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World's Biggest Festival

Summerfest. A eleven day festival hosted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with way more than just music. This summer the festival starts on June 27th and goes till July 8th, with the exception of the park being close on July 2nd. Being from the midwest, I can tell you that this festival is extremely well known for all age groups: teenagers, adults and families with small children. The festival is hosted at Henry Maier Festival Park, which is on the east side of the city boarding Lake Michigan. Summerfest says that it is known as the largest music festival in the world, hosting over 800 bands and 900,000 people. Summerfest is a small part of the Milwaukee World Festival Inc., and only refers to portion that hosts the concerts while the world festival lasts for over a month and hosts many different kinds of festivals and parades.

From BMO History

As I mentioned before Summerfest is more than just concerts. Its also a very charitable event, hosting the Rock 'n Roll Sole Run (5K) and Big Gig Dress Rehearsal which is a white tablecloth dinner with music and entertainment. All the proceeds from both of these events go to which ever foundations are chosen to receive the funds. Unfortunately, according to the CEO of MWF, Don Smiley, the run has been discontinued and won't return in 2018, so they their funds can be focused in other areas like music education. They are hosting a Jazz Education Day which allows anyone to have hands on experiences with various intrsuments.

There are a handful of other activities to participate in as well, it being the world's biggest festival and all! One thing you could do it take a ride on the Summerfest Skyglider, which is similar to what you'd ride on during a ski trip when going to the top of the mountain, just smaller (see image below). This offers views of the lake, the whole park and all of the stages. There are comedy shows scheduled for every night of the eleven days, so in the case you aren't a huge fan of the headliner that evening, stop in at the Calypso Lemonade Comedy Tent. Summerfest also offers complimentary paddle boat rides in the Festival Park Lagoon which takes people through the festival grounds and into the heart of Milwaukee.

From Summerfest
From The New-Herald

Summerfest is a family event, so of course there are events for the kids too! They have a designated area called the Northwestern Children's Theater and Playzone, according to Kenneth Johnson. There are activities like puppet shows, circus entertainment and they even have their own musical lineup. When I went to Summerfest, there were more young kids than kids my age which surprised because at music festivals thats usually the opposite. But the environment is very kid-friendly with a handful of fair games throughout the grounds and many picnic tables for places to rest.

But don't forget, even with all of these activities available to entertain the attendees, there is still constant music playing. Only a small portion, the headliners, of the lineup was released for 2018. This includes: Imagine Dragons, James Taylor & Bonnie Raitt, Florida Georgia Line, Dave Matthews Band, J. Cole, Journey & Def Leppard, Shawn Mendes, Blake Shelton and Arcade Fire. There are hundreds of other little known bands that play throughout the day but the headliners play at night in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. There are 10 other stages varying greatly in sizes. Summerfest grounds open at noon and close at midnight every day which includes the music and the rest of the activities.

From Star Tribune

The fashion trends at Summerfest are a lot more laid back compared to other festivals. One reason for that could be that it is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin a more relaxed city with people coming from small towns all over the midwest. Another reason could be that its more family oriented so girls aren't liking to show up in swimsuits like they do at Ultra in Miami. Teen Vogue offered their best fashion finds at Summerfest. The festival is smack in the middle of summer so a large majority of the outfits include jean shorts, skirts, tank tops or dresses for girls and shorts and a t-shirt for guys.

Festival Tip: Don't forget to grab a bite to eat from any of the various food types offered in the midst of the Milwaukee chaos. 


Location: 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

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