Summerfest 55th Celebrations

Fans celebrating during a show at Summerfest

Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance will celebrate its 55^th anniversary in 2023. To commemorate this iconic milestone, the festival announced a few of the upcoming promotions for the anniversary year!

Since its inception in 1968, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF), producer of Summerfest is proud to fulfill its nonprofit mission of bringing the community together and providing a showcase for the performing arts, activities, and recreation to the public, through music and special events.

“55 years of music, food, fun, and unforgettable memories will bring us together as we celebrate Summerfest’s 55^th anniversary next year,” said Don Smiley, CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “Mayor Henry Maier’s vision of Summerfest has now grown into one of the largest and most diverse music festivals anywhere. We are proud to continue that legacy and look forward to celebrating with our fans, sponsors, and artists in 2023.”

Summerfest’s 55th-anniversary activities and promotions

Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance was created as a way to bring the community together and showcase Milwaukee. We’ve organized some Summerfest-themed activities to get you excited as we countdown the days until the big 55.

Fest Fan of the Past 55 Voting

Say hello to the Top 10 finalists for the Summerfest Fest Fan of the Past 55 contest! We asked fans to share their favorite memories of Summerfest over the past 5 decades and are now asking you to vote on who you think should be named the Fest Fan of the Past 55. Read the stories of our ten finalists and cast your vote below!

The winner will be announced in May and will receive a one-of-a-kind prize package:

One (1) On-Site Private Party during the 2023 festival for the winner and 100 guests + a $2,000 Food & Beverage credit
Two (2) 2023 Nine-DAy Power Passes
Two (2) Tickets to a show at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater during Summerfest 2023
One (1) $100 Summerfest Gift card
One (1) signed Summerfest memorabilia item

Voting Has Ended

The Summerfest Fest Fan of the Past 55 winner will be determined through the fan vote along with a review by a panel of judges. Voting closes Monday, April 24, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. View rules and regulations.

May 18 – Cousins Subs Big Gig Giveaway

To kick off the Cousins Subs Big Gig Giveaway promotion, Cousins Subs will be giving away 55 free subs and two Summerfest general admission tickets to the first 55 people who stop by the Summerfest Mid Gate area. Starting at 11:00 am until supplies last.

June 14 - Summerfest at the Milwaukee Night Market in partnership with OnMilwaukee

Join Summerfest and OnMilwaukee at the Milwaukee Night Market for the chance to win Summerfest General Admission Tickets, front row wristbands, and Summerfest swag.

June 22 - Opening Day Celebration with American Family Insurance

The first 10,000 fans on Summerfest’s opening day will receive a commemorative Summerfest 55 hat, courtesy of American Family Insurance.

June 22 – 24 | June 29 – July 1 | July 6 – 8 - Summerfest 55 Happy Hour

From 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day of Summerfest 2023, fans can enjoy select Miller products including Miller Lite, Miller High Life, and Coors Light for $5.50.