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 are our Record Recommendations for Summerfest Day 3.
HEADLINER
The Lonely Island
10:15 p.m. @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage
We don’t have to explain The Lonely Island to you. Their treasure trove of Digital Shorts and other hilarious music videos they’ve been making together since 2001 have been watched millions upon millions upon millions of times. Now a decade since “Lazy Sunday” first introduced the world at large to the trio’s unmatched pairing of lighthearted lyrics and admirable musicianship, Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg, and Jorma Taccone will treat what’s sure to be a brimming Oasis full of comedy fans to a fun journey through the group’s massive catalog of crowd-pleasing and side-splitting hits. Plus, with T-Pain performing just one stage over on Friday night and the curiously specific 10:15 start time (opposed to the typical 10 o’clock start), we’re going to put the chances of a cameo from the rapper at the tail-end of Lonely Island’s set somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 percent.
EARLY BIRD
The Beths
5:30 p.m. @ Johnson Controls World Stage
While Summerfest has included The Beths in the festival’s Emerging Artists Series, the band has already made quite a name for itself in its native New Zealand. Following the release of last year’s incredible Future Me Hates Me, word is quickly spreading to the northern hemisphere. Come early to catch the pride of Auckland treating the Johnson Controls World Stage to a satisfying dinnertime performance that’s sure to be chock full of infectious harmonies and lively instrumentation.
LOCAL
GGOOLLDD
10 p.m. @ Johnson Controls World Stage
After quickly taking Milwaukee by storm following an unlikely beginning, GGOOLLDD started touring significantly and spreading their undeniable dance-pop songs to venues throughout the country. Along the way, members of the up-and-coming outfit relocated to Louisiana. Between the distance and their intense itinerary, GGOOLLDD doesn’t make it back to perform in Milwaukee very often these days. But when they do, they make it count. Once you’re done seeing Abby Jeanne’s 8 p.m. set at the BMO Pavilion, snag a spot at the Johnson Controls World Stage to see one of the city’s favorite acts play a rare homecoming show.
DEAL/TIP
From noon until 3 p.m., get free entry by showing up at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth wearing a shirt or hat from the following colleges or universities: Alverno College, Bryant & Stratton College, Cardinal Stritch University, Carthage College, Carroll University, Concordia University, Gateway Technical College, Herzing University, Marquette University, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee School Of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
From noon until 3 p.m., you can get free admission if you’re a high school student and you show up at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth with a verified high school ID.
From 3 p.m. until 4 p.m., you can get free entry by being among the first 400 patrons to show up at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth.