MILWAUKEE — Summerfest 2025 is just around the corner. 

From ticket information to what’s allowed on the festival grounds, we rounded up frequently asked questions about all things Big Gig to help you make the music festival as memorable as possible. 

When is Summerfest?

Summerfest lasts for nine days, over three consecutive weekends — from Thursdays to Saturdays — from noon to midnight. This year, Summerfest dates include June 19 to 21, June 26 to 28 and July 3 to 5. 

What kind of tickets are available and what do they get me? 

Summerfest general admission/multiday passes
Anyone with a general admission or multiday pass will be able to head to the festival grounds from noon to midnight and enjoy all of the festival stages, with the exception of American Family Insurance Amphitheater. 

American Family Insurance Amphitheater tickets
Shows at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater require a separate ticket. However, those who have headliner tickets will also be able to enjoy Summerfest all day, with same-day access to the festival grounds. 

BMO reserved seating
While shows at the BMO Pavilion are open to anyone at Summerfest, fans can also reserve a seat for an evening headliner. These tickets include same-day Summerfest admission, so fans can enjoy the festival before or after the headliner. 

Free seats at the BMO Pavilion are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Level Up viewing deck
For those who want an elevated experience while catching a show at the Miller Lite Oasis stage, the Level Up ticket offers just that. Ticket-holders will have access to a private bar, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and bathrooms, all while stepping away from the crowds. In addition to same-day admission, Level Up tickets include two drinks. 

Where should I buy tickets?

Those who want to plan in advance can but tickets online, before or during the festival, on the Summerfest website. 

General admission tickets will also be available during the festival, at ticket booths. 

American Family Insurance Amphitheater tickets can be purchased at the Summerfest Box Office or online via Ticketmaster. 

Can I leave the festival grounds and come back later? 

Festival-goers are able to exit and re-enter Summerfest, but only during certain times. From noon until 6:30 p.m. each day, re-entry wristbands will be available at all Summerfest gates. Re-entry wristbands are only valid for same-day re-entry until 7 p.m. Re-entry wristbands can only be used once, and each individual will need their own wristband. 

Re-entry wristbands will not be given out after 6:30 p.m., and no one will be able to re-enter the grounds after 7 p.m. 

What is the bag policy? Are there other security measures at the gates?

Everyone who enters the Summerfest grounds will go through a metal detector. 

Bags will be subject to search. Plus, bag sizes and types are restricted. No backpacks are allowed, nor are any bags larger than 9x10x12 inches. 

Summerfest said any prohibited items will be confiscated and won't be returned. 

(Summerfest)

What can I bring to Summerfest?

The following items are allowed at Summerfest:

• Umbrellas (Umbrellas are not allowed inside the American Family Insurance Amphitheater or at the BMO Pavilion)
• Strollers (Strollers are not allowed inside the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, BMO Pavilion or the Miller Level Up Deck)
• Disposable camera
• Small camera (No professional-grade cameras or video equipment)
• Small bag, cinch bag or purse 

The following items are not allowed at Summerfest:

• Backpacks (Summerfest said that "special consideration will be given for parents with infants and those with medical needs")
• Large bags over 9x10x12 inches
• Camelback-style hydration packs
• Picnic baskets
• Outside food and beverages (Exceptions will be made for infants and those with either medical or dietary needs)
• Cans and glass/plastic or metal containers (Including Yeti-type bottles, tumblers, thermos and disposable plastic bottles)
• Coolers or other hard side containers
• Stainless steel reusable drinking straws
• Self-defense sprays (such as OC, pepper spray or mace)
• Aerosol cans (Except for spray sunscreens; sunscreens must be 6 ounces or less, and are limited to one per person)
• UAV-drones
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs or substances
• Firearms 
• Knives
• Weapons or objects that could be used as weapons
• Fireworks, sparklers or explosives
• Professional cameras (Cameras with a detachable lens or lens that extends further than 3 inches) or video equipment
• Recording devices
• Brooms/broomsticks, selfie sticks, poles, trekking sticks and tripods
• Pets (Except service animals or during special events/promotions)
• Banners or flags on poles
• Laser pointers
• Skateboards, roller skates, inline skates or hoverboards
• Foot powered or electric scooters
• Bicycles, tricycles or unicycles
• Wagons
• Kites
• Hula-hoops, frisbees and beach balls
• Stadium seats, sit-upon, seat cushions and lawn chairs

The following additional items are not permitted in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater:

• Strollers
• Umbrellas
• Professional-grade cameras, GO Pro-style cameras, iPads/tablets, video or video-recording equipment (Unless authorized by the performer) 
• Stadium seats, sit-upon, seat cushions and lawn chairs
• Other items as determined by the performer

*Standard point and shoot cameras may or may not be prohibited depending on event restrictions, per Summerfest

Can I rent a stroller or wheelchair?

Yes, rentals will be available at the mid gate and south gate, but you will need to provide an ID. In order to rent, you must be at least 18-years-old. Manual wheelchairs are available for $15. Strollers are available for $5. 

Is Summerfest accessible?

Summerfest complies with ADA guidelines and is accessible, but some areas of the festival grounds that were constructed before 1990, are not. Learn more at the festival's accessibility page.

Summerfest offers sign language interpreters for some performances. Call guest services (414-273-2680) to make a request. Accessible seating is offered at all major stage areas on a first-come, first-served basis. 

American Family Insurance Amphitheater also includes accessible seating at each ticket level, a raised stage for a better view. accessible entrances, accessible pathways and elevators. Ushers will be available for those needing assistance. 

Additionally, Summerfest offers the Stephen J. Schwalbe Respite Pavilion for any guests who need to take a break from noises and crowds or tend to any special needs. The pavilion, open from noon to 10 p.m., is "intended as an oasis for persons with disabilities and other special needs. It is available to individuals of all ages and their families." It features two large accessible bathrooms, a shower with a shower chair, a changing area and adult changing table, storage lockers, electricity to charge wheelchairs or scooters, seating and a patio for service dogs. It is also temperature-controlled. 

Do Summerfest gift cards expire?

No, gift cards do not expire. 

Where can I stay overnight during Summerfest?

To find partner hotels near the festival grounds, click here.

How can I get to Summerfest?

There are a variety of options available to get to the festival, including several public transportation options.

If you’re going to drive yourself, Summerfest has recommendations online for where to exit heading into downtown. Parking lots close to the festival grounds open daily at 9 a.m. and cost $40. It’s first-come, first-served and can be purchased at lot entrances or in advance.

The bus may be another option. There are several Milwaukee County Transit System routes that are within walking distance of the grounds.

You could also take a shuttle. MCTS offers three shuttles that run from College Avenue, Brown Deer Park and Hales Corners Park and Ride lots. These take you directly to the Summerfest gates.

Here are some other options:

• The Hop streetcar
• Lime or Spin scooters
• Bublr bikes
• Rideshares
• Amtrak train

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, you can bring your service animal or service animal-in-training. However, if you’re bringing an animal, Summerfest officials encourage attendees to use an identifying vest, harness, cape or leash to ensure other attendees don’t try to play with or pet your animal. These elements are required if you are a service animal trainer.

When you arrive at Summerfest, officials may ask you some questions, including whether the service animal is required due to a disability or if the animal is being trained for service.

In the case of an animal in training, certifications or other credentials from an animal training school may be required. In other cases, such as an animal required due to disability, Summerfest staff will never ask for these documents.

Those looking to relieve their service animal can do so near the United Spinal Cord Injury Association Respite Pavilion.

If I lost something at Summerfest, where can I find it?

Most likely at the Guest Services Booth areas on the festival grounds. The south one is located just inside the south gate near the big instruments. The middle one is located on the north side of the mid gate close to the Lost Children’s Area.

At both of these locations are where lost items can be turned in and claimed.

If you’re no longer on Summerfest grounds and you’ve lost an item, you can report it via the form on the festival website. If officials find an item that matches a description you’ve provided, they’ll reach out to you directly using the contact information provided.

Items are held for 30 days after the last festival day. After that, they’re donated to a local charity. 

What forms of payment can I use at Summerfest?

The entire festival is cashless, meaning no cash is accepted at the box office, ticket windows or throughout the grounds.

If you only have cash, there are cash-to-card options available. Here, for no additional fees, you can convert your cash to a reusable debit card. These kiosks are located outside the grounds at the north gate, mid gate and the box office. Inside the grounds, you can find them at the box office and the American Family Insurance Ampitheater gates.

I have dietary restrictions. What are my options?

With over 40 food vendors, there are plenty of options for you to choose from if you have dietary restrictions. You can filter through veggie, vegan and gluten-free options on Summerfest’s food and beverage page.

What if I have more questions about Summerfest? 

The festival's FAQ page can be found here.