Where to stay
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
Distance to Summerfest: Henry Maier Festival Park, where Summerfest is held, is just under a half-mile away, a straight walk east on Chicago Street.
What’s cool about this hotel: There’s nothing more summery than shuffleboard and a beer with your Sunday barbecue — and Journeyman’s indoor/outdoor rooftop terrace has all 3. Combine that with the complimentary morning coffee and tea and in-room yoga mats for true relaxation, and we can’t think of a better place to hang before you head to the festival.
Transport tips: Hotels near the Summerfest grounds don’t get any closer than this, so make the 8-minute walk on foot.
The Pfister Hotel
Distance to Summerfest: The Pfister is just over half a mile from Summerfest.
What’s cool about this hotel: Relax in the spa or the indoor pool to before your day at the festival and get cozy in free slippers and bathrobes after the night is over. Then, order post-festival snacks with the Pfister’s 24-hour room service.
Transport tips: You’re about a 15-minute walk from Summerfest, but if you want to save those feet for the festival, hopping in a rideshare is easy.
County Clare Irish Hotel & Pub
Distance to Summerfest: This hotel is 1.5 miles from Summerfest, or about a 6-minute drive.
What’s cool about this hotel: It’s the only hotel in the area with free parking, so if you’re driving into town for Summerfest, it’s a top pick. There’s also free breakfast and free Wi-Fi, and the attached pub is the perfect place to order a pint before the festival.
Transport tips: Put that money you saved on parking toward a rideshare to get you to and from the festival.
Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
Distance to Summerfest: It’s 1.2 miles from this East Town hotel to Summerfest.
What’s cool about this hotel: One of the hippest hotels near Summerfest, Saint Kate offers farm-to-fork morning grub at Aria Café and cocktails at Giggly, the on-site bar, open just in time for brunch on weekends. Other perks include free Wif-Fi and a complimentary coffee station on every floor.
Transport tips: Walk about 5 minutes to the City Hall Southbound stop of Milwaukee’s new streetcar, The Hop, and take it to the Historic Third Ward stop. From there it’s about a 10-minute walk to the festival gates.
Drury Plaza Hotel
Distance to Summerfest: Drury Plaza Hotel is located just 1 mile, or a 4-minute drive, from Henry Maier Festival Park.
What’s cool about this hotel: All rooms have fridges for drinks and microwaves for late-night snacks. And with a complimentary breakfast buffet, you’ll get the fuel you need for a day at the festival.
Transport tips: If you’re not traveling by car, we recommend “hopping” on The Hop Streetcar across the street at Wisconsin Avenue Southbound and ride it one stop to the Historic Third Ward. Then, walk half a mile to the festival entrance.
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Frequently asked questions about Summerfest
Summerfest will now take place on September 3-5 & 17-19, 2020.
What is there to do at Summerfest?
Besides seeing your favorite bands perform, here are a few of the must-have experiences: Eat roasted corn on the cob, check out the local brewery tents, take the kids to the PlayZone, watch the street performers, ride the Ferris wheel, eat funnel cake and take a photo at the Big Guitar, a large statue on the festival grounds.
Where is Summerfest?
Summerfest takes place each year at Henry Maier Festival Park, located at 200 N Harbor Dr in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There are 12 stages within the festival grounds. The park is situated along Lake Michigan, perfect for watching the sunset in between shows.
When was the first Summerfest in Milwaukee?
The first Summerfest was held in 1968 and featured an air show, an auto race, a soccer game and music. Over the decades it grew to include 11 stages, 11 days of music, and the title of World’s Largest Music Festival — officially given by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1999 and used ever since. It draws crowds of about 800,000 people every year and highlights a wide variety of genres; some of the headliners at 2020 Summerfest are Justin Bieber, Luke Bryan, Ozzy Osbourne and Dave Matthews Band.
