As the world continues to make its way back to something resembling normalcy, the statuses of a few of Milwaukee’s annual festivals are still in question. The Summer Soulstice Music Festival was among the handful of remaining events whose 2022 status was unknown, but organizers just announced the long-running East Side block party will officially be coming back on Saturday, June 18.
This will mark the 20th installment of Summer Soulstice, which started in 2001 and did not happen in 2020 and 2021. Like previous editions, this year’s Summer Soulstice promises the usual winning mix of food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, and a wide range of free live music, all near the intersection of North and Farwell. One notable change this year is the use of one larger outdoor stage and “the activation of a couple of smaller musical venues–one planned inside Black Cat Alley and another being considered near one of the three entrances to the Oak Leaf Bike Trail that are in the BID.”
“I just think the timing is right,” says East Side Executive Director David Smulyan in a press release. “It has been a challenging few years and most people are ready to go back to some semblance of normalcy. I believe everyone is looking forward to getting out this summer and enjoying themselves.”
People and businesses interested in being a vendor can apply at the Summer Soulstice website. Stay tuned for more information as the lineup becomes finalized in the coming weeks. You can read the full press release below.
Summer Soulstice Music Festival Will Return in June
Milwaukee, WI – The East Side Business Improvement District (#20) “ESBID”, a partner in the City’s efforts to develop and support strong businesses and the community on the East Side of Milwaukee announced it is planning to hold the Summer Soulstice Music Festival for the first time since 2019. The event will take place on Saturday, June 18th. The East Side’s Executive Director, David Smulyan, made the announcement saying, “I just think the timing is right. It has been a challenging few years and most people are ready to go back to some semblance of normalcy. I believe everyone is looking forward to getting out this summer and enjoying themselves.”
In fact, it is the 20th year of Summer Soulstice. The inaugural event was in 2001, and since it was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, this year marks the actual 20th anniversary. The event has traditionally included three musical stages, with a variety of vendors and activities covering an extended stretch of North Avenue and several side streets. Mr. Smulyan stated that in this first year back, he and the BID Board of Directors wanted to put on a reimagined event, with one large stage and the activation of a couple of smaller musical venues — one planned inside Black Cat Alley and another being considered near one of the three entrances to the Oak Leaf Bike Trail that are in the BID. Mr. Smulyan emphasized that the festival will continue to offer a free showcase of great musical bands along with a variety of food, arts & crafts, and activities.
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