Summer in Milwaukee means festivals along the lakefront, and the biggest of these has always been Summerfest.
Held since 1968, and at it’s current location on Milwaukee’s waterfront since 1970, Summerfest – The Big Gig – has hosted music from all genres and styles. In more recent years it has expanded to include children’s theater, hundreds of dining options, fireworks and the 23,000 seat Marcus Amphitheater. Summerfest usually runs from the Wednesday before the 4th of July through to the weekend after. One day the park is closed, giving 11 days of summer fun.
Summerfest, now held on the Henry Maier Festival Grounds (Named after the Mayor of Milwaukee who, after visiting Octoberfest in Germany, conceived of the idea), includes 11 stages ranging from country to comedy to alternative. In addition, smaller street musicians often play on the small grassy areas along the paved paths. There is also a large children’s play area and children’s stage features all-age-appropriate entertainment for family visitors, and a sports area showcasing athletic clubs recreational groups in the area. With the exception of the headline shows at the Marcus, all the stages are free with admission to the Summerfest grounds.
I went for the first time in High School, invited by a couple of girls since I had a car. It was fun, and I have tried to go most years since. The free stages have music in all genres (generally each stage is set up with a musical taste in mind, allowing a visitor to simply find a seat and hang out all day), and each has a headliner in the evening. Some of the free stages feature bands that would charge a heavy cover at another venue.
During the day the stages usually feature local bands, or lesser known groups on tour. Some of the performers during the day can be just as good as the headliners (and some, to be honest, not so much). I remember “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” being played so well I thought the Charlie Daniels Band was on stage, but it was actually a local group. They had a huge crowd.
In recent years, in particular the evening, it has seemed like there has been an increase in the number of people arriving at Summerfest more for the beer (there is a lot of beer) than the music. Some of these people end up being disruptive and take away from the enjoyment of the rest of the event. Fortunately there are always other bands on other stages, and with only a couple exceptions it’s easy for the people there for the music to isolate themselves from the people there to drink.
