Summerfest! It runs June 26-30, and July 2-7! Over that 11-day span, approximately 800 acts will perform on 10 stages (not to mention all the side stages). With that much entertainment packed into such a tight window, we understand if you’re stressing about how to Fest to the best of your ability.
In an effort to help you make some potentially difficult Summerfest decisions, Milwaukee Record will offer some Record Recommendations for each and every day of Summerfest, including a suggested headliner, a reason to show up early, a can’t-miss local act, and a tip for a way to have a cheaper and/or better experience. Here’s our Record Recommendations for Summerfest Day 1
HEADLINER
Walk The Moon
10 p.m. @ Uline Warehouse
With all due respect to Foreigner, Steve Aoki, Hanson, Quinn XCII, and Thomas Rhett, the most compelling Day 1 headliner has to be Walk The Moon. The Cincinnati-sired music juggernaut will help kick the Big Gig off in grand fashion with its extensive catalog of award-winning indie rock that will formally christen the new and improved Uline Warehouse.
EARLY BIRD
Hanson
2 p.m. @ American Family Insurance House
Before Hanson’s 10 p.m. headlining set at the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage, you can MMMBop over to the American Family Insurance House to catch a (comparably) intimate acoustic performance by the sibling trio at 2 p.m. Where the hell is the American Family Insurance House? It’s located behind the Mid Gate Fountain, and it’s open from noon to 9 p.m. daily. It will features a “DIY swag station.” The House will also host an acoustic set from Walk The Moon at 4 p.m.
LOCAL
Jay Matthes
5 p.m. @ Miller Lite Oasis
Milwaukee troubadour Jay Matthes plays all over the region with regularity, and with good reason. The accomplished local singer-songwriter will bring his crowd-pleasing songs to the Miller Lite Oasis just as things really start to heat up on Summerfest’s first night. Whether you’re looking to get some local flavor tonight or you’re simply holding a spot for Steve Aoki’s 10 p.m. performance, Matthes won’t disappoint.
DEAL/TIP
From noon until 3 p.m. on June 26, bring three cans of peaches or pears to the gate to gain free entry.