Summerfest is a Milwaukee institution. Many of us have been attending the music event for years, if not decades.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, there won’t be a Summerfest this year. For the first time since 1968, Milwaukee will not spend the next two weeks at live concerts, in beer tents or in line at food carts. That news is enough to bum out any red-blooded Milwaukeean.
To help lift your spirits, here are four ways you can get rid of the Summerfest blues.
1. Attend Milwaukee Record’s Virtual Summer Festival
ONLINE | THURSDAY FROM 12-8 P.M.
It may not be Summerfest, but it’s a socially distanced summer festival that advertises a day’s worth of music, comedy, sports and games. “Will it be a perfect substitute for the real life festivals you’re missing this summer? Of course not, but at least it’s something,” the event listing says.
2. Participate in the DIY Summerfest Challenge
ONLINE | WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY
In an effort to keep the festival spirit alive, event organizers started the DIY Summerfest Contest. To participate, post a photo or video of you creating your own Summerfest experience to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok, tag Summerfest and use #DIYSummerfest. All this is for a chance to win tickets to next year’s festival.
3. Stream a Concert
STREAMING PLATFORMS | ANY TIME
Once live shows started to cancel, Summerfest staffers accumulated a list of nearly 100 concerts, documentaries, movies and more that would help you temporarily fill the void live music has left in your heart. This week seems like a good time to dust off this list and get streaming.
4. Take a Hike at Lakeshore State Park
500 N. HARBOR DR. | ANY TIME
Part of the fun of Summerfest is spending the day out in the sun by the lake and walking the grounds. Lakeshore State Park conveniently starts right next to the Henry Maier Festival Park, and it stretches on for 12 miles.
