Summerfest Announces 2023 Experiences, Activities, and Special Events
Festival Brings Back the Hole-In-One Challenge, Adds New Bar Areas and Lounge, Basketball Competitions, and More
MILWAUKEE, WI (June 1, 2023) – Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance is rolling out a wide variety of experiences, activities, and special events for its 55th anniversary. Adding to an incredible line-up of music, these attractions are designed for fans of all ages to enjoy a full day at the festival while supporting the Milwaukee community and creating new Summerfest memories.
Experiences
• Don’t miss the new lounge area at the UScellular® Connection Stage – the US Mode Lounge. Attendees will be encouraged to put down their phone and enjoy face-to-face human connection, while enjoying this comfortable lounge area. UScellular will also be offering fans the chance to win a distraction-free $20k Vacay and Summerfest VIP giveaways during select shows. (Official rules apply, see a UScellular rep at the Lounge for details)
• The American Family Insurance House returns to Summerfest featuring intimate acoustic performances from artists such as Declan McKenna, The Pretty Reckless, and Sean Paul, as well as complimentary customizable festival merch, and an immersive photo booth.
• Two new bar areas will make their debut during Summerfest – Keg & Cask, located on the south end, serving a variety of craft beers and cocktails and The Starry Bar with Pepsi, offering a selection of refreshing mixology beverages, along with a customized Starry Swag area. These new destinations are added to returning favorites – Miller Lite Brewhouse where you can enjoy a cold beverage and win prizes like front row passes, and the Summerfest Dockside Bar with Fiduciary Management, Inc. where you can relax and take in beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline.
• Fritos® Legacy Diner – new free sampling experience open Noon – 6:00 p.m. daily, located just inside the South Gate entrance. (More info to come)
• Gruber Law Offices Sportszone with Newsradio 620 WTMJ, ESPN. Milwaukee, and 101.7 The Truth. Enjoy interactive daily programming including BMX stunt shows, Brew City Wrestling, Milwaukee Admirals Hockey, and more.
• Northwestern Mutual Community Park features one of Milwaukee’s largest playgrounds as well as daily activities for children and family-focused programming including MYSO, Danceworks, First Stage, and more.
Activities
• An iconic favorite returns – the popular Iron Joc Hole-In-One Challenge with 97.3 THE GAME is back for the first time in years – tee up three golf balls for the chance to win $5,000 and other prizes. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Braelon Allen Fund.
• Also new for 2023, check out the 2s FREES & 3s™ Basketball Challenge – Win Steve Novak’s Money – fans will have two minutes to complete a 21-spot shooting course. The top four contestants will compete against Novak for the chance to win $1,000 dollars on Friday, June 30th.
• MKE Airport Skyglider – offering scenic views of Henry Maier Festival Park, Lake Michigan, and the entertainment below.
• Visit the Activity Zone on the south end of the grounds featuring the following – the Everlight Solar Wheel in the Sky at Summerfest – Operating noon to 11:30 p.m., Derezzed Virtual Reality – high level and immersive VR experience, Gellyball – ultra-low impact sport for ages five and up, along with various sampling opportunities and additional activities.
• Elizabeth “Bo” Black Family Fountain with Dean’s Dips and B93.3. “Dip,” splash, and play the day away while keeping cool.
Events
• The Summerfest Big Bang Fireworks presented by Menard’s and WISN 12 – June 22 at 9:30 p.m.
• To celebrate Summerfest’s 55th, the first 10,000 fans to enter Summerfest on opening day, June 22, 2023, will receive a Summerfest hat, courtesy of American Family Insurance.
• Summerfest Parade – June 23, 30, July 1, 6 & 8 – 3:00 p.m. Milwaukee’s Dancing Grannies along with the 610 Stompers from New Orleans will perform on June 30 and our City of Festivals will be featured on July 1 with appearances by Milwaukee’s ethnic and cultural events.
• Latin Music Day presented by Aurora Health Care with support from Telemundo Wisconsin – July 7 at Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage featuring Grupo Niche, Tito Puente Jr., and more.
• Official Milwaukee Brewers Tailgate at Gruber Law Offices Sportszone – June 24 – 3:00 p.m. Interact with the Milwaukee Brewers street team, the Famous Racing Sausages, and Bernie Brewer™ while experiencing the thrill of a home-run derby with a new VR experience.
• The Alumni Charity Challenge with Gruber Law Offices, Dean’s Dips, Newsradio 620 WTMJ, ESPN Milwaukee, and 101.7 The Truth, is back on June 30 featuring former Green Bay Phoenix, Marquette Golden Eagle, Milwaukee Panther, and Wisconsin Badger basketball stars reuniting to raise money for charity.
• The first 1,000 patrons to enter Summerfest on July 7 through the Mid Gate, will receive a free Summerfest/Fritos® branded bag.
• Summerfest Big Win drawing presented by Potawatomi Casino Hotel – July 8 – 4:00 p.m. Five lucky winners will have a chance to win $1 million dollars and a guaranteed share of $10,000.
• School of Rock – June 29- July 1 – over 70 bands from across the world will perform across the grounds.
• Big Gig Giveaway with Cousins Subs – Enter to win a VIP Summerfest prize package at cousinssubs.com/biggiggiveaway
These experiences and activations will take place throughout the three weekends of Summerfest (Thursdays-Saturdays) June 22-24, June 29-July 1, and July 6-8, 2023. For full details on the Summerfest lineup of experiences and activations visit Summerfest.com
About Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance
Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance is one of the most iconic celebrations of music in America, hosting the industry’s biggest acts for an unforgettable live music experience. Since its inception in 1968, Summerfest continues to distinguish itself as a premier national music festival and has developed an unrivaled reputation, consistently featuring hundreds of performances across 12 stages, throughout the 75-acre festival grounds along Lake Michigan. Summerfest takes place in downtown Milwaukee, WI, which was recently named as one of the top 25 Best Places to Visit in 2023 by National Geographic. Summerfest 2023 is June 22-24, June 29-July 1, and July 6-8.
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., producer of Summerfest, continues to fulfill its nonprofit mission of bringing the community together and providing a showcase for performing arts, activities, and recreation to the public, through music and special events.
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