It's not cheap to attend Summerfest — daily admission is $26 for adults — and we haven't even mentioned parking, food and drinks and all that sweet Summerfest merchandise.
We can at least help you save on admission. Here are this year's Summerfest admission promotional offers:
Thursday, June 22, noon to 3 p.m.: Everyone who donates three non-perishable food items gets in free. (All donations benefit the Hunger Task Force.)
Friday, June 23, noon to 3 p.m.: Everyone gets in free from noon to 3 p.m. Also, enjoy special Children’s Fest activities including a Map of Fun. Select food vendors will offer discounts on food and beverage items.
Saturday, June 24, noon to 3 p.m.: The first 1,500 patrons who arrive between noon and 3 p.m. and donate NEW deodorant, socks, and/or menstrual hygiene products, (deodorant is preferred, due to greatest need) with a total minimum value of $10, will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. (All donations benefit United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s community schools.)
Thursday, June 29, noon to 6 p.m.: Celebrate “Throwback Thursday” with $5 admission (until 6 p.m.) and half-off beverages (excluding frozen drinks, specialty coffee drinks and smoothies). Classic rock performers will be showcased, including Hotel California, Shiny Ribs, Debbie Gibson and more.
Friday, June 30, noon to 3 p.m.: Show Your College Pride Day. Everyone who wears a shirt or hat representing one of the participating colleges or universities will get in free. Schools participating are: Herzing University, Carroll University, Marquette University, Milwaukee Area Technical College, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Whitewater. Plus, high school students who present a verified high school ID will also get in free.
Saturday, July 1, 2023, noon to 6 p.m.: All active-duty military personnel and veterans, police, fire and EMT (along with up to four family members) arriving between noon and 6 p.m. who present a valid Military ID, copy or photo of a DD-214 form, driver’s license with veteran classification, or law enforcement or fire department agency-issued credentials at the designated turnstile at any gate will be admitted for free. Police and fire union cards will also be accepted along with a photo ID.
Saturday, July 1, 2023, noon to 3 p.m.: The first 2,500 people who donate new or gently used children’s books (preferably picture books and early readers for children, birth through age 10) with a $10 minimum value will receive one admission ticket. (Books will be donated to Next Door.)
Thursday, July 6, noon to 4 p.m.: On "Senior Fest Day," everyone age 60 and older (with an ID) gets in free until 4 p.m. Also, seniors will receive a voucher for $2 off a food or non-alcoholic beverage purchase over $10. The Direct Supply Area will have 30 senior-focused vendors. All wheelchairs will be provided free of charge to seniors between noon and 4 p.m., while supplies last.
Thursday, July 6, noon to 3 p.m.: Everyone who donates three non-perishable food items gets in free. (All donations benefit the Hunger Task Force.)
Friday, July 7, noon to 6 p.m.: On "Free with Fritos Day," everyone gets in free until 6 p.m. Also, the first 1,000 patrons who enter through the Mid Gate will receive a free Fritos and Summerfest branded bag.
Saturday, July 8, noon to 3 p.m.: Celebrate the final day of this year’s Big Gig with Summerfest Fan Appreciation Day. Everyone gets in free ... well, from noon to 3 p.m. Plus, the first 30,000 patrons arriving through the gates will receive an admission ticket for Summerfest 2024 and a BIG WIN entry ticket. To participate in the BIG WIN drawing, simply drop the perforated BIG WIN Entry ticket in a specially marked bin inside the Summerfest Mid Gate between noon and 3 p.m. on July 8.
