Summerfest Pushes Back To September

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., announced Monday that Milwaukee’s Summerfest will be moving from its original June and July dates to Sept. 3-5, 10-12, and 17-19. “The World’s Largest Music Festival” is the latest of many events canceled to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

“The new dates provide the best possible option to deliver the Summerfest experience our fans and sponsors have grown to love,” organizers said in a statement. “We are doing everything possible to continue a tradition which spans five decades.

“All of us at Summerfest look forward to seeing you in September. Until then, I hope you can take some time to listen to your favorite artists and enjoy the magic of music. Please take care of yourself and one another.”

All festival tickets purchased for the original event will be honored at the new dates. 

Each year standalone shows at American Family Insurance Amphitheater are held in conjunction with Summerfest, but ticketed separately. Information regarding those shows will be made available “soon.”

This year’s headliners at BMO Harris Pavilion, the main stage on Henry Maier Festival Grounds, include Goo Goo Dolls, Steve Miller Band, Styx, Charlie Wilson, Barenaked Ladies, Marty Stuart, KC & The Sunshine Band and Psychedelic Furs. 

Standalone shows at American Family Insurance Amphitheater were to include Justin Bieber, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Khalid, Jesse Reyez, Blink-182, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews Band, Halsey, and Guns N’ Roses (on the 4th of July no less).

Summerfest announced a promoter agreement with Midwestern powerhouse Frank Productions Concerts in October, and the partnership was set to take Milwaukee’s summer programming to a new level.  

Summerfest turned 50 in 2017 and, last year, VenuesNow explored the festival’s commitment to updating its venues and overall festival experience.