Schedule the babysitter! Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance is the perfect place for your next date night.
“The World’s Largest Music Festival” runs Thursday – Saturday, September 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18, with bonus Wednesday kick-off amphitheater shows on Wednesday nights.
This year the festival is featuring over 800 performances on 12 stages, along with food, beverages, and activities right along the shores of Lake Michigan.
General admission tickets are $23 with upgraded experiences available.
People 12 and older need either a COVID19 Vaccination or a negative COVID19 test within 72 hours to attend Summerfest 2021, including the Wednesday Weekend Preview concerts in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. All children ages 2-11 must wear a mask. (More details: https://www.summerfest.com/covid-19-entry-protocols/)
Here are 10 Summerfest Date Night ideas for 2021:
1. Catch A Concert
It’s Summerfest, after all. Live music is the name of the game. There’s nothing quite like a live concert on a warm night in your favorite town. And seriously, when’s the last time you went to a concert together? Check out this year’s lineup, and you’ll be singing along in no time.
2. Ride the Ferris Wheel
Is there anything more romantic than a Ferris Wheel? A Ferris Wheel overlooking Lake Michigan, perhaps. The Wheel In The Sky is located right along the lake near the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, and it will be available to ride Sept. 9-11 and Sept 16-18.
3. Visit A Wine Bar
Relax and enjoy the sounds of Summerfest with some fine wine with cheese at one of two Summerfest Corkscrew locations. One is located on the south end of the grounds near the American Family Insurance Amphitheater and one is located on the north end of the grounds near the UScellular Connections Stage. Seating is available at both locations.
4. Ride the Sky Glider
Take a ride on the Sky Glider located high above the main walkway. It’s a gentle ride with a scenic view of Henry Maier Festival Park, Lake Michigan, and the entertainment below. One-way and round-trip fares are available.
5. Watch the Fireworks
Boy, did we miss these fireworks last year. But they’re back! Don’t miss the Summerfest Big Bang Fireworks Show live on the grounds at 9:30 pm on Thursday, September 2nd (weather permitting) presented by Menards. Watch WISN 12 for a taped show at 10:30 pm (Broadcast in HD).
6. Celebrate Oktoberfest
New this year, head to the Klement’s Sausage and Beer Garden on Saturday, September 18th from noon to 9:00 p.m. for an Oktoberfest themed celebration featuring live polka music, fun contests, and more. Enjoy delicious Klement’s sausages and ice cold Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest.
7. Play Shuffleboard
Depending on how competitive you are, this date might end in an argument. You’ll find shuffleboard courts and putting greens at the Miller Lite Brewhouse Experience featuring Bars & Recreation, located on the right side of the Miller Lite stage. You can win prizes, including Front Row Passes to the Miller Lite Oasis, by sinking a hole-in-one or playing at the brand new shuffleboard courts. Sponsored by Miller Brewing Company.
8. Throw It Back
Go back to your roots on Thursday, September 9th with a collection of music through the decades from artists including Everclear, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Third World, and more. From 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., all beverages will be 50% off (excluding frozen drinks, specialty coffee drinks, and smoothies).
It’s presented by Pick N Save, and Pick ‘n Save shoppers can earn four (4) FREE Summerfest tickets for every qualifying $50 spent at Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market locations using a/your Fresh Perks Card from June 30 – August 10, 2021. The offer is printed at the bottom of the receipt and must be redeemed in person at the Summerfest ticket windows at the entry gates on September 9 from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tickets are only valid for the day and time of the promotion. Limit three (3) offers / 12 tickets per transaction.
9. Eat Local
Summerfest is serious about its local food. You’ll recognize lots of local Milwaukee favorites in the food lineup this year including Belair Cantina, Botana’s, Pete’s Pops, Pizza Man, Sil’s Mini Donuts, and more.
10. Go VIP
You never know when you’ll actually get another date night, so why not level it up. Make your evening even more special on the Level Up deck located in the Miller Lite Oasis. Your Level Up ticket also includes admission to Summerfest and 2 beverages(Alcoholic and non-alcoholic options include MillerCoors products, Sangria, Pepsi products, and Aquafina Water). Take advantage of Level Up’s private bar, seating, flat-screen TV’s, Wi-Fi and restrooms. A wristband allows you come-and-go access to Level Up between 7:30 pm-midnight.
Heading to Summerfest with kids?
If you’re heading to Summerfest with kids in tow, mark your calendar for Lou Malnati’s Children’s Fest Day with TMJ4 on Saturday, September 4th from 12-3pm. All patrons arriving between 12:00pm – 3:00pm on Saturday, September 4th will be admitted for FREE! Spend a fun-filled day with the family enjoying Children’s Fest activities including the Lou Malnati’s Map of Fun and the Family Ticket Package drawing. Select food vendors will offer discounts on food and beverage items.
The Northwestern Mutual Community Park is also open during Summerfest. This brand new playground is an entirely redeveloped entertainment space for families. It offers inclusive and accessible play for children ages 2-12 years of age, including those who may experience a variety of challenges.
Visitors will find all new age-appropriate play equipment on a soft surface, including interactive musical play pieces, equipment design that includes ramps for wheelchair access and shaded seating areas
The Giggle Grounds is a covered play area for toddlers ages 6mo – 2 years. It includes shade, age-appropriate activities and play equipment.
There are also permanent restrooms equipped with changing tables, nursing mothers stations for mothers seeking a quiet space to nurse, and three air-conditioned sensory rooms for a calm environment.
The Elizabeth “Bo” Black Family Fountain with B93.3 will also be open every day of Summerfest! Kids of all ages can splash and play the day away while keeping cool.
You should also check out the Gruber Law Offices Sportszone with News Radio 62 WTMJ. They’ll be offering interactive daily programming including sports demonstrations, clinics and entertainment from the Division BMX Stunt Team, Brew City Wrestling, Milwaukee Admirals and more.
Remember that all children ages 2-11 must wear a mask. (More details: https://www.summerfest.com/covid-19-entry-protocols/)
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
