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Photos, tips and article of the party scene, bands, music and atmosphere from the party masters at PubClub.com.

Summerfest The World's Biggest Music Festival
Photos, Tips and Party Guide


Big stages and big bands highlight the annual Summerfest in Milwaukee.

• Summerfest '08, June 26-July 6. Click Here for report and photos.

By Luau Larry, Special Correspondent

Music and Milwaukee may not seem likely to go together – after all, it's hardly the heart of rock 'n roll – but for 11 days in June and July it takes center stage.

Summerfest in Milwaukee is an annual event on its lakefront. Known locally as the Big Gig, there are bands day and night on 11 stages, anchored by the 23,000-seat Marcus Amphitheater. With seemingly endless live music, crowds enjoying the scene of being in a festive atmosphere and socializing in beer gardens, it is recognized as The World's Largest Music Festival. Locals simply call it the "Big Gig."

Summerfest, which has been happening for more than 40 years, attracts more than one million people each year.

Summerfest Party Tips

• Take the shuttles to the event ($6 R/T). There are 11 park-and-ride lots around town. Out of town visitors should stay in a downtown hotel; it's within walking distance of the festival.
• Ticket prices: $15 after 4 on weekends, $8 noon-4 weekdays. Sponsors have daily admission promptions.
• Cash and credit cards accepted on the grounds.
• No backpacks, beach/folding chairs.
• Take sunscreen and a long-sleeve shirt or jacket. While it's summer, a sudden cool wind can blow in off the lake at night.
• For more information, lineups and advance ticket sales, visit th
e
Summerfest web site.

The bands are a mix of classic rock, alternate rock, even country. Pretty much evrything but hip-hop and rap. Hey, play to your audience, right?

For example, 2006 lineup included Tom Petty; Elvis Costeelo with Allan Toussant; Macia Ball, REO Speedwagon; The Tragically Hip the Go-Gos; Kenny Chesney; Alan Jackson; Hank Williams, Jr.; Joan Jett and the Blackhearts; Styx, Train; Cheap Trick; Pink; Goo Goo Dolls and Counting Crows. Petty came back in 2008 and was joined by among others, John Mellencamp, Cheap Trick, Steel Pulse, Stone Temple Pilots, 3 Dog Night, Pat Benatar and Blondie.

And while it's the music that brings in the crowds, it's the open-air socializing that keeps them coming back year after year. It is by far the city's largest singles scene. And since Milwaukee is just two hours from Chicago, an hour from Madison and easily accessable from places like Indiana and Michigan, the pool of partiers expands far beyond the host city's limits. Plus, the second week is wrapped around the Fourth of July, making it a holiday destination for many.


The Milwaukee skyline shines as a backdrop to the Summerfest grounds.

There are more than 45 diverse food and beverage locations at Summerfest. Beers are still a reasonable $5 for a draft and $6 for a 16-ounce bottle and there is never a wait for a cold one because there are beer tents everywhere.

PubClub Summerfest Correspondent Luau Larry's favorite beer tent is the Lienie Lodge, his favorite stage is the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage and Pavilion, located between the Leinie Lodge and the Sprecher brewery and catering to mostly blues/zydeco/rock.

There's also the Sprecker Brewery tent and for cocktail connoisseurs, there's JoJo's Martini Lounge.

To party properly, arrive by 6 p.m., have some food and lots of beers. Then go to the various stages and enjoy the shows. For a great view of the grounds and lakefront, the Skyglider (right) rises above it all for just $3.

Admission is $8 weekdays before 8 p.m., and $15 on weekends and after 8 p.m., though several Summefest sponsors have promtions featuring discounted tickets. These prices, by the way, have hardly changed from year to year, making Summerfest one of the world's most affordable music festivals in addition to being the largest.

Summerfest Photos – The Scene

Summerfest – The Bands

Summerfest Photos – The Crowd



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