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 9.
HEADLINER
The Killers + Death Cab For Cutie
7:30 p.m. @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Less than a year removed from christening the Fiserv Forum with an outstanding show, The Killers return to Milwaukee to head up a great one-two punch that also features indie rock legends Death Cab For Cutie. If you have the means, don’t miss this.
If you’re on a budget, you can get your fix from Dashboard Confessional at the BMO Harris Pavilion on Friday.
EARLY BIRD
Jesus Jones
4:00 p.m. @ Miller Lite Oasis Stage
More than 25 years after gaining international notoriety with its certified Gold record, Doubt, Bristish rock outfit Jesus Jones will play its time-tested hits like “Right Here, Right Now” and “Real Real Real” today. In terms of 4 p.m. shows at Summerfest, there is no other place you’d want to be.
LOCAL
Immortal Girlfriend
6:45 p.m. @ Johnson Controls World Stage
Immortal Girlfriend is the definition of an “Emerging Artist.” Since releasing its excellent and beyond-their-years debut EP, Daybreak, in 2017, the electronic duo consisting of brothers Kevin and William Bush has quickly made a name for itself in Milwaukee. As they work on new material for its highly-anticipated follow-up and sit on the brink of bigger things, you can catch Immortal Girlfriend under the lights at the Johnson Controls World Stage.
DEAL/TIP
While there isn’t any sort of official Summerfest deal to get you into the festival for free, we have a few Big Gig tips and suggestions up our sleeve:
1. It’s going to be a hot one on Friday, but you can save some money by buying one water at normal price, then refilling it at one of the many drinking fountains scattered throughout the grounds. 2. Though it’s apparently in vogue to dislike Terrapin for some reason, the Miller-distributed brewery’s Luau Krunkles is actually a really good IPA with a summer-suited touch of passionfruit, orange, and guava. 3. If you’d prefer to keep it fast and local in terms of beer, Lakefront has an express line where they sell tallboys of Riverwest Stein and Lakefront IPA. 4. Though it’s fun to try out new festival foods, you should consider going to the long-tenured Botanas stand for some solid Mexican fare. 5. Be nice to each other.