Summer of Festivals in the City of Festivals

Milwaukee is the City of Festivals.

Every year Milwaukee is home to Summerfest and many other festivals. This includes a number of ethnic festivals and the Wisconsin State Fair.

Hundreds of thousands of people attend these events each year. Summerfest, for example, is the world’s largest music festival. In 2008, 831,024 people attended.

This year, Summerfest is June 25-July 5. The festival has something for all ages, but music is the biggest draw.

Some of the big music acts this year are Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder, George Strait, Bob Dylan and Kenny Chesney. They appear on the Marcus Amphitheater main stage.

A variety of small side stages also offer big-name acts.

Big crowds are expected even in a down economy.

Cheaper tickets available
Regular admission will remain at $8 on weekdays before 4 p.m. and $15 for nights and weekends. A variety of discounted admissions will be offered.

“We know people are hurting,” said Don Smiley, Summerfest president and chief executive officer. “We know people have been affected by layoffs and job losses at alarming rates, and we are going to support the consumer side of our business the way consumers have supported this event for more than 40 years.”
Smiley said, “Free admission is offered from noon to 3 p.m. on June 29 and July 5.”

Other admission offers include:

• Thursday, June 25: Stamp Out Hunger Day. Bring three non-perishable food items for one free admission ticket from noon to 3 p.m.
• Friday, June 26: Time Warner Customer Appreciation Day. Present a Time Warner Cable Summerfest bill stuffer at any ticket window from noon to 3 p.m., and you may buy one ticket and get one free.
• Tuesday, June 30: Kapco's 2 Buck Tuesday at Summerfest. All patrons attending from noon to 8 p.m. can buy tickets for $2.

Music fans will appreciate the discounts. Rick Corbett of Milwaukee has not missed a Summerfest since 1979.
It is all about “good times, good shows, and tasty food,” he told www.summerfest.com.

Other festivals
The festival season officially kicked off with RiverSplash June 5-7 at Pere Marquette Park downtown.
A variety of ethnic festivals are also planned (see chart). They include popular events like Festa Italiana, Mexican Fiesta and Irish Fest.

Also, Jazz in the Park is held every Thursday night at Cathedral Square downtown.

The Wisconsin State Fair is another major draw. This year, State Fair is August 6-16 at State Fair Park in West Allis.

State Fair is popular for its food (especially cream puffs), concerts, rides and animals.

Admission is $9 for adults during the fair. A variety of discounted tickets are available. They include $5 tickets when purchased before June 30.

For more information, visit www.wistatefair.com.

Sources: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Business Journal of Milwaukee, Summerfest.com, http://www.wistatefair.com/, www.wisn.com

Ethnic Festivals

Are you looking to celebrate your culture? Summer in Milwaukee is the place to be.

You can enjoy ethnic food and fun and browse the marketplaces at these events.

All but Bastille Days are held at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park. Bastille Days is held at Cathedral Square in downtown Milwaukee.

• Polish Fest: June 19-21
• Bastille Days: July 9-12
• Festa Italiana: July 16-19
• German Fest: July 23-26
• Arab Fest: August 7-9
• Irish Fest: August 13-16
• Mexican Fiesta: August 21-23
• Indian Summer: September 11-13