Wisconsin isn't just home of beer, cheese and cows. It's also home of the world's largest music festival, Summerfest, located in Milwaukee, WI. Since it's start in the '60s, by late Mayor Henry Mier, the festival has grown from a few small wooden stages on 15-acres of land to being a summer treasure in Wisconsin spanning over 75-acres of land now. The festival lasts 11 days from the last week of June to the first week of July and attracts over 800,000 people a year. Summerfest is definitely the world's largest music festival, but it might also be the world's best music festival too - and here's why.
1. "The Big Bang"
The festival starts off with a bang, literally. The opening day fireworks have become a well-known attraction of the summer in Milwaukee. People will drive downtown just to watch the fireworks because they are so fantastic. If you want an extra special view of the fireworks show, check it out from the sky by taking a ride on the sky glider.
2. 11 stages
Ten of those stages are basically free with admission into the festival and they still have great performers at them. From the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage (typically hosting country acts), to the Miller Lite Oasis stage, to the U.S. Cellular stage (usually hosting alternative and rock acts), you'll find a "home" at one of them. The main stage (the Marcus Amphitheater) is the only stage you need separate tickets for, as that is where the headliners perform. The Marcus Amphitheater holds about 23,000 people and hosts acts as big as the Rolling Stones.
3. The performers
Some of the most popular music sensations have performed at Summerfest, including Luke Bryan, Fall Out Boy, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Bruno Mars and a whole lot more. Summerfest has the largest variety of performers each year in every genre, making it easy to for anyone to find their perfect concert. Don't believe me? Or are you interested? Check out this year's lineup here.
4. The location
Milwaukee is not just home to the giant music festival, but it's also home to so much more, including the historic Third Ward, the lively Eastside and the beautiful lakefront. The festival sits along the side of Lake Michigan, making for some gorgeous views and perfect photo ops. Just be careful and watch your step along the sharp rocks if you decide to take an adventure and relax on them.
5. The food
You name it, Summerfest probably has it. They've got you covered with burritos, fries, ice cream, wings, burgers, barbecue, gyros, Hawaiian shaved ice and so much more. The Saz's sampler platter is one of the most popular food choices of Summerfest due to its amazing variety of deep-fried deliciousness. It comes with the classic Wisconsin cheese curds, sour cream and chive fries and mozzarella sticks.
6. The cost
By paying under $20, you can visit 10 out of the 11 stages in one night and see a variety of different concerts. There's also multi-day tickets and daily deals with some including free admission before a certain time of the day. So if you're ballin' on a budget, have no fear - you can still experience the joys Summerfest has to offer.
Whether you go for the music, to hang out with friends, the food or all of the above, Summerfest is sure to show you a good time. Check out the website here and see everything Summerfest has to offer this year.
