Summerfest Experiences Announced

Posted: May 19, 2022

NEW - Acoustic Concert on Water with Rodney Atkins and More

MILWAUKEE, WI (May 19, 2022) – Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance offers a variety of fun and unique experiences for fest-goers this year during the festival.

For the first time ever - a free acoustic concert with country music star Rodney Atkins, will take place on a boat docked at the Summerfest Landing on opening day, Thursday, June 23 at 5:45 p.m. Also, new for 2022 is the Official Milwaukee Brewers Tailgate at the Gruber SportsZone on July 2, and electric bike test rides from Wheel & Sprocket.

Returning this year is the Summerfest Landing with All Blue Planet in partnership with Freedom Boat Club, offering fans FREE Lake Michigan Boat Rides daily from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Some of the other returning fan favorite experiences include the iconic Skyglider now sponsored by MKE Airport, Latin Music Day, Military Appreciation Day Ceremony, Big Bang fireworks, an enhanced bubly bar experience with Pepsi, and much more.  (see full list below for new and returning experiences)

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF), 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.

More details regarding experiences at Summerfest 2022 are listed below:

THE SUMMERFEST LANDING WITH ALL BLUE PLANET IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FREEDOM BOAT CLUB
Join All Blue Planet, Freedom Boat Club and partners to learn about great ways to connect with the water. From 12:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day, visitors will have the opportunity to join the movement and commit to making water a bigger part of their lives and turn that commitment into action by participating in the following activities:

New - Special daily programming includes a free acoustic concert with country music star, Rodney Atkins, on Thursday, June 23 at 5:45 p.m. on a Lowe boat on the water, playing for everyone on the shore. 

Other programming at the Summerfest Landing includes:

  • Free boat rides compliments of Freedom Boat Club, the largest membership boat club in the world. Sign up between 12:00 p.m. – 5 p.m.  Trips will leave the dock every 30 minutes.
  • BoatClass will be hosting an “on-water classroom” to learn more about boating.
  • On select days, attendees will learn how to cast a fishing line at targets through CatchCo.
  • Free on-water paddleboard demonstrations are also available compliments of Hyperlite.
  • Water Talks each day will provide insight on how you can get closer to the water every day.
  • All Blue Planet Showcase tent with prizes and giveaways each day.

New - OFFICIAL MILWAUKEE BREWERS TAILGATE AT SUMMERFEST
Head to the Gruber Law Offices Sportzone on Saturday, July 2 at 3:00 p.m. to cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburg at 3:05 p.m. Listen to a live broadcast of the game from WTMJ 620 AM. Interact with the Milwaukee Brewers Street Team, Bernie Brewer™ and Barrelman™. Challenge your friends to a game of cornhole, giant Jenga, or giant Connect-4. Participate in challenges for a chance to win prizes and enjoy a snack and beverage at our ballpark style concession experience.

New - WHEEL AND SPROCKET TEST RIDES
Join Wheel & Sprocket on July 9th in Urban Park as they provide Electric Bike test rides including bikes from Serial 1! Learn what the buzz is all about, what makes them a fun and healthy alternative, and how to connect with the electric bike community in Southeastern Wisconsin!

THE SUMMERFEST BIG BANG FIREWORKS PRESENTED BY MENARDS AND WISN 12 – June 23
Don’t miss the Summerfest Big Bang Fireworks Show live on the grounds on Thursday, June 23 at 9:30 p.m., presented by Menards. Watch WISN 12 for a taped show at 10:30 p.m.

GRUBER LAW OFFICES SPORTSZONE WITH NEWSRADIO 620 WTMJ AND ESPN MILWAUKEE
The Gruber Law Offices SportsZone is the ultimate destination for sports fans! This area offers interactive daily programming, including sports demonstrations, clinics and entertainment from the Milwaukee Brewers Street Team, Division BMX Stunt Team, Brew City Wrestling, Milwaukee Admirals, and much more.

GENERAC MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY AT SUMMERFEST – July 1
The Military Appreciation Ceremony, produced in partnership with the War Memorial Center, will take place on July 1, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at the Generac Power Stage.  It will feature a presentation of colors, vocal performances, and speaker Keni Thomas, Staff Sergeant in the Army and recipient of the bronze star for valor, and award-winning country music artist and songwriter.  Thomas was recognized for being part of an elite special operations package, “Task Force Ranger,” that was later recounted in the book and move “Black Hawk Down.”  After the ceremony, enjoy a special performance from Keni Thomas.

LATIN MUSIC DAY PRESENTED BY ADVOCATE AURORA HEALTH WITH SUPPORT FROM TELEMUNDO WISCONSIN – July 8
Advocate Aurora Health and Telemundo Wisconsin are proud to welcome Clave y Afinque, Making Movies, Gilberto Santa Rosa for Latin Music Day at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard. Stop by the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard to enjoy Latin Tropical music and Salsa music starting at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 8.

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL COMMUNITY PARK
Kids of all ages can enjoy family-focused entertainment and activities in the Northwestern Mutual Community Park, featuring accessible play surfaces and equipment, family-focused activities, onstage performances, and exhibits. The family services building located in the park features accessible family restrooms, nursing mother’s stations, and sensory rooms.

MILLER LITE BREWHOUSE
Check out the Brewhouse Experience featuring Bars & Recreation, located on the right side of the Miller Lite stage. You can win prizes, including Front Row Passes to the Miller Lite Oasis, by sinking a hole-in-one or playing at the shuffleboard courts.

bubly bar experience WITH PEPSI
Mix and mingle with bubly on the scenic waterfront! Relax and enjoy the selection of refreshing mixology beverages while taking in the sights and sounds. Bring your fest self and snap a memorable photo in the bubly swing booth. Hang out with your friends or family while challenging each other to a playful lawn game.

SUMMERFEST DOCKSIDE BAR WITH, FIDUCIARY MANAGEMENT, INC.
Come down to the Summerfest Dockside Bar with Fiduciary Management, Inc. every day of the festival and take in the views of Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline while sipping on your favorite beverage. The Dockside Bar, located on the south end of the park features plenty of shaded and outdoor seating with fireplaces adding to the evening ambience.

MKE AIRPORT SKYGLIDER
Take a ride on the MKE Airport Skyglider, a true family favorite! Located high above the main walkway, this gentle ride provides passengers with a scenic view of Henry Maier Festival Park, Lake Michigan, and the entertainment below. One-way and round-trip fares are available.

SUMMERFEST WHEEL IN THE SKY
Jump aboard this giant Ferris wheel located on the south end of the grounds and enjoy spectacular views of Summerfest, Milwaukee’s downtown, and Lake Michigan. Operating from 12 p.m. – 11:30 pm.

ELIZABETH “BO” BLACK FAMILY FOUNTAIN WITH DIETZ & WATSON AND B93.3
Your day at Summerfest would not be complete without a stop at the “Splash Pad.” Kids of all ages can splash and play the day away while keeping cool.

SUMMERFEST PARADE
The Parade will start at the south end of Henry Maier Festival Park at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater Forecourt and complete a full lap around the festival grounds. The Summerfest Parade will take place on Friday, June 24, Thursday, June 30, Saturday, July 2, and Thursday, July 7 at 3:00 p.m. as well as Saturday, July 9 at 4:00 p.m.

BIG GIG GIVEAWAY WITH COUSINS SUBS
Want to experience Summerfest like a VIP? Now’s your chance. In partnership with Wisconsin-based Cousins Subs, you can enter to win prize package that includes two (2) tickets to an American Family Insurance Amphitheater Summerfest concert, VIP passes, a Summerfest Store gift card, dinner courtesy of Cousins Subs, overnight stay, and festival parking! Go to CousinsSubs.com/BigGigGiveaway from May 16 – June 10, 2022, for your chance to win!  For festival updates and more information on experiences at Summerfest 2022, visit www.Summerfest.com or download the Summerfest App.

About Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance
Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance has evolved into what is now recognized as “The World’s Largest Music Festival” and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration, hosting the music industry’s biggest acts, emerging talent, and local favorites along with approximately 750,000 fans, for an unforgettable live music experience. The festival features over 1,000 performances on 12 permanent stages, along with food, beverages, and activities, all in a world-class festival setting. The 2022 edition will take place over three weekends June 23-25, June 30-July 2, and July 7-9. For more information, visit Summerfest.com, or Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @Summerfest.

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