SummerFest 2025 kicks off, what you need to know
MILWAUKEE (CBS58) — Hundreds of music fans are flocking to Henry Maier Festival Park on Thursday, June 19, for the official kickoff of the world's largest music festival.
Crews have been busy in recent months getting the 75-acre grounds ready for festgoers -- approximately 60,000 every day!
Now that the gates are open, music filling the grounds.
"Super excited to be here and listen to all the music it's my favorite thing just to come out," said Leah Rosene, attendee.
Whether you're here for the music or just a good time festival goers are soaking up the sun and everything the 57th edition of Summerfest has to offer.
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"Just wonder around and check out everything just soak it all in and some sunshine," said Anne Burgess, attendee.
"There's a ton of different stages each one has its own thing to offer its own music to offer so whatever genre you like they have it here," said Leah Rosene, attendee.
From rock to pop and country, Summerfest will feature more than 600 performers across the music spectrum
"Really cool I never thought that big artist would come here right to my hometown so it's really cool to see them and not have to drive far," said Grace Schwarten, attendee.
If you want a quick break from the beats there's plenty of new activities across the grounds.
"It's fun to just walk around there's something around every corner you never know what you're going to find," Grace Schwarten, attendee
There's a variety of activates immersive art, a Pickleball Village and all things country at the Lasso Lounge.
"I don't think realize how fortunate we are we like to go to Disney world and like to think about the people that live in Orlando and we have this right here," said Daren Schwarten, attendee.
Summerfest runs the next three weekends ending on July 5th
The Big Gig takes place June 19-21, June 26-28 and July 3-5.CBS 58 is a proud sponsor of the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard with Miller Lite stage at Summerfest.
Summerfest is open noon to midnight each day, with parking lots opening at 9 a.m. each morning.
Summerfest is a cashless event. General admission tickets are $30 but there are ways to get in for free nearly every day.
Parking can be a challenge but there will be on-site parking available at Henry Maier Festival Park. The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is offering special routes and bicycle parking available at North Gate and Mid Gate. The Hop Streetcar is free to ride, and it runs until 1:00 a.m., with a stop just steps from the North gate of Henry Maier Festival Park.
For the full nine-day lineup click here.