The late Milwaukee Mayor Henry Maier had a vision of creating a music festival that would revitalize the downtown area and bring the community together. In 1968 this vision became a reality, as 35 separate locations participated in the celebration known as Summerfest. Within two years the event migrated to one location on the city\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s downtown lakefront, now known as Henry Maier Festival Park.<\/p>\n
The festival has grown and evolved to what is now recognized as “the World\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Largest Music Festival” and Milwaukee\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s cornerstone summer celebration of music, sun and fun. <\/p>\n
This year’s 40th anniversary festival will run 11 days, June 28-July 8 at Henry W. Maier Festival Park located at 200 N. Harbor Drive on the Milwaukee Lake Michigan lakefront and includes 75 acres of festival grounds.<\/p>\n
Over the years, the permanent 75-acre festival site has seen tremendous growth and enhancements, including capital improvements, new partners, vendors and exhibits. The 23,000 capacity Marcus Amphitheater, 10 grounds stage areas, a children\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s theater, sports court, 45 diverse food and beverage vendors and four unique marketplaces, all set against the beautiful Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, create a festival experience like no other. <\/p>\n
Each year the Marcus Amphitheater welcomes top national tours to entertain music fans. This year’s lineup includes: June 28, Steeley Dan; June 30, The Fray with OK Go and Mae; July 2, Roger Waters; July 3, John Mayer, July 4, Tool; July 5, Bon Jovi and July 8, Toby Keith. There is a separate admission with reserved seating for the headliner shows at the Marcus Amphitheater. <\/p>\n
However, not only does the Marcus Amphitheater host national headlining acts, but the grounds stages also feature many of today\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hottest acts, along with classic favorites. <\/p>\n
Returning to Summerfest for the second year, the CMT Summer Concert Series will again present three one-hour concert television specials. Scheduled to appear are Sugarland, Sara Evans and Big & Rich. The television specials will be taped June 29 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c July 1 from the Harley-Davidson Stage. The three concert specials will premiere August 3 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c 5 on CMT, and they will also shoot their “CMT Top Twenty Countdown” from Summerfest with host Lance Smith. <\/p>\n
———-Foods From Around the Globe at Summerfest Also
\n Also back in 2007, Summerfest and African World Festival have teamed up to produce “A Gospel Celebration,” to be held at Summerfest on July 1 and July 8 and at African World Festival on Sunday, Aug. 5. The program will again feature a progressive competition of 10 local and regional gospel choirs.<\/p>\n
Summerfest not only provides musical diversity everywhere you turn, but also a wide assortment of delicious menu items with something for every palate to enjoy. Italian, Thai, Mexican, Greek, Chinese, Cajun, German, or standard American fare \u00e2\u20ac\u201c the festival has a dish to satisfy every craving. Add great shopping, family attractions, children\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s activities, sports demos, comedy, and more, and you have the perfect way to spend a summer day. <\/p>\n
Mayor Maier\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s vision has evolved into a world-class event, bringing together approximately 900,000 people from Milwaukee and around the world together for 11 days each year. <\/p>\n
Summerfest operates noon to midnight all 11 days with advance general admission one-day tickets for $14 or $23 for two days. At the gate Adults, Weekdays Noon \u00e2\u20ac\u201c 4 p.m $8; weeknights and weekends $15, with seniors (over 60) and children $3 Admission Day Promotions available on specific dates and times
\n For more festival information go to :\twww.summerfest.com<\/p>\n
———-Other Special Attractions At Summerfest
\n With so many special attractions to choose from, each day of Summerfest is a unique and unforgettable experience. <\/p>\n
Visit the Columbia St. Mary\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Cool Down Lounge with Smooth 93.3 WJZI \u00e2\u20ac\u201c an air conditioned destination that will be the “coolest” spot on the grounds.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Cellular Connection Stage with Leinenkugel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s and FM 102\/1 will again feature the Emerging Artists Series highlighting new, emerging talent each evening from 3\u00e2\u20ac\u201c 7:30 pm with nightly competitions, <\/p>\n
Visit Midwest Airlines at Summerfest and sit in a real Midwest wide, leather seat, just like the ones on their Boeing 717\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s. Enter to win roundtrip tickets aboard ”
\n At the Potawatomi Bingo Roadshow you can get lucky every weekday with FREE Bingo at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage and Pavilion. Win fun promotional prizes, and enjoy intermission entertainment by Al White. <\/p>\n
Tee up three balls for $6 at the Hole-In-One with Milwaukee\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Sportsradio WSSP and CBS 58. A Hole-In-One wins Midwest Airlines tickets and a chance to win a car donated by Andrew Automotive. <\/p>\n
Experience Summerfest high above the treetops at the 96.5 WKLH Skyglider with Midwest Airlines. One-way and round-trips are available.<\/p>\n
The folks at Leinenkugel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s invite you to kick back and relax in the larger-than-life Leinie Lounger \u00e2\u20ac\u201c a giant-size Adirondack chair \u00e2\u20ac\u201c daily from 6-8 pm.<\/p>\n