage at 10 PM, Brand New at Harley-Davidson Roadhouse at 10 PM, and Timeflies at the Miller Lite Oasis at 10 PM.
Saturday July 5
Pop punk rockers Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and New Politics will be taking on the Marcus Ampitheater at 7 PM. Also, don’t forget to check out Phantogram at the US Cellular Connection stage at 10 PM and Naima Adedapo at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse at 8 PM.
Sunday July 6th
Usher will closing the festival by headlining the Marcus Ampitheater at 7:30 PM. Festival goers should also go see Chicago’s up and coming rock band The Orwells, who are the opening act at the US Cellular Connection stage at 8 PM for Jake Bugg. Jake Bugg will take the stage at 10 PM. Let’s not forget that Cheap Trick will rock the BMO Harris Pavilion at 8 PM and Melissa Ethridge will play the Miller Lite Oasis at 9:30 PM.
 Summer in Milwaukee Guide
Before going to the big show at Summerfest, explore some the coolest areas in Milwaukee. Below there is a complete guide to the popular Bay View, Brady Street, and Historic Third Ward areas.
Bay View
Bay View is located on the south east side of Milwaukee, overlooking Lake Michigan. There are plenty of shops and restaurants for groups of different tastes. For the music lover, Acme Records & Music Emporium and Rush-Mor Limited Music and Video are great places to visit to purchase records, posters, CDs, and more. If you need a wardrobe change or need to grab a pair of sunglasses for the day, visit The Sparrow Collective or Luv Unlimited. You can also grab a cup o’ joe at Stone Creek Coffee and Hifi Cafe. For oustanding chocolate, visit ChocoBella. There’s even a shop for skaters: Sky High Skateboardshop & Gallery. Also, for the pet-lover, check out The Natural Pet and grab a gift or treat for your furry friend!
Brady Street
The Brady Street area is known as the “bohemian” area of the city and is the home to many independent stores and merchants. There are an abundance of fun and hysterical shops to be visited down this long and winding street.
Are you in need of a rubber chicken? Or maybe a crazy cat lady action figure set? Art Smart’s Dart Mart & Juggling Emporium is the perfect place for you. This shop has tons of gag gifts and even sells hard to find juggling, darts, and frisbee golf supplies.
Also, this area is especially great for those searching for vintage clothes or decor. Dragonfly Vintage Goods & Gifts and Annie’s 2nd Hand Chic are excellent sources for discounted vintage clothing and decor.
Are you looking to a rock a new hairstyle to the big show? Guys, listen up, because Dapper Classic Barbershop is heard to give the best men’s haircuts in town and is located right on Brady Street!
And finally, we can’t forget that we’re all in town for the music. The Exclusive Company is a top-notch record store for all your music needs. They even have a selection of discounted DVDs, band tees, pins, and posters!
The Historic Third Ward
The Historic Third Ward is a great area for food and to experience the Milwaukee nightlife. There are also many cool stores to visit here as well! The Milwaukee Public Market has a vast variety of foods that are offered, including different types of seafood, sandwiches, soups, juices, and smoothies. There are even booths with chocolates, icecream, and other sweets.
Want to be recognized as the kid with the coolest shoes at the festival? I would suggest checking out Shoo, which is a locally owned shoe boutique that also sells bags and belts. Oh, and did we mention that Steve Martin walked into their store one day and a picture with him is featured on their website?
Hot Pop is a personal favorite of mine, located on 201 N Water Street. It is definitely a place that anyone visiting can’t miss. They have a great selection of designer toys, unique art print shirts, tech items, houseware, and so much more! They also have a gallery located on the right half of the store, where they display many outstanding pieces made by local artists.
To all that are planning to take a trip up to Milwaukee to experience this great festival and city, have a blast!
