MILWAUKEE — The Big Gig is finally back, after a year-plus-long hiatus due to COVID-19. 

Here, we rounded up resources to help you make the music festival as memorable as possible. 

Summerfest: Frequently Asked Questions

When is Summerfest this year? 

Summerfest is running over the course of three back-to-back weekends: September 2 - 4, 9 - 11 and 16 - 18. The Summerfest grounds will be open from noon to midnight each day. 

How can I get into Summerfest for free? 

On Thursday, September 2, anyone who heads to Summerfest between noon and 3 p.m. will receive free admission if they bring three non-perishable food items. 

On Friday, September 3, the first 2,500 people to donate a children's book will be admitted for free. 

On Saturday, September 4, anyone who comes to Summerfest between noon and 3 p.m. can get in for free. 

On Friday, September 10, the first 1,500 people who donate deodorant, shampoo/body wash wipes, tampons, pads, toothpaste, tooth brushes, socks or underwear to support kids in need at local public schools, will receive free admission. Donors must arrive between noon and 3 p.m. and donations should be worth $10 or more. 

On Saturday, September 11, all active-duty military, veterans and up to four of their family members will receive complimentary Summerfest tickets. 

From September 16 - 18, anyone who shows a Pick 'n Save or Metro Market receipt to the Summerfest gates will get two free general admissions tickets. The receipt must be dated between September 15 and 17, and must include at least one food item. Digital and print receipts will be accepted. 

On Thursday, September 16, all Summerfest-goers 60 years old and older will be admitted free of charge. 

On Friday, September 17, any patron who comes to the gate between noon and 3 p.m. wearing a college shirt or hat from select schools will get free entry. Included institutions are: Alverno College, Carroll University, Concordia University, Herzing University, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee School of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and University of Wisconsin-Parkside. 

On Saturday, September 18, anyone who comes to the Summerfest gates between noon and 3 p.m. will be admitted free of charge. 

What are Summerfest's COVID-19 policies? 

Summerfest will require a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination to be admitted.

Additionally, kids under the age of 12 will be required to wear masks. 

For mor information on these policies, click here. 

Can I still get Summerfest tickets?

Yes! Summerfest tickets can be purchased at the Summerfest gate ticket booths. 

General admissoin tickets can also be purchased here. Tickets to headliner shows at American Family Insurance Amphitheater can be purchased here. 

If I leave Summerfest, can I come back?

Yes. If you leave Summerfest grounds between noon and 6:30 p.m., you can pick up a re-entry wristband at the gate. However, wristbands are only valid for same-day re-entry. 

There is no re-entry after 7:00 p.m. No wristbands will be given out after 6:30 p.m.

Are there rentals available?

Patrons can rent manual wheelchairs for $15 and single strollers for $5. Supplies are limited. 

Is there storage available?

Patrons can pay a $2 fee to "check" items at information booths. 

Can I bring my animal with me?

Pets are not allowed. However, you can bring a service animal or service animal-in-training.  

What facilities are available?

Facilities for nursing mothers are available. as well as first aid stations should you become ill or injured.  

Who are the headliners this year?

Headliners include:

  • Sept. 1: Hella Mega Tour featuring Green Day, Fall Out Boy and Weezer

  • Sept. 2: Luke Bryan with Dylan Scott

  • Sept. 3: Chance the Rapper with 24kGoldn, Teezo Touchdown and DJ Oreo

  • Sept. 4: Twenty One Pilots

  • Sept. 8: Jonas Brothers with Kelsea Ballerini and Spencer Sutherland

  • Sept. 9: Chris Stapleton with Sheryl Crow

  • Sept. 10: Zac Brown Band with Gabby Barrett

  • Sept. 11: Dave Chappelle

  • Sept. 15: Dave Matthews Band

  • Sept. 16: Megan Thee Stallion with Polo G

  • Sept. 17: Miley Cyrus with The Kid Laroi

  • Sept. 18: Guns N’ Roses with Mammoth WVH

For headliner information, click here. 

What other acts will there be?

Other festival artists include Run the Jewels, Bleachers, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, T-Pain, REO Speedwagon, Flo Rida, Diplo, Nelly, Fitz and the Tantrums, Natasha Bedingfield, Goo Goo Dolls, Styx, Black Pumas, ZZ Top, G-Eazy, Neon Trees and Brett Elredge.

To see the full lineup, click here. 

I have dietary restrictions. What are my options?

Summerfesr will host more than 45 food vendors. Multiple vendors will have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. 

Check out menus in advance, here. 

What are the bag policies?

Bags must be 9x10x12 inches or smaller. Approved bags include totes, purses, cinch bags and clutches. Backpacks, messenger bags, coolers and camera bags are not allowed.  

What is or isn't allowed on the grounds?

More Summerfest stories:

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