There’s an old Milwaukee saying: If you can’t find free tickets or figure out a way to score discounted admission to Summerfest, you’re not really trying. Here are all the ways to enjoy the Big Gig on the cheap this year, per a press release. Summerfest 2016 will take place June 29-July 3, and July 5-July 10.

MILWAUKEE (May 16, 2015) – Summerfest officials are excited to announce Admission Promotions, Gate Giveaways and Special Offers for 2016, providing patrons with free or discounted admission opportunities for every day of the festival. All exchanges, unless otherwise stated, will take place at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth, located across the street from the Summerfest Mid Gate, at Harbor Drive and Chicago Street.  Patrons are reminded to arrive early as admission promotions are very popular!

Most admission promotions begin at noon and run while ticket supplies last or through mid-afternoon, whichever comes first, unless otherwise noted.  They are valid on the day of the promotion only.  Patrons can also visit Summerfest.com for complete details on all Admission Promotions and Gate Giveaways.

ADMISSION PROMOTIONS AND GATE GIVEAWAYS:

Wednesday, June 29 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm: Johnson Controls “Stomp Out Hunger” Day with FOX 6.  All patrons who donate three (3) non-perishable food items will receive one (1) FREE weekday admission ticket, valid for the day of the promotion only. Donations will be accepted at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth as well as the North and South Gates. All donations to benefit Hunger Task Force.

Thursday, June 30 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm: Happy Hour Countdown to Land the Big Gig Presented by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Land the Big Gig and Johnsonville.  Join us for happy hour – $5, $4, $3, $2 for 1 day only!  Patrons will be admitted for $5 and Miller Lite, Miller High Life, and Coors Light beers will be $4.  Johnsonville will be on site with the Big Taste Grill offering brats for $3 while supplies last and bottled water is available for $2 at bar locations.  Be sure to stop by the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard at 5:00 pm and watch the Land the Big Gig finalists compete for their share of over $25,000 in cash and prizes.  Tickets may be purchased on Summerfest.com and are only valid on 6/30 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.

Friday, July 1 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm: Sendik’s Presents “Go Red Day to Summerfest” with the Wisconsin Badgers, The Big 920 and 95.7 BIG FM.  All patrons arriving between noon and 3:00 pm wearing a red shirt or presenting a famous Sendik’s Red Bag will receive one (1) FREE weekday admission ticket, valid for the day of the promotion only.  Stop by the Mid Gate Promotions Booth to receive your ticket.

Milwaukee Brewers Ticket Voucher Gate Giveaway, Friday, July 1 starting at 5:00 pm while supplies last.  The first 5,000 patrons will receive a ticket voucher good for two (2) Brewers Terrace Reserved tickets good for the July 25 – 28 series against the Diamondbacks, compliments of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Saturday, July 2 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm while supplies last: Goodwill Day.  The first 1,500 patrons receive one (1) FREE general admission ticket, valid for the day of the promotion only, when presenting an original specially marked receipt showing a minimum purchase of $10 made at a Goodwill Store & Donation Center between June 1 and July 2, 2016.  No copies or hand written receipts will be accepted.  Arrive early as this is a popular promotion.

Sunday, July 3 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm while supplies last: Kohl’s Family Day.  The first 2,500 patrons who donate three (3) non-perishable food items for kids will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket, valid for the day of the promotion only.  Suggested items include peanut butter, canned fruit and macaroni and cheese.  All donations to benefit Hunger Task Force.

Tuesday, July 5 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm: Sentry Foods and Dean’s Milk & Ice Cream Children’s Fest Day with TODAY’S TMJ4.  All patrons will be admitted FREE!  Spend a fun-filled day with the family enjoying Children’s Fest activities including the Map of Fun and the Family Ticket Package giveaway contest.  Select food vendors will offer discounts on food and beverage items.

Wednesday, July 6 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm: Direct Supply Seniorfest Day.  All patrons age 60 and up will be admitted FREE when they check in at any gate. Those seniors will also receive an offer for $2 off a food and beverage (non-alcoholic) purchase over $10. Spend the day enjoying music spanning a range of genres including: The Grass Roots, Doo Wop Daddies Gold, Ukuladies and many more!

Wednesday, July 6 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm: Johnsonville Chicken Kabob Day.  All patrons who present an original receipt dated June 6 – July 6 that shows the purchase of any flavor of Johnsonville Chicken Kabobs from any retail location will receive one FREE weekday admission ticket valid the day of the promotion only.  No copies or handwritten receipts will be accepted.

Wednesday, July 6 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm: H.O.G.® Member Day at Summerfest.  Receive one (1) FREE weekday admission ticket when presenting a valid H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) card, valid for the day of the promotion only.  One admission per card. In addition, H.O.G.® members will have exclusive access to the Harley-Davidson™ Hospitality Deck located at the Harley-Davidson™ Roadhouse between 5:00 – 9:00 pm.  Limited space; first come, first served.  Once the deck reaches capacity, access will be on a “one out, one in” basis.

Thursday, July 7 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm while supplies last: Mountain Dew Day.  The first 2,500 patrons who present a specially marked Mountain Dew can with the Summerfest offer on the can will receive one (1) FREE weekday admission ticket, valid for the day of the promotion only.  Limit one can per person.

Thursday, July 7 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm: Summerfest Military Appreciation Day.  All active-duty military personnel and veterans, along with up to four (4) family members, who present their Military ID at the designated turnstile at any gate will be admitted FREE.

Friday, July 8 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm while supplies last: Boston Store Customer Appreciation Day.  The first 750 patrons that present their Boston Store YOUR REWARDS Credit Card will receive two (2) FREE weekday admission tickets, valid for the day of the promotion only.

Saturday, July 9 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm: Northwestern Mutual “Make a Child Smile” Day.  The first 1,500 patrons who donate new or gently used children’s books (preferably picture books and early readers for children ages 5-9 years old) with a $10 minimum value will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket, valid for the day of the promotion only.  All books collected will be donated to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum.

Milwaukee Brewers Ticket Voucher Gate Giveaway, Saturday, July 9 starting at 5:00 pm while supplies last.  The first 5,000 patrons will receive a ticket voucher good for two (2) Brewers Terrace Reserved tickets good for the July 25 – 28 series against the Diamondbacks, compliments of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Sunday, July 5 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm: Summerfest “Fan Appreciation’ Day” Presented by Meijer.  All patrons will be admitted FREE, compliments of Meijer and Summerfest.

SPECIAL OFFERS:

11-Day Power Pass and General Admission to the Big Gig BBQ
Purchase the popular 11-Day Power Pass for $110 and get a FREE general admission ticket to the Big Gig BBQ on September 4, 2016.  A $125 value, the bundle provides admission to all 11 days of Summerfest and general admission to the Big Gig BBQ, an inaugural BBQ event taking place at Henry Maier Festival Park over Labor Day weekend.

Milwaukee Business Journal Power Lunch
All patrons presenting an original coupon at any ticket window (printed in Milwaukee Business Journal) will receive one (1) FREE weekday admission ticket valid noon – 2:00 pm that same day.  Duplications will not be accepted, original coupons only.

Rock the Ballpark Ticket Package
For just $24, get a ticket package that includes one (1) Brewers Terrace Reserved ticket to one of select home games (May 17, June 10 or June 29) and one (1) Summerfest general admission ticket, good any time during Summerfest 2016.  Offer ends Monday, June 27.  For tickets, call 414-902-4000 or visit brewers.com/Summerfest.

Summerfest Gear at Boston Store
Get your style on!  Shop for your “Official” Summerfest gear including new Summerfest apparel at participating Boston Stores.  Plus, with any purchase of Summerfest Gear you receive a FREE weekday admission ticket (while supplies last).

Applebee’s Summerfest Ticket Offer
Order two (2) or more full priced entrees and receive a voucher good for one (1) FREE Summerfest Weekday admission ticket when you purchase an adult Weekday admission ticket at regular price.  Patrons can redeem the voucher at any Summerfest ticket window.  Offer valid 6/6 – 6/30 at participating Wisconsin Hospitality Group Applebee’s locations.  Duplications will not be accepted, original vouchers only.

Pizza Hut Summerfest Ticket Offer
Spend $20 or more at Pizza Hut and receive a voucher good for one (1) FREE Summerfest Weekday admission ticket when you purchase an adult Weekday admission ticket at regular price.  Patrons can redeem the voucher at any Summerfest ticket window.  Patrons can redeem the voucher at any Summerfest ticket window. Offer valid 5/10 – 6/30 at participating Wisconsin Hospitality Group Pizza Hut locations.  Duplications will not be accepted, original vouchers only.