Now a third of the way into its 58th edition, it’s safe to say Summerfest has changed considerably since its start way back in 1968. Not only does the size of the massive event—which calls itself “The World’s Largest Music Festival”—differ from its comparably humble beginnings. The types of entertainment booked, the food and beverage offerings, the duration and format, and even the very footprint of the festival grounds have also changed a great deal over the past half-century-plus at the Big Gig.
Speaking to the festival footprint aspect (and nodding back to last week’s piece about “local stages”), we thought we would gear up for Summerfest’s second weekend of 2026 fun by taking a look back at some of the festival stages of yesteryear. Some are long gone. Others remain on the grounds, but now exist under a different name and/or with a different theme. As always, we’re NOT claiming this “let’s remember” article is in any way a complete list. So withhold those comments (or use that energy to reminisce about former Summerfest stages in our forum).
Schlitz Country Stage
K-Nation / KNE New Music Stage
Cascio Interstate Music Stage
Piggly Wiggly Music Market
Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
Miller High Life Jazz Oasis
USCellular Connection Stage
Summerfest Main Stage
JoJo’s Martini Lounge
Leinie Lodge
South Shore Party Pavilion
Marcus Amphitheater
Rock Stage
Calypso Lemonade Comedy Tent
99 WMYX Hyundai Comedy Pavilion
Old Style Country Stage
Pepsi Comedy Pavilion
Pepsi/Plank Road Brewery Comedy Stage
Comedy Cabaret
Johnson Controls World Soundstage
Klement’s Sausage & Beer Garden
Sprecher Rhythm & Brews Stage
Pabst International Folk Festival Stage
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