Summerfest guide: Tickets, parking, bag policy, more for 2022 Big Gig
Summerfest is back this summer. It's the first time the 54-year-old festival will be happening during the season from which it got its name since the COVID-19 pandemic started (the 2021 festival was in September, and the 2020 edition was postponed and then canceled).
One major change continues from the festival's 2021 run: Summerfest will take place nine days over three weekends instead of its traditional 11-day run that included weekdays. Here's a guide to what you need to know before heading to the Big Gig.
When and where is Summerfest
When: Summerfest will take place over three consecutive weekends (Thursday-Saturday) from noon to midnight, June 23-25, June 30-July 2 and July 7-9.
Where: Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee. What: More than 800 bands on 12 stages over nine days.
Summerfest Tickets
General admission: $25, single day. Many deals are available for discounted or free entry.
UScellular 3-day pass: $60
6-day pass: $105 UScellular Power Pass: (Admission to all nine days of Summerfest) $125
BMO Harris Pavilion reserved seating (includes general admission): $30 and up depending on the artist and seat availability.
Level Up Viewing Deck at the Miller Lite Oasis (includes general admission and two drinks): $50 and up depend- ing on the artist.
American Family Insurance Amphithe- ater: Tickets for amphitheater shows vary by demand and artist, and include general admission to Summerfest.
Exit and re-entry
Wristbands are available from noon to 6:30 p.m. daily, and will remain valid for that day. No re-entries will be allowed after 7 p.m.
Summerfest parking and transportation
Parking: Summerfest lots open at 9 a.m. and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking in the premier A-lot will cost $40 per day. Parking in the preferred P-lot costs $25 per day.
Motorcycle: Motorcycle parking is near the Mid Gate and opens at 9 a.m. It costs $15 a day to share a spot another with another motorcycle. Or purchase your own spot in any Summerfest car lot.
Bikes: The Summerfest grounds have parking for bicycles at the Mid, North and South gates.
Buses: The Milwaukee County Transit System again will not offer its special service to Summerfest. But festivalgoers can still ride on MCTS' regular bus routes: Route 15, Route 18 and GreenLine stop at Water and Chicago streets near the Mid Gate; and the GoldLine stop at Wisconsin Avenue and Cass Street, Route 30 stop at Wisconsin Avenue and Van Buren Street, Route 33 stop at Wisconsin and Juneau avenues, and Route 14 stop at Wisconsin Avenue and Water Street are all near the North Gate. Milwaukee World Festival, which operates Summerfest, will provide bus shuttle service from five Milwaukee County park and rides for a $15 round trip. Riders are encouraged to prepurchase round-trip tickets in advance as there is potential for the service to sell out.
The five pickup and drop-off locations:
● Milwaukee/College Avenue Park and Ride (I-43/I-94/County ZZ/College Avenue)
● Milwaukee/Holt Avenue Park and Ride (I-94/I-43/US 41/Holt Avenue)
● Hales Corners Park and Ride (I-43/ I-894/WIS 100)
● West Allis Park and Ride (State Fair Grounds — I-94/76th Street)
● Wauwatosa Park and Ride (US 45/ Watertown Plank Road)
The Hop: Take The Hop streetcar northbound from the Intermodal Station or southbound from most other stops, including Burns Commons, Cathedral Square or City Hall. Get off at the Third Ward stop, which drops off a few blocks from Summerfest on St. Paul Avenue between Broadway and Milwaukee Street. Find details at thehopmke.com.
Ride-share: Ride-share pickups and drop-offs will be right outside the Mid Gate at East Chicago Street and North Jackson Street, and outside the North Gate at Michigan Street near Art Museum Drive.
Bag policy
All bags are subject to inspection prior to entering the Summerfest grounds. No backpacks or bags larger than 9 by 10 by 12 inches will be allowed on the grounds. If you decide to bring in a backpack or a larger bag, you will be instructed to empty the contents into a clear bag provided by Summerfest in order to be admitted.
What can't you bring into Summerfest?
● Camelback-style hydration packs
● Picnic Baskets
● Outside food and beverages
● Cans or glass bottles
● Aerosol cans
● Alcohol
● Illegal drugs or substances
● Firearms
● Knives
● Weapons or objects that could be used as weapons
● Fireworks
● Professional-grade cameras or video equipment
● Recording devices
● Pets (except service animals)
● Selfie sticks
● Banners or flags on poles
● Laser pointers
● Lawn chairs
● Skateboards or skates
● Wagons
● Kites
● Hula hoops
● Frisbees
● Stadium seats
● Other carry-ins as determined by management
In the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, the following are also not allowed:
● Strollers
● Umbrellas
● Professional-grade cameras and video equipment, unless authorized by the performer
● Stadium seats
● Other items as determined by the performer
Will Summerfest have COVID-19 restrictions?
Unlike last year, there are no plans to require proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test at Summerfest this year. Masking also is not required. But Summerfest said it will monitor the
situation and continue to work closely with health experts, while following local guidelines.
Can you use cash at Summerfest?
Summerfest 2022 will remain a cashless festival, meaning cash will not be accepted at the box offices nor on the grounds. Those with cash can use a reverse cash machine to convert cash into a prepaid card; the machines are available on the festival grounds.
What's new at Summerfest?
New food: Summerfest has some new food vendors, including Chicago deep dish pizzeria Lou Malnati's. Other local restaurants that will be at the Big Gig include La Masa Empanadas and Pete's Pops.
Smiley art: Summerfest-goers can participate in a scavenger hunt, looking for "Big Smile" art sculptures that were designed by various Wisconsin artists.
Hannah Kirby of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this report. Jordyn Noennig covers Wisconsin culture and lifestyle. Follow her on Instagram @JordynTaylor_n. Find her on Twitter @JordynTNoennig. Call her at 262-446-6601 or email Jordyn.Noennig@jrn.com.