1. New Bars
ALL FESTIVAL | SEE DESCRIPTION
Two new bars are coming to Summerfest this year. Keg & Cask is located on the South End of the grounds and features 12 different beers on tap like Leinenkugel’s and Hop Valley, as well as craft cocktails. For fans of fruity cocktails, STARRY bar on the waterfront offers both cocktails and mocktails.
2. Hole-in-One Challenge
ALL FESTIVAL | WATERFRONT
While not exactly new, the hole-in-one challenge along the waterfront is back again this year! Golfers (no skill required) get to hit three balls for $10 for a shot at making it into the hole. The first person to sink it in one stroke gets $5,000.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. New Food Vendors
ALL FESTIVAL | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Wisconsin favorite Ian’s Pizza will serve slices at the fest this year, featuring its famed Mac n’ Cheese and Smokey the Bandit slices and, of course, breadsticks. Johnsonville Summerville will sell its Johnsonville Sausage Sampler, Summerville Nachos and Summerville Brats. Other new food vendors include Chubby’s Wings, Mac-A-Do’s and Nashville North.
4. Summerfest Anniversary Drinks
ALL FESTIVAL | SUMMERFEST GROUNDS
Summerfest released new beverages for its 55th anniversary, from mocktails to spirits. Additions include Seedlip Prickly Pear Watermelon Mocktail, Central Standard Lemon Honey Bourbon Bash and Leinenkugel’s Juicy Peach. The drinks can be found at Summerfest’s bars located around the grounds.
5. US Mode Lounge
ALL FESTIVAL | US CELLUAR STAGE
Fans looking to disconnect from their tech can stop by US Cellular’s US Mode Lounge. Located by the USCellular stage, the lounge offers shade for sun-soaked fans looking to cool down. Company associates will also be helping people unplug from their phones, and people will have the chance to pledge to have healthier digital habits. Plus, you can also enter in a $20,000 giveaway while you’re there.
6. Fritos Legacy Diner
ALL FESTIVAL | SOUTH GATE
Fritos Diner features homages to the chip brand’s history. This exhibit includes photo booths, a jukebox and free samples.
7. 2s, Frees & 3s Shootout
JUNE 29 from 2-3 P.M. | GRUBER LAW OFFICES SPORTSZONE
Take a break from the concerts to compete against each other in this basketball competition. The top four players get a chance to beat former NBA-player Steve Novak on June 30 for a shot at $1,000 at the Alumni Charity challenge. The competition is split into five categories: 9 and under, 10-12 years old, 13-15 years old, 16-54 years old and over 55. Registration is $5.
8. New Happy Hour Deals
JUNE 30, JULY 1, 6, 7, 8 FROM 4 P.M.-5 P.M. | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Each day, a different bar will have BOGO (buy one get one) deals or sampling options from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Featured bars include the Miller Brewhouse, Topo Chico Bar and Simply Bar. Deals include samplings of Topo Chico Spirited on June 30 and BOGO Terrapin, Leinenkugel’s and Hop Valley on July 6.
9. Cornhole Competition
JULY 7 AT 6 P.M. | GRUBER LAW OFFICES SPORTZONE
The American Cornhole League (ACL) Pro Shootout and SuperHole takes place in Milwaukee for the first time on Summerfest grounds. Broadcast on ESPN 2, the Pro Shootout will feature the best cornholers from the country. SuperHole pairs four celebrities and four professional cornhole players together.
