Since I’m taking a blog break, I asked “The Beast” to write up what she likes about Summerfest. Let me introduce “The Beast.”
Being a resident of the Milwaukee tri-county area, Summerfest is an event that is always at the top of the list for summertime activities. Summerfest is my favorite annual music festival. It features all genres of music and boasts the slogan “The World’s Largest Music Festival.” Some headliners coming this summer are Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Chicago, No Doubt, Bob Dylan and The Fray, just to name a few.
While Summerfest is a music festival, it is not just limited to music. Many local eateries serve food and beverages. You can find vendors selling clothing and novelties, and there are many family oriented activities for children available during the day.
Some personal highlights of Summerfest for me would be seeing Jack’s Mannequin at the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage in 2007 and 2008, and seeing A.F.I on the same stage in 2006. This year, I am looking forward to checking out Sound Tribe Sector 9 on July 1. I hope that the weather is better than last year, because it rained both times I went in 2008. One con of the free stages is the bleachers. You will find them bolted to the ground, and right up to the front edge of the stage. I would stand up close to the stage, but I usually get there early enough for a good bleacher spot. With so many people that attend the festival, you will surely be chatting with your neighbors while waiting to see your favorite bands (And hopefully meet some interesting and nice people.)
The U.S. Cellular Connection Stage is in a great location, because it is close to the lake. It’s almost a guarantee that you will feel a cool breeze; it’s also close to the many dining options bathroom facilities. The stage is sponsored by local radio station Rock 102.1, so many of the acts are alternative or rock. The U.S. Cellular Connection stage is not the only place to hear great music though. On the grounds, there are 10 free music stages, such as the Miller Lite Oasis, the
Harley Davidson Roadhouse, and M&I Classic Rock Stage. The Marcus Amphitheater is the largest stage, and the “main” stage for performances on the grounds. That is where all the headliners play. Tickets for these shows cost extra, but that ticket price includes Summerfest admission.
Summerfest is a great place to go with your family during the day and enjoy the weather. It’s also a fun nightlife experience, with many bands and musical performances. This year, Summerfest runs from June 25 through July 5. The park is open from noon until midnight, daily. A unique and convenient perk of Summerfest is the Freeway Flyer shuttle service, offering rides to the park and back to park-n-rides in close suburbs and the Milwaukee County Public Transit system offers their bus services for those living downtown. If you are looking for some fun in Milwaukee this summer, I highly recommend that you check out Summerfest and their musical lineup.
We are just 30 minutes from the opening of the gates at Summerfest. I'm sitting here, outside the grounds, waiting for the opportunity to get my hand stamped. I brought my food donation, and I'm hoping for a great spot in the shade. It's going to be a warm day here in Milwaukee, but I'm still very excited about seeing some of the best music in the country. It's all right here at Summerfest 2012. 
