Summerfest will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result, for entry into the 2021 Big Gig. Milwaukee World Festival Inc. (MWF) made the announcement Tuesday morning, in conjunction with the City of Milwaukee Health Department.

“We collaborated with national health experts and music industry executives and determined this was the best course of action for Summerfest,” said Don Smiley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., in a press release.

Here’s what you need to know:

Upon entry at any gate, all attendees will be asked to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card or proof of a negative test. An original vaccination card, a printed copy of a valid vaccination card, or negative test will be accepted. Documentation may also be presented in digital form, such as a screen shot or photo, on a phone. For any vaccine documentation in reprinted form (printed copy, phone screenshot, etc.), the entire front of the vaccination card must be visible, or it will not be accepted.

The new entry protocols also apply to the “Wednesday Weekend Preview” shows at American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Those shows are Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer on September 1; Jonas Brothers on September 8; and Dave Matthews Band on September 15.

Masks are being recommended for indoor spaces. Children under 12 will be required to a wear a mask.

Refunds for general admission tickets and concert tickets “may be available pending Ticketmaster policies.” Check summerfest.com in the upcoming days for more information.

Summerfest 2021 is set for September 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18.

Here’s the full press release:


Summerfest Announces Revised Entry Protocols
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or Negative COVID-19 Test Result will be Required

MILWAUKEE, WI (August 10, 2021) Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) announced that a COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result will be required to attend Summerfest 2021, including the Wednesday Weekend Preview concerts held at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. This announcement is being made with the support of the City of Milwaukee Health Department.

“We collaborated with national health experts and music industry executives and determined this was the best course of action for Summerfest.” said Don Smiley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

“Milwaukee World Festival has been a community leader and a tremendous partner in prioritizing the health of festival staff, vendors, performers, and attendees throughout their planning,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “We are pleased with their proactive decision to implement these additional safety measures and ensure festivalgoers can feel comfortable attending this beloved music fest responsibly.”

The entrance protocol will also be in effect for the MWF-produced Little Big Town/BoDeans concert on Friday, August 13 at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater.

Upon entry at any gate, all attendees will be asked to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card or proof of a negative test. An original vaccination card, a printed copy of a valid vaccination card, or negative test will be accepted. Documentation may also be presented in digital form, such as a screen shot or photo, on a phone. For any vaccine documentation in reprinted form (printed copy, phone screenshot, etc.), the entire front of the vaccination card must be visible, or it will not be accepted.

For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 72 hours (3 days) of attending the festival. To avoid any entry delay please obtain a test before coming to the concert. Local testing information is available here: www.milwaukee.gov/COVIDtesting.

Per current CDC guidelines, masks are recommended for indoor spaces, including the Summerfest Store, First Aid stations and restrooms. If an individual is unvaccinated, it is recommended that a mask be worn when attending large gatherings. Children under 12 will be required to wear a mask. If any individual is experiencing COVID-like symptoms, they are strongly encouraged to remain at home.

Refunds for general admission and concert tickets may be available pending Ticketmaster policies. Please check summerfest.com in the days to come for more information.

MWF will continue to follow the guidance from public officials and health professionals and closely monitor the COVID situation. If there are any updates to the current event entry policy, MWF will make an announcement.

Concerts outside of Summerfest dates in conjunction with Live Nation

Ticketholders are advised to check the venue’s websites and socials for information regarding entrance protocols ahead of each show outside of the Summerfest dates held at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater and the BMO Harris Pavilion.

These shows include the following concerts held at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater:

• Maroon 5 with special guest Blackbear – August 19

• Darryl Hall & John Oates Massive Summer Tour 2021 – August 28

• KISS: End of the Road World Tour – September 5

• Slipknot – The Knotfest Roadshow 2021 – September 29

And BMO Harris Pavilion include the following:

• Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe & Bethel Music – August 15

• The Doobie Brothers – 50th Anniversary Tour – August 24

• Mt. Joy & Trampled by Turtles – September 24

• Alice Cooper with Ace Freely – October 1

• Primus – October 8

MWF has also implemented a number of other safety measures beyond this entrance requirement, including:

• Increased hand sanitizer stations on site

• Overnight deep cleaning and sanitizing procedures

• Dedicated cleaning crews will conduct frequent cleaning and sanitizing of high touch areas throughout the event

• Cashless transactions

For more information visit Summerfest.com. For more information on concerts in conjunction with Live Nation, visit AmFamAmp.com and BMOHarrisPavilion.com.

For more information about vaccination, visit www.milwaukee.gov/COVIDvax. Local testing information is available here: www.milwaukee.gov/COVIDtesting.

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Matt Wild weighs between 140 and 145 pounds. He lives on Milwaukee's east side.