One must wonder, based on vibes: Is the second weekend of Summerfest the best? We’re riding the opening-weekend high of summer bursting anew and not yet feeling the closing-weekend dread of it all crawling back into hibernation. The glory of Milwaukee summer is shining brightest right here, right now.
So, even though another rip-roaring weekend is in the books, we know there’s still plenty of party ahead. As far as music goes, we’ve made our picks of bands and artists to fill your festivities.
MUSIC PICKS, FREE TICKETS AND MORE: MORE SUMMERFEST COVERAGE HERE.
If someone has inspired you through their service, leadership or dedication, the Unity Awards are your opportunity to recognize them!
Evan Musil, Arts and Culture Editor
Thursday, June 25:
Booker T. Jones
4:15 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
One of the first songs I learned to play on piano was Booker T. & the M.G.’s “Green Onions,” one of the coolest songs ever laid down. Booker T. Jones was 17 years old then, in 1962, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee has done a whole lot more since then, forging a solo career and working with a litany of artists including Bill Withers, Neil Young, Gary Clark Jr., Hozier and many more. All that will surely show on stage.
Kim Gordon
10 P.M. | BRIGGS & STRATTON BIG BACKYARD
For an artist of her tenure, it’s thrilling to hear former Sonic Youth member Kim Gordon create such explosive, fascinating music in her most recent albums The Collective (2024) and Play Me (2026). Check out her uniquely fashioned industrial-trap sound to catch a case of the cool.
Friday, June 26:
School of Rock
NOON | MULTIPLE STAGES
If you get to the grounds as soon as the gates open at noon, the first sounds you’ll be treated to will come from bands of students from across the country. Isn’t that an amazing thing? Hearing a love of music blossom in young artists is an energizing way to start a festival.
Allison Mahal
NOON | JOHNSONVILLE SUMMERVILLE STAGE
This local singer-songwriter was one of my picks last year, and she’s building more momentum with her forthcoming EP out this year and a sublime new single “The Knife” out today. Her full, openhearted folk-rock is going up a notch.
Sudan Archives
7 P.M. | AURORA PAVILION
I’m not sure how I only just noticed Sudan Archives on this lineup, but I’m glad it’s now rather than never. A supremely talented violinist and overall artist, the Ohio native makes rapturous dance music like no other – exhibit A is her most recent album, THE BPM.
Grouplove
7:30 P.M. | ULINE WAREHOUSE
Grouplove firmly fits what young folks call “millennial hopecore.” The songs of their peak popularity are bright, effusive packages of carefree excitement. Listening as a teen, I thought it’s your 20s look like – endless adventures bathed in sunshine. Turns out, there’s more screen-staring than I thought.
Saturday, June 27:
Jean Dawson
5:30 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
This mercurial singer slipped past my radar in the last few years, but in the realm of ethereal, genre-amorphous bedroom pop, Jean Dawson seems to have substance to back his effortless style.
Audrey Nuna
10:30 P.M. | T-MOBILE STAGE
You know her singing voice from KPop Demon Hunters, but Audrey Nuna has her own elastic, bumping pop-rap style that’s worth checking out on its own merit.
Chris Drosner, Executive Editor
King Buffalo
7:30 P.M. | GENERAC POWER STAGE
I know what the descriptor “psychedelic stoner rock” sounds like to the uninitiated, but at least stop by the stage for King Buffalo’s set to give it a shot. You might be surprised at how approachable their brand of this underappreciated genre is.
Chelsea Mamerow, Creative Director
Thursday, June 25:
Wire & Nail
4:15 P.M. | T-MOBILE STAGE
This local act calls their sound Milwaukeetonk, a descriptor I fully enjoy. Equal parts country and rock n’ roll, they’ll put on a boot stompin’ good time to kick off an evening of twangy tunes at the T-Mobile Stage.
The Mountain Goats
7 P.M. | AURORA PAVILION
I introduced my 12 and 14 year old kids to The Mountain Goats this week and was happy to learn their witty (and sometimes disturbing) lyricism held their attention like it does mine.
