Milwaukee Summerfest
One of Milwaukee's greatest blends of food and live music launches on July 4th with the opening of its 43rd annual Summerfest. The 11-day event features 700 live performances on 11 stages, making it one of the world's largest concert events.
Held at the 75-acre Henry Maier Festival Park along the shore of Lake Michigan, Summerfest 2010 features artists such as Eric Clapton with special guest Roger Daltry, Tom Petty with ZZ Top, Rush, Tim McGraw with Lady Antebellum and Love and Theft, Carrie Underwood, Justin Biebber, Sheryl Grow, Jeff Beck, The Moody Blues and The Scorpions but to name a few.
Although heavily focused on music, Summerfest remains a top family draw as it has several children's performers, comedy acts, attractions, technology pavilions and professional sports demonstrations.
A food and beer town, you'll find everything from mico-brews to some of Wisconsin's notable brands. Vendors offer everything from brats to burgers and pizzas to ethnic specialties.
If you've not visited Milwaukee, Summerfest will prove to be a great introduction to this city that is transforming itself from a small, seemingly Midwest town to a vibrant and young destination. A draw for locals as well as tourists, Summerfest is now known world-wide and although the events are many, the festival has the feel of a cozy party.
While some fest fans choose to stay in local hotels or camp in preserves outside of the city, others choose to commute from Chicago, less than a two hour drive on the interstate. Parking lots near the festival are expensive, so look for parking further from the area. Several park-and-ride lots are in the region and offer shuttle service to and from the festival grounds.
Perhaps the biggest attraction at Summerfest is the price. General admission is $15 with $8 tickets available any weekday between noon and 4 p.m. A three-day pass is $33 per person. Tickets for larger stage acts at the Marcus Amphitheater are sold separately but include admission to Summerfest. For further information visit the festival website at www.summerfest.com.
Posted by Lori Rotenberk
