We’ll keep it short and sweet: Garth Brooks will headline a Summerfest “kick-off concert” June 17 at American Family Insurance Amphitheater. That’s one day before the official start of Summerfest 2026, which will run June 18-20, June 25-27, and July 2-4. (Yep, it’s the same Thursday-Saturday deal.)
Tickets go on sale Friday, September 12, at 10 a.m. at Summerfest.com, Ticketmaster.com, or in person at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Tickets include admission to Summerfest 2026, good for any day of the festival.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Garth Brooks to Summerfest and cannot imagine a better way to kick off the festival in 2026,” said Sarah Pancheri, President and CEO, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., in a press release. “This show is not to be missed. We’ve seen countless iconic performances over nearly six decades, and this promises to be one of the most memorable yet!”
This will be Brooks’ first Summerfest show ever, and his first Milwaukee show in over a decade. Details of an official pre-party “with live entertainment, food, beverages, specialty cocktails, and more,” will be released in the future. (Chris Gaines opener? FINGERS CROSSED.)
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