Summerfest is a nationwide phenomenon, referred to as “The Largest Music Festival in the World.”It earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1999 and still holds that title today. This is especially impressive given the rise of major music events like Coachella, Wonderland, and Lollapalooza, all known for their record-breaking attendance. Yet, Summerfest still takes the cake. The festival is set to begin on June 19th for its 57th year.
Summer Fest this year has a solid mix of big names and up-and-coming artists. Out of 25 students at West, 45% said they knew Megan Thee Stallion—no surprise there. However, 18% didn’t recognize six other artists, showing some newer names in the mix. Ice Spice is another big one on the list, and many people are hyped to see her live. Benson Boone’s also performing—some students know him from TikTok, but not everyone realized he’s making full music now. Whether you’re there for the hits or to find something new, the lineup looks like a good time.
What should people expect for Summerfest 2025 after 2024s Summerfest, which had 555,925 people in attendance? With the high number of attendees and the positive talk on Twitter and Instagram about ’24, it’s safe to say people are hyped about this upcoming Summerfest. Furthermore, this year will feature some unique additions to the activities and atmosphere. For example, a Juneteenth parade has been added to the events, the holiday that celebrates when the slaves were finally freed, which many people are excited about. “We have been getting a lot of calls, and we’re glad about the buzz, but we do want to make sure everybody knows King Drive is the heart of the Juneteenth Festival,” said Vanessa Johnson, Northcott Neighborhood House’s Director of Development. Summerfest 2025 is spicing things up with over two dozen new food and drink options. Highlights include Chicken in a Waffle Cone, the Northern Walking Brat, and Mini Cookie Dough Empanadas. Fun drink additions like Frozen and Tea Bubbles also draw attention, making the food scene as exciting as the music. This addition may be one of the many factors that are causing the ticket sales to rise as various events at the amphitheater are on pace to sell out, according to Fox 6 news Milwaukee and Ticket Network.
Many other new immersive activities have been added to Summerfest recently: Yield, which is a cosmic cornfield with swinging glowing swirls of light, sound, and sculpture; The American Family Insurance house is Located inside the mid-gate it is one of the most unique and intimate venues at Summerfest, hosting exclusive shows where you and your friends can immerse yourself in a relaxing roof hangout or go shopping at the customized festival swag station. Another fun activity available at Summerfest is the Supermoon presented by black creek cheddar, where every good Wisconsinite can fulfill their dreams and thoughts about how the moon is made of cheese. The massive 20-foot-tall illuminated moon is perfect for taking photos, and there is a shaded lakefront picnic table located on the lake walk.
The stage is set, and Summerfest 2025 is around the corner. Each year, it lives up to the hype as one of the largest music festivals in the world, offering a unique mix of popular headliners, upcoming singers, and overall creative new experiences. As it heads into its 57th year, this festival shows no signs of slowing down. It has a strong lineup and exciting additions like the Juneteenth parade and interactive attractions such as Yield and the Supermoon installation. With almost 556,000 attendees last year and a growing buzz online, Summerfest 2025 is shaping up to be another major event. Whether you’re going for the music, the atmosphere, or just for the fun of it, there is no doubt it will be amazing.
