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Some places come and go, while some places become icons. Mandatory Milwaukee is all about the latter. Join us as we revisit beloved and well-worn local staples with fresh eyes, and explore how they might figure in the city’s future.

Summerfest. Is there anything more “mandatory” in Milwaukee, other than Milwaukee itself? (Your mileage may vary, of course.) Also: is there anything more written about in Milwaukee, other than maybe the streetcar or something? Probably not. So, as Summerfest 2018 continues through July 8, let’s take a look at some of the more notable and evergreen things we’ve written about The Big Gig in the past few years. (Oh, and happy Fourth of July, Milwaukee!)

SUMMERFEST FOOD

We tried 8 new “food items” at Summerfest (2018)

183 consecutive Friday night fish fries and counting: Venice Club (Summerfest) (2017)

We ate all the new “food items” at Summerfest (2016)

23 bread-free Summerfest foods to eat when Smash Mouth plays (2015)

SUMMERFEST SPIRIT

Celebrate the first day of Summerfest with a bunch of cover band promo videos (2018)

Celebrate the first day of Summerfest with a bunch of other events called Summerfest (2017)

Celebrate the first day of Summerfest with a bunch of videos of Weird Al playing Summerfest (2016)

Celebrate the first day of Summerfest with 6 videos of people screwing around on the Sky Glider (2015)

The evolution of Summerfest drunk dancing (2014)

PRE-RECORDED/TAPED MUSIC

Review: Nothing (formerly known as “Taped Music” and “Pre-Recorded Music”) at JoJo’s Martini Lounge (2018)

Review: Taped Music at JoJo’s Martini Lounge (Summerfest) (2017)

Review: Taped Music at JoJo’s Martini Lounge (Summerfest) (2016)

Review: Taped Music at JoJo’s Martini Lounge (Summerfest) (2015)

Review: Pre-Recorded Music at JoJo’s Martini Lounge (Summerfest) (2014)

SUMMERFEST ATTENDANCE

831,769 people went to Summerfest this year, despite the best laid plans of Red Lobster (2017)

Summerfest on low attendance: “It’s not my fault!” (2015)

851,879 people enjoyed Summerfest this year (and 181,758 enjoyed those mini donuts) (2014)

SUMMERFEST ODDITIES

There’s a petition to remove the stage benches at Summerfest (2017)

I used Summerfest shuttles as my personal taxi service (2016)

Louie Anderson’s bad Summerfest experience inspired him to write a book about his alcoholic father (2016)

On The Record Episode 66: Summerfest’s forgotten comedy past with David “Punky” Wastak (2016)

Tracklist: Summerfest Place and 10 other ultra-specific Milwaukee streets (2016)

Great Job, Milwaukee! ‘Rolling Stone’ likes Summerfest (2016)

PARIS HILTON

Now there’s a petition to book Paris Hilton at Summerfest every year until the end of time (2015)

Milwaukee Record’s requisite Paris Hilton at Summerfest review (2015)