The Big Bang and Summerfest in Milwaukee

What can you expect for the Big Bang and Summerfest in Milwaukee? Crowds, people, traffic. We see the stories on the local news every year. There are families that camp out a day or two before the Big Bang. They rope off their spot on the lakefront, and sometimes sleep there overnight. Through rain or shine, these devoted fireworks lovers stick it out.

The fireworks can be seen from the entire lakefront, and as far away as Greenfield, if you park your car along Loomis Road. The launch site is near the War Memorial center, and that's where you can expect to see the largest crowds. As July 3 falls on a Saturday, we downtown commuters are thrilled to know that we will not have to fight our way home, just to turn around and head back to the lakefront. What do I like to do for the Big Bang? I get to the Summerfest grounds in the afternoon, and watch the fireworks from the sky glider.

Summerfest Admission Discount Day

I always look for a good Summerfest Admission discount. There are so many ways to get in to the fest for a bargain. Some of us sign up for an early bird special. If you get the email from Summerfest, you can sign up for a pair of free admission tickets. You might have to get to the gate before 4pm, but that's not so hard.

Other times, you can take advantage of the special offers. I'm looking forward to the June 28th, Chipotle gate giveaway. The first 5000 people who show up at the gate after 5pm get a free "chips and guacamole card." My coworker practically lives at Chipotle, so I'll bet he's going on that night. Another great offer is the "2 buck Tuesday" offer from KAPCO Metal Stampings. Get to the gate between noon and 6:30, and you pay only $2 to get into Summerfest that day.


For the big day on July 4, all you have to do is hustle down to the Summerfest gates by 3pm, and it's free to enter. We all know that Summerfest Admission is a bargain, even at full price. The special offers just sweeten the pot. Don't forget the best deal of all. Johnson Controls and Fox 6 team up to help fight hunger. Bring a non-perishable food item to the gate between noon and 3pm on opening day, and you get a free admission ticket. Better yet, bring more than one item. What's it going to cost you?

Summerfest TheCoolTV Rock Stage Milwaukee 2010

Milwaukee Summerfest 2010 TheCoolTV Rock Stage has posted their headline shows. Beatallica is a co-headliner on opening night. Big name acts such as Joan Jett, Flyleaf, Saliva, and Papa Roach will all hit the stage on various nights. Here is the complete headliner list for the Miller Lite/TheCoolTV Rock Stage. The Summerfest 2010 shows keep on coming.

June 24 Beatallica and LoveHammers

June 25 The Gracious Few

June 26 Red

June 27 Nonpoint

June 28 Saliva

June 29 Papa Roach

June 30 Cavo

July 1 Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

July 2 August Burns Red

July 3 Flyleaf

July 4 Sick Puppies and Halestorm

Most headliners start at 10pm. Beatallica, Red, and August Burns Red all start at 8pm.

American Idols Marcus Amphitheater 2010

The "top ten" American Idol finalists will perform at the Marcus Amphitheater on July 2. Who are they? I'm not sure of all the names, but Allison Iraheta and Orianthi will both be there. As for the rest, the names I see are Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Lee DeWyze, and more.

What I do know is that Danny Gokey will be at Summerfest on July 4. Adam Lambert will be at the Riverside theater on June 15, so he's certainly not going to be at the Summerfest gig. Kris Allen will be at Turner Hall on June 4. Summerfest filled the last open slot with this show. It's wholesome fun for children and parents alike.