Travel on a Budget

Your guide to Milwaukee Summerfest 2025

June 13, 2025
Summerfest general admission photo from Summerfest website

Summerfest 2025 is set to electrify Milwaukee over three weekends: June 19–21, June 26–28, and July 3–5. With a lineup featuring The Lumineers, Megan Thee Stallion, Def Leppard, Hozier, and more, it’s going to be unforgettable (at least, I hope you don’t forget…).

Getting there from Chicago

Coming from Chicago or the suburbs? Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service offers easy access to Summerfest from the Milwaukee Intermodal Station. You can catch the train to the fest from Chicago Union Station, Glenview, and Sturtevant (Racine/Kenosha).

Tickets & entry

  • Bag policy: Only bags smaller than 9″x10″x12″ are permitted. Backpacks and larger bags are prohibited.
  • You CAN bring in umbrellas, strollers, disposable cameras and small cameras.
  • You CANNOT bring in outside food and beverages (and many other things, check their site for details).
  • Security: All attendees will pass through metal detectors. Prohibited items will be confiscated and not returned.
  • Free admission opportunities: There are a lot of options if you want to try to get in free.

Food & drinks

There are over two dozen new food and beverage options, and plenty are local:

  • Beats & Eats: Serving apple crisp rolls and mac n’ cheese lumpia.
  • Nino’s Southern Sides: Featuring classic comfort foods.
  • Pina Cocina & Cantina: Known for birria eggrolls.
  • Ian’s Pizza: Introducing Chicken Penne Alfredo pizza.
  • Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que: Offering a funnel cake pork sandwich.
  • Mader’s: Guinness BBQ Chicken Sandwich
  • And at select bars: Leinenkugel’s Hazy IPA and Lodge Lime, Blue Moon EXTRA, Simply Spiked Tropical and BOLD Lemonade, Topo Chico Margarita MAX, Happy Thursday Pineapple and Dragonfruit, Zombie, Bahama Mama, and others.

Note, beverage vendors remove bottle caps and do not provide lids for fountain drinks.

Entertainment highlights

The festival boasts a diverse lineup across multiple stages:

  • American Family Insurance Amphitheater: Headliners include Megan Thee Stallion, Def Leppard, and Benson Boone. These are ticketed so you must buy these separately from your Summerfest entry fee.
  • BMO Pavilion: Featuring acts like Eric Benét and 311.
  • Miller Lite Oasis Stage: Hosting performances by Phantom Planet and Lovejoy.
  • Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard: Showcasing artists such as The Cat Empire and MJ Lenderman.
  • And, the American Family Insurance House offers performances with artists like Joy Oladokun and Aly & AJ.

Safety & common sense tips

  • Stay hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle; refill stations are available throughout the grounds.
  • Protect your belongings: Keep valuables secure and be mindful of your surroundings.
  • Plan ahead: Familiarize yourself with the festival map and schedule to maximize your experience.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for varying weather conditions.
  • Get the app: You can save time picking your favorites.

For more detailed information, visit the official Summerfest website.

Enjoy the festival!