This year, Summerfest runs June 19-21, June 26-28 and July 3-5. And like every experienced Summerfest fan knows, there are plenty of promotions to get into the Big Gig without paying full price. Check out these 12:
1. Summerfest at Pick ‘N Save, Metro Market and Mariano’s
EVERY WEEKEND
Pick ‘N Save, Metro Market and Mariano’s customers will receive two free admission tickets with the purchase of $25 in participating products, including Johnsonville, Pepsi, Screamin’ Sicilian Pizza, Co. and more. Tickets are redeemable with the original receipt at the ticket windows at the entry gates.
2. Versiti Blood Donation
EVERY WEEKEND
Everyone who donates blood at a Versiti Blood Center location in Wisconsin or Illinois between June 9-15 will receive one free general admission ticket, while supplies last.
3. Stomp Out Hunger Day
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 12-3 P.M.
Summerfest patrons arriving at the gates with three shelf-stable food items for donation will receive a free ticket for admission during this promotion. All donations received will benefit Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Northcott Neighborhood House.
4. Children’s Fest Day
FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 12-3 P.M.
Admission is free for the first three hours of this day, which includes activities for kids. Food and beverage vendors will also be offering discounts.
5. Closet Supply Drive
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 12-3 P.M.
The first 1,500 festivalgoers arriving with new socks, deodorant and oral hygiene products (toothbrushes and toothpaste), totaling at least $10 in value per person, will receive a free ticket for admission. Donations will support Mary Lou’s Closet, which will provide hygiene items to youth through the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership.
6. Download the Summerfest App
JUNE 19, 20 OR 21, 12-4 P.M.
The first 15,000 people to download the Summerfest mobile app will be rewarded with a free digital admission ticket. Tickets can be used any time before 4:00 p.m. during the festival’s opening weekend.
7. Throwback Thursday
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 12-6 P.M.
Pick ‘N Save, Metro Market and Mariano’s are teaming up with Summerfest to give shoppers free tickets by showing their receipts at the ticket windows at the entry gates. For each receipt with a $50 transaction using a rewards card from April 23-May 13, customers will receive four free tickets for admission. Additionally, Summerfest tickets will be $5 and select beverages will be 50% off for all patrons for the duration of the promotion.
8. Show Your College Pride Day
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 12-3 P.M.
Stop by the Mid Gate Promotions Booth wearing a shirt or hat for a participating university (including UW-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee Area Technical College) or showing a valid high school ID, and you’ll receive a free ticket for admission. All high school students that begin their FAFSA prior to July 5 will receive a code redeemable for a free ticket through the Milwaukee Education Partnership.
9. Military and First Responder Appreciation Day
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 12-6 P.M.
All active-duty military and first responders that present a valid military ID, copy or photo of a DD-214 form, driver’s license with veteran certification, law enforcement or fire department agency-issued credentials or a police or fire union card paired with a photo ID will receive free admission, along with up to four family members.
10. ‘Make A Child Smile’ Day
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 12-3 P.M.
The first 2,500 patrons that arrive with new or gently-used children’s books, totaling a value of at least $10, will receive a free ticket for admission valid for the time of the promotion. Donations – preferred to be picture books or easy readers for children up to ten years old – will be collected at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth and donated to Next Door.
11. Celebrate July 4th
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 12-6 P.M.
Anyone arriving at the festival gates before 6 p.m. on the Fourth of July will receive free admission. For the first 5,000 festival-goers to enter through the Mid Gate, the free ticket will be paired with a commemorative can cooler.
12. Summerfest Fan Appreciation Day
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 12-3 P.M.
All that arrive during the opening three hours of Summerfest’s final day will receive free admission, while the first 30,000 patrons will also receive a BIG WIN Entry ticket for the opportunity to win $1 million.
