Summerfest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Summerfest |
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| Genre | Alternative, Americana, bluegrass, blues, contemporary, country, electronic, folk, funk, gospel, hard rock, metal, hip hop, indie, jam band, jazz, pop, R&B, reggae, rock, zydeco |
| Dates | 11 days (Starts last Wednesday in June annually) |
| Location(s) | Henry Maier Festival Park Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States |
| Years active | 1968–2019, 2021– |
| Attendance |  445,611 (2022) 409,386 (2021) 718,144 (2019) 766,192 (2018)831,769 (2017) |
Summerfest is a huge yearly music festival that happens in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It started in 1968 and takes place at Henry Maier Festival Park. This park is right next to Lake Michigan and Milwaukee's main city area.
About 800,000 people visit Summerfest every year. It calls itself "The World's Largest Music Festival." Guinness World Records even confirmed this title in 1999. However, another festival in Austria, called Donauinselfest, has had more visitors in recent years. Still, Summerfest is one of the biggest music events in the world!
The festival usually runs for 11 days, from late June to early July. This includes the Fourth of July. Recently, it was decided that Summerfest will happen over three weekends instead. This change allows for more Friday and Saturday events.
You can find all kinds of music here. Local bands and famous national artists perform from noon until midnight. There are many stages, including the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, which can hold 23,000 people. Over the years, nearly $150 million has been spent to improve the park. This includes building new stages, bars, and special areas for visitors.
Summerfest also has lots of tasty food from Milwaukee restaurants. You can also find shopping, amazing fireworks shows, and fun activities for families. A non-profit group called Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. runs Summerfest. Many famous artists have played at Summerfest, like Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Metallica, and Lady Gaga.
Contents
How Summerfest Started
Summerfest was an idea from Milwaukee's mayor, Henry W. Maier, in the 1960s. He visited Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, and wanted a similar festival for Milwaukee. In 1962, he gathered business and community leaders to plan a big summer event.
By the mid-1960s, they had a plan for a 10-day festival. They first called it "Milwaukee World Festival." For a short time in 1966, it was named "Juli Spaß," which means "July Fun" in German. Finally, they decided on "Summerfest."
The very first Summerfest happened in July 1968. It was held in 35 different places around the city. Events included concerts, a film festival, an air show, and even a pageant. The first year was a success. However, the second festival in 1969 had problems with bad weather and money issues.
In 1970, Summerfest found its permanent home. It moved to a former missile site right on the lakefront. The festival is still held there today! That same year, Summerfest introduced its famous red "smiley face" logo. This logo was designed by local artists Noel Spangler and Richard D. Grant.
Summerfest Attendance Over the Years
Summerfest has seen many visitors throughout its history. In 2001, it had its highest attendance with over 1 million people! The festival was closed in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, it was shorter, lasting only 9 days, and happened in September instead of summer.
Summerfest Attendance Since 1995
Stages and Fun Areas
The Summerfest grounds have seven main stages and two pavilions that can also be used as stages. Each stage offers a unique experience for concert-goers.
| Stage Name | Capacity | Photo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Family Insurance Amphitheater | 23,000 | This is the biggest stage. It was built in 1987 to hold large crowds. It has been updated with a higher roof and better seating. | |
| BMO Harris Pavilion | 10,000 | .jpg) |
Built in 2012, this stage has a cool wave-shaped roof. It protects about 5,000 guests with seats and another 5,000 standing. |
| Miller Lite Oasis | 11,400 |  |
Finished in 2006, this is the largest stage you can access without buying an extra ticket for the main headliner. It was updated in 2017 with a longer bar and VIP areas. |
| Generac Power Stage | 11,000 |  |
This stage was updated in 2008 and again in 2021 when it got its new name. |
| Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard | 8,600 |  |
This stage was renovated in 2011. It can hold between 6,000 and 8,000 people. |
| U.S. Cellular Connection Stage | 5,700 |  |
Updated in 2018, this stage offers great views of Lake Michigan. It has a huge LED screen and charging benches. |
| Uline Warehouse | 7,300 |  |
Located on the north side, this stage was rebuilt in 2019. It hosts many types of music, like classic rock and country. |
| Johnson Controls World Sound Stage | 3,200 | This stage features a mix of R&B, blues, world beat, and soul music. | |
| JoJo's Martini Lounge | This spot is near the main amphitheater. It's popular for its special martinis and local live music. | ||
| Klement's Sausage and Beer Garden | On the north end of the park, this area has acoustic music daily. It's set up like a backyard picnic with seating and places to buy food. | ||
| Gruber Law Offices Sportszone | Near the Mid Gate, this is a cool place for sports fans. It has daily activities, sports demos, and games for kids. | ||
| South Pavilion | 2,700 | This area can be used as a stage, but it doesn't have a permanent one. | |
| Other | N/A | Other smaller spots include the Tiki Hut and the "DIY" Rebel Stage. |
Famous Performers at Summerfest
Summerfest has been known for its music since it began in 1968. Many legendary artists have performed here. These include Bob Dylan, The Jackson 5, Frank Sinatra, Prince, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, The Jonas Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Maroon 5, Britney Spears, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Cher, Tina Turner, and James Taylor.
Comedy acts have also been a part of Summerfest's history. Famous comedians like George Carlin, Jay Leno, and Jon Stewart have made people laugh at the festival.
Recent Performers
Here are some of the artists who have performed at Summerfest in recent years:
| Year | Performers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Linkin Park, Keith Urban, Ed Sheeran, Florida Georgia Line, Zac Brown Band, Kings of Leon, Kendrick Lamar, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, Carrie Underwood, and The Avett Brothers. | The Rolling Stones performed their first Milwaukee concert in 10 years as part of the Zip Code Tour. |
| 2016 | Selena Gomez, Pitbull, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Tim McGraw, Blink-182, Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon, Luke Bryan, Paul McCartney, Weezer, Panic! at the Disco, Sting, and Peter Gabriel. | |
| 2017 | Red Hot Chili Peppers, Luke Bryan, Brothers Osborne, Paul Simon, Zac Brown Band, P!nk, The Chainsmokers, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell, Future, Big Sean, Migos, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Margo Price, Promise of the Real, Steve Miller Band, A Day to Remember, Atmosphere, Walk the Moon, Shinedown, Andy Grammer, Third Eye Blind, The Band Perry, Philip Phillips, Collective Soul, Blues Traveler, Spin Doctors, Tonic, Soul Asylum, Los Lonely Boys, Peter Frampton, Huey Lewis & the News, Toto, REO Speedwagon, and John Waite. | |
| 2018 | James Taylor & Bonnie Raitt, Halsey & Logic, Arcade Fire, Florida Georgia Line, Dave Matthews Band, Blake Shelton, J. Cole, Journey and Def Leppard, The Weeknd, and Imagine Dragons, A Flock Of Seagulls, Shawn Mendes with Charli XCX, Marshmello, Lil Uzi Vert, Steven Tyler, Kesha, Jason Isbell and the 400 unit, Aless, The Flaming Lips, Pixies, Greta Van Fleet, Foster the People, Billie Currington, Janelle Monáe, Jethro Tull, Tory Lanez, Kip Moore, Kaleo, The Neighbourhood, Rachel Platten, Louis the Child, PHANTOGRAM, Cheap Trick, Grizzly Bear, Spoon, Borns, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Fray, Buddy Guy, Kane Brown, Slightly Stoopid, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Cheat Codes, Chromeo, O.A.R., Jon Batist with The Dap-Kings, GoldLink, Machine Gun Kelly, Timeflies, Nelly, Brett Young, Benjamin Booker, Capital Cities, Judah & The Lion, Victor Manuelle, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Social Distortion, Gavin DeGraw, Echosmith, Rick Springfield, and more. | |
| 2019 | Thomas Rhett with Dustin Lynch & Russell Dickerson, Willie Nelson & Family, Phil Lesh and Friends, The Avett Brothers, Counting Crows, Alison Krauss, Dawes, Trapper Schoepp, Jason Aldean with Kane Brown and Carly Pearce, Bon Iver with Lord Huron & Julien Baker, Zac Brown Band with Drake White, Lionel Richie with Michael McDonald, Jennifer Lopez, The Killers with Death Cab for Cutie, Lil Wayne, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, ScHoolboy Q, Chicago, Foreigner, Loverboy, Styx, 38 Special, Jason Mraz, Walk the Moon, Third Eye Blind, Jimmy Eat World, 3 Doors Down, X Ambassadors, Switchfoot, Skillet, and Collective Soul, Brandi Carlile, Cole Swindell, The Head and the Heart, The Lonely Island, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Lizzo, The National, Steve Aoki, Brothers Osborne, Young The Giant, Sublime with Rome, Courtney Barnett, Quinn XCII, Atmosphere, T-Pain, Vic Mensa, Taking Back Sunday, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Dashboard Confessional, Judah & the Lion, Catfish and the Bottleman, Chaka Khan, Frenship, Chris Janson, Elle King, Gryffin, Dispatch, Chase Rice, August Burns Red, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Hanson, LANCO, Daya, Chelsea Cutler, lovelytheband, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Semisonic, COIN, La Sonora Poncena, The Roots, Matoma, Neon Trees, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Lake Street Dive, Ludacris, Los Lonely Boys, Jimmy Allen, and more. | |
| 2021 | Luke Bryan with Dylan Scott, REO Speedwagon, T-Pain, Chance the Rapper with 24kGoldn and Teezo Touchdown, Leon Bridges, Berlin, Night Ranger, Falling in Reverse, Better Than Ezra, Twenty One Pilots, Styx, Shaggy, Rise Against, Flo Rida, Vince Neil, Chris Stapleton with Sheryl Crow, Joan Jett DJ Jazzy Jeff, Everclear, George Thorogood, Zac Brown Band with Gabby Barrett, Goo Goo Dolls, Jefferson Starship, O.A.R., G-Eazy, The Sugarhill Gang, Nelly, Jesse McCartney, Dave Chappelle, Kesha, Manchester Orchestra, Toad the Wet Sprocket, 311, ZZ Top, Living Colour, Megan Thee Stallion with Polo G, Dropkick Murphys, Fitz and the Tantrums, Diplo, Spin Doctors, Ludacris, Miley Cyrus with Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Wilson, ... Furs, Run the Jewels, Guns N' Roses with Mammoth WVH, Black Pumas, Flaming Lips, Sheila E. | |
| 2022 | Jason Aldean with Gabby Barrett and John Morgan, Big Boi, Pop Evil, Steve Aoki, Barenaked Ladies, Modest Mouse, Steve Miller Band, Violent Femmes, Dillon Francis, Lita Ford, Lil Wayne with Wiz Khalifa and Wu-Tang Clan, Disturbed with Lamb of God, Chevelle, and New Medicine, The Fixx, Todd Rundgren, Machine Gun Kelly with Avril Lavigne and Iann Dior, Stone Temple Pilots, Alessia Cara, Howard Jones, Modern English, 2 Chainz, Blue Öyster Cult, Halsey with The Marías and Abby Roberts, Third Eye Blind, KC and the Sunshine Band, Village People, Taking Back Sunday, Lupe Fiasco, Commodores, Rod Stewart with Cheap Trick, John Fogerty, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys, Charli XCX, The Black Crowes, A Flock of Seagulls, Thomas Rhett, Sister Hazel, Rick Springfield, For King & Country, Dante Bowe. | |
| 2023 | Eric Church with Elle King, Zac Brown Band, James Taylor with Sheryl Crow, Dave Matthews Band, Odesza, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie with Trippie Redd and City Girls, Zach Bryan, Imagine Dragons with AJR. | |
| 2024 | Kane Brown with Kameron Marlowe and Nightly, Mötley Crüe with Buckcherry and Seether, Tyler Childers with S.G. Goodman and Adeem the Artist, Keith Urban with Needtobreathe and Alana Springsteen, AJR with Carly Rae Jepsen and Mxmtoon, Maroon 5, Lil Uzi Vert with Lil Yachty, JID, Rico Nasty, and Lihtz. |
Opening Headliners
The first big act to perform each year is called the opening headliner. Here's a list of some of them:
See also
In Spanish: Summerfest para niños
- Henry Maier Festival Park
- List of historic rock festivals
