MILWAUKEE — If you’re a subscriber to the “If it’s free, it’s me” theory, listen up: Summerfest has admission promotions for fans to get into the grounds with either free or discounted admission each day of this year’s nine-day festival.
All admission promotions, unless otherwise stated, will be at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth, located at the Mid Gate Plaza. Most promotions begin at noon and run until ticket supplies last or through mid-afternoon, whichever comes first.
Tickets are only valid on the day of the promotion.
Thursday, noon-3 p.m.
Johnson Controls Stomp Out Hunger Day (with Fox 6 Milwaukee)
All fans who arrive between noon-3 p.m. and donate a minimum of two jars of peanut butter will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day of the promotion only. Food donations will be accepted at all three gates.
Friday noon-3 p.m.
Lou Malnati’s Children’s Fest Day (with TMJ4 and 99.1 The Mix)
Made possible through the support of Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, all patrons arriving between noon-3 p.m. will be admitted for free. Children’s Fest Day activities include Lou Malnati’s Map of Fun and the Family Fun Package drawing. Select food vendors will offer discounts on food and beverage items.
Saturday, noon-3 p.m.
Briggs & Stratton Mary Lou’s Closet Supply Drive
Mary Lou’s Closet provides hygiene supplies for youth in area public schools. The first 1,500 patrons who arrive between noon-3 p.m. at the Mid Gate and donate new deodorant, feminine hygiene products, and/or socks — with a minimum value of $10 — will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day of the promotion only. All donations benefit United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County’s community schools.
Thursday, June 30, noon-6 p.m.
Throwback Thursday Presented by Pick ‘N Save
Admission is $5 and from noon-6 p.m., all beverages will be 50% off (excluding frozen drinks, specialty coffee drinks and smoothies). Pick ‘n Save shoppers can also earn four free tickets for every qualifying $50 spent at Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market locations. The offer is printed at the bottom of the receipt. To redeem the offer, bring the complete original receipt to the Summerfest ticket windows at the entry gates from noon-6 p.m. Tickets are only valid for the day of the promotion. Limit three offers / 12 tickets per transaction.
Friday, July 1, noon-6 p.m.
Generac Military Appreciation Day
All active-duty military personnel and veterans who present a valid Military ID, copy or photo of a DD-214 form, or driver’s license with Veteran classification at the designated turnstile at any gate, along with up to four family members, will be admitted for free. The Military Appreciation Ceremony, produced in partnership with the War Memorial Center, will be at 3 p.m. at the Generac Power Stage. It will feature a presentation of colors, vocal performances, and speaker Keni Thomas, Staff Sergeant in the Army and recipient of the bronze star for valor, and award-winning country music artist and songwriter. Thomas was recognized for being part of an elite special operations package, “Task Force Ranger,” that was later recounted in the book and movie “Black Hawk Down.”
Friday, July 1, noon-3 p.m.
Kinship Community Food Day Presented by Palermo’s Pizza
The first 2,000 fans who donate three non-perishable food items at the Mid-Gate receive one free admission ticket valid for the day of the promotion only. Cooking oil and fruit snack packs (low-sugar applesauce and mandarin oranges) preferred. All donations benefit the Kinship Community Food Center.
Saturday, July 2, noon-3 p.m.
Northwestern Mutual “Make a Child Smile” Day
The first 2,500 fans who donate new or gently used children’s books with a $10 minimum value will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day of the promotion only. Picture books and early readers for children ages birth to 10 are preferred. All books collected at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth will be donated to Next Door.
Thursday, July 7, noon-3 p.m.
Silgan Community Food Drive
The first 2,000 fans who arrive between noon-3 p.m. and donate three non-perishable food items will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day of the promotion only. Canned fruits and vegetables are appreciated. Donations will be accepted at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth and will benefit Hunger Task Force.
Thursday, July 7, noon-4 p.m.
Direct Supply Seniorfest Day
All fans 60-and-over will be admitted free when they present their ID at the designated turnstile at any gate. They will also receive a voucher for $2 off a food or non-alcoholic beverage purchase over $10. In addition, all wheelchairs will be provided free of charge to seniors between noon-4 p.m. while supplies last. Wheelchairs are subject to availability.
Friday, July 8, noon-3 p.m.
Show Your College Pride Day (with OnMilwaukee, CW 18 and My24 Milwaukee)
All fans who arrive between noon-3 p.m. wearing a shirt or hat representing a participating college or university, or present their high school ID, will receive one free admission ticket. Tickets are valid for the day of the promotion only. Go to the Mid Gate Promotions Booth to receive your ticket. Only shirts or hats from the following colleges or universities will be accepted:
Cardinal Stritch University
Carthage College
Marquette University
Milwaukee Area Technical College
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin - Parkside
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Western Governors University
All high school students who complete their FAFSA by July 8 will receive one free admission ticket, sponsored by Milwaukee Education Partnership.
Saturday, July 9, noon-3 p.m.
Summerfest Fan Appreciation Day with Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
All fans arriving between noon-3 p.m. will be admitted free, compliments of Summerfest. Plus, the first 30,000 fans arriving through the gates will receive one free admission ticket valid for Summerfest 2023.
Download the Summerfest App
Ten thousand free digital weekday admission tickets are being offered when you download the Summerfest App. Tickets are valid on Thursdays and Fridays. Limit one per device, while supplies last.
For more information, visit https://www.summerfest.com/admission-promotions/.