Summerfest will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 19-21, June 25-28, and July 3-5, 2025.
As the days grow longer and the air thickens with the promise of summer, Milwaukee gears up for its annual spectacle, the legendary Summerfest. In 2025, marking its 57th year, the "World's Largest Music Festival" is poised to deliver another unforgettable experience across three weekends: June 19-21, June 26-28, and July 3-5. Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan at Henry Maier Festival Park, this sprawling 75-acre playground transforms into a vibrant hub of music, culture, and community.
Summerfest has cultivated a unique identity, distinguishing itself from typical music festivals. It’s a melting pot where genres collide, emerging artists share the stage with global icons, and the aroma of diverse culinary delights wafts through the air. It's a place where families create memories, friends reunite, and music lovers discover their new favorite band. The festival's affordability, with general admission tickets starting at a reasonable $30, further democratizes the experience, making world-class entertainment accessible to a wide audience. For the truly dedicated, the 9-Day Power Pass offers exceptional value at $130, granting access to all the non-amphitheater performances throughout the festival's run.
A Symphony of Sounds: The 2025 Lineup
The heart of Summerfest beats to the rhythm of its diverse and extensive lineup, spread across 12 stages. This year promises a sonic adventure for every taste. While the full schedule with stage times is eagerly anticipated, the headliners for the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, requiring separate tickets, offer a tantalizing glimpse of the star power on display:
- Weekend 1 (June 19-21): Kicking off with a rock spectacle, Def Leppard will share the stage with Tesla on June 19th. Friday, June 20th, will see the soulful sounds of Hozier accompanied by Gigi Perez. Saturday, June 21st, brings a double dose of melodic mastery with James Taylor, featuring special guests Jason Mraz and Tiny Habits.
- Weekend 2 (June 26-28): Country music takes center stage on Thursday, June 26th, with the dynamic Lainey Wilson. Friday, June 27th, is set to ignite with the anthemic rock of The Killers. Saturday, June 28th, will see the electrifying presence of Megan Thee Stallion, with support from Flo Milli.
- Weekend 3 (July 3-5): The final weekend begins with Benson Boone, joined by Bishop Briggs and The Aces on Thursday, July 3rd. Friday, July 4th, will feature a performance by the legendary band Bad Omens. The festival will culminate on Saturday, July 5th, with the indie-folk charm of The Lumineers, featuring special guest Hippo Campus.
- Rock & Alternative: Third Eye Blind, Local H, Young the Giant, The Fray, The Head and the Heart, Motion City Soundtrack, Plain White T's, Everclear, Social Distortion, 311, Badflower, Dorothy, The Romantics Mike Skill, Walt Disco.
- Indie & Folk: Japanese Breakfast, Hiss Golden Messenger, The Record Company, The Avett Brothers, Cake, Fountains of Wayne, Tripping Daisy, The Maine, Friko, Yoke Lore, Allison Russell.
- Country & Americana: Lukas Nelson, Shane Smith & The Saints, Riley Green, Preston Cooper, Muscadine Bloodline, Nate Smith, Gavin Adcock, Whiskey Myers, Billy Currington.
- Hip-Hop & R&B: Ginuwine, Aly & AJ, Eric Bellinger, Fabolous, Offset, BossMan Dlow, Tee Grizzley, The Isley Brothers, Eric Benét, Mike Jones, Ayra Starr.
- Pop & Electronic: Betty Who, Natasha Bedingfield, Loud Luxury, Porter Robinson, Gigi Perez, Mike Posner, Hoodie Allen, Nessa Barrett, Babymetal.
- Blues & Soul: Gary Clark Jr., The Allman Betts Band, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Buffalo Nichols, John Butler.
- Throwbacks & Classics: Foghat, Grand Funk Railroad, Rick Springfield, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, DEVO, The English Beat.
- Local Milwaukee Acts: A vibrant showcase of the city's rich music scene will also be featured, with numerous local artists adding their unique flavor to the festival.
Keep an eye out for the full stage schedules to discover hidden gems and plan your days to catch as many of your favorite artists as possible!
More Than Just Music: A Festival of Experiences
While music is the undeniable draw, Summerfest offers a holistic festival experience that extends far beyond the stages.
Getting There and Staying Connected
Milwaukee is a vibrant and easily navigable city. Summerfest is well-connected by public transportation, and various parking options are available near the festival grounds. Consider utilizing ride-sharing services for convenience. Once inside, the festival layout is designed for easy navigation between stages and amenities. Download the Summerfest app for the latest schedules, maps, and updates to stay connected throughout your visit.
Final Thoughts: An Essential Summer Experience
Summerfest 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable highlight of the summer. With its incredible musical lineup spanning genres, diverse culinary offerings, engaging activities, and the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan, it's more than just a music festival – it's a celebration of community and the unifying power of music. Whether you're a seasoned Summerfest veteran or a first-time attendee, prepare to immerse yourself in the energy, the sounds, and the spirit of Milwaukee's most iconic summer tradition. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready for three weekends of pure summer bliss!
Summerfest
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More Than Just Music: A Festival of Experiences
While music is the undeniable draw, Summerfest offers a holistic festival experience that extends far beyond the stages.
- Culinary Delights: Prepare your taste buds for a gastronomic journey! Summerfest boasts an impressive array of food vendors catering to every craving. From classic festival fare like corn dogs and funnel cakes to international cuisine and gourmet offerings from Milwaukee's acclaimed chefs, there's something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss the local specialties and the chance to discover new food favorites.
- Family Fun: Summerfest is a welcoming environment for families. Children's Fest, typically held on one of the Saturday afternoons (June 21st in 2025), offers a dedicated space with engaging activities and entertainment for the little ones. Keep an eye out for discounts on food and beverages during these family-friendly hours.
- Shopping and Activities: Beyond the music and food, the festival grounds feature a variety of vendors offering unique merchandise, arts, and crafts. Interactive exhibits and sponsor activations add another layer of engagement to the Summerfest experience.
- The American Family Insurance House: This fan-favorite destination offers a more intimate setting to see festival artists perform. It also provides opportunities to snag free customizable festival merchandise and, for the first 50 people in line for a performance, a chance for a post-show VIP meet-and-greet with the artist. The lineup for the American Family Insurance House in 2025 includes Joy Oladokun, Ginuwine, Aly & AJ, Gigi Perez, Eric Bellinger, Good Neighbours, Mayday Parade, Plain White T's, Jo Dee Messina, The Fray, Young The Giant, hey, nothing., Everclear, Alex Warren, Josh Ross, and The Warning.
- Free Admission Opportunities: Summerfest is committed to accessibility and offers several "Get In Free" promotions throughout its run. These include donating shelf-stable food items, new socks and hygiene products, wearing college or high school apparel on designated days, and special appreciation days for military personnel and first responders. Check the Summerfest website or local listings for specific dates and details on these promotions.
- Level Up Deck: For an elevated experience at the Miller Lite Oasis stage, consider the Level Up Deck. This area offers a private bar, seating, TVs, and restrooms, providing a comfortable vantage point to enjoy performances by artists like The Mavericks, Gary Clark Jr., Mayday Parade, and Billy Corgan and the Machines of God. Tickets for the Level Up Deck also include same-day Summerfest admission and two beverages.
Milwaukee is a vibrant and easily navigable city. Summerfest is well-connected by public transportation, and various parking options are available near the festival grounds. Consider utilizing ride-sharing services for convenience. Once inside, the festival layout is designed for easy navigation between stages and amenities. Download the Summerfest app for the latest schedules, maps, and updates to stay connected throughout your visit.
Final Thoughts: An Essential Summer Experience
Summerfest 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable highlight of the summer. With its incredible musical lineup spanning genres, diverse culinary offerings, engaging activities, and the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan, it's more than just a music festival – it's a celebration of community and the unifying power of music. Whether you're a seasoned Summerfest veteran or a first-time attendee, prepare to immerse yourself in the energy, the sounds, and the spirit of Milwaukee's most iconic summer tradition. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready for three weekends of pure summer bliss!
Summerfest
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