Oh, Summerfest, you big, beautiful slice of Milwaukee. Every year, we’re re-reminded what a spectacle you are, bringing the full cross-section of our all-to-siloed city out into the big mixing pot by the lake for all to experience. Of course, all of our staff who attended appreciated the fashion (and non-fashion), food (more than one Saz’s sampler) and, most of all, the music. Here are some specific things that left a mark on us from Summerfest’s opening weekend.
Dan and Dan’s Dan Dan Noodles
There is something so charmingly Smallwaukee about chef Dan Jacobs handing me my DanDan noodles through the window of their booth. If you go, chances are high that you’ll also see one of the Dans churning out the orders. Order the smashed cucumber salad to pair with the hot and spicy noodles. I also heard good things about the cauliflower. – Chelsea Mamerow
The Panic Shack Experience
Panic Shack, the punky Welsh band fronted by four women, was a surprise highlight of my Friday stint. While the whole band was singular, shout out to Emily Smith, rocking a neon-green I ♥️ Chicago t-shirt (I chose to think of it as ironic) as she danced and plucked her massive KISS-style battle axe bass. – Chris Drosner
Big Bang Goes Boom
It’s easy to be jaded about fireworks with so many displays happening all summer long. But the opening night fireworks, formally referred to as The Big Bang, were truly outstanding! They had it all – gorgeous colors, a variety of shapes, and spectacular choreography. – Carole Nicksin
Flipturn’s Drumming Shenanigans
Devon VonBalson is the star of the show for Florida indie rockers Flipturn, and he knows it. After an intense drumming performance, he ran into the audience, tossed his drumsticks in the air, and ran right back to keep performing with a drum ON his head – all in a span of minutes. A wonderful way to cap off a most excellent performance! – Amrita Thakkar
The Fungal Folds of Radiant Echoes
Fuzzpop’s Radiant Echoes is an immersive art experience, beautiful and trippy too – especially after dark. The work integrates sculpture, sound and light in a mushroom-like, multicolor forest. It was a total vibe. (There are two more integrated dance performances by Wild Space Dance Company on Friday, June 26.) – Abby Yemm
Megan Moroney’s Pink Brigade
I went on Thursday wearing the equivalent of pajamas, only to see swarms of teens decked out in all pink with denim miniskirts, rhinestone white cowboy boots and loads of sparkles. Most of them were accompanied by their moms, who seemed equally as enthused. When I asked who they were there to see and why everyone was dressed up like this, I was giddily informed that Megan Moroney’s new album is pink-themed. They were buzzing with energy and had obviously prepped for hours. Cute, saccharine teenage girl fun. – AY
Bean Swag Will Not Die
I guess bean swag has become an official, not-just-for-one-year thing at Summerfest now. On Friday night, I saw at least two of the unsettling baked-bean bucket hats that Bush’s gave away in 2024. Looks good on you, though! – CD
We’re Conflicted About Father John Misty
I lucked into a pit pass and was front and center for the intense, unsettling stare that accompanies Father John Misty’s sermon. (Yes, I would call it a sermon. It sure felt like he was trying to teach us something.) Despite the lack of recognizable emotion from anyone on stage, I felt it deeply in the music and left with a stronger appreciation for the band as a whole and hopeful that his arrogance is just a part of the performance. – CM
FJM was 100% my favorite performance of the first weekend, in no small part thanks to their performance of “Screamland,” but also due to his dance partner: his mic stand. Once second above his head, the next second being caressed like a lover – perhaps he’s really intense about his performances, or maybe he just really has a thing for electronics. – AT
Evan Honer and His Band
How cute were these guys?! Bopping to their own music with ear to ear smiles – their joy to be performing was contagious. My favorite part was when they all ran around the stage like a game of musical chairs and switched instruments for a song. – CM
Central Standard’s Cherry Drank
Did you have one of those Door County Cherry Vodka Lemonades? YUM. It’s Central Standard Distillery’s special vodka blended with organic lemon juice and a mix of botanicals. They’re only slightly less than a Summerfest ticket itself, but 100% worth it. – AY
The Very Limber John J. McCauley of Deer Tick
Deer Tick put on a great and memorable show Friday. Not to take away from that, but what is with wiry frontman John J. McCauley’s core strength?! These guys have been around nearly 20 years, which makes the low limbo-like stance he repeatedly held while jamming on his guitar all the more impressive. – CM
I thought Deer Tick’s set started a little slow, but the Milwaukee crowd was won over by the time McCauley was on the floor of the stage playing his guitar using a Miller Lite can along the neck as a slide. – CD
Semi-Charmed Kind of Concert
As a longtime Third Eye Blind fan, their sound was great, and it was fun to hear a decent cover of David Bowie’s classic “Heroes” as well as their classic “Motorcyle Drive By.” It brought me back to one of my childhood crushes. (Allen from Challand Middle School, I still love you.) – AY
In the Passion Pit
My first (and possibly only) pit gig for Summerfest came Thursday thanks to a free score by a friend, and while I probably still won’t pay for pit tickets (sorry, other artists), it was so fun! The pit had plenty of space to dance to the hits I loved in the 2010s (very Summerfest-core), and the band was, as expected, a delight. – AT
Discovering Happy Hour
I must be late to this knowledge – Happy Hour is a screaming deal! Just one hour, from 4-5 pm, select Molson Coors products (yes, High Life and Lite) are just $6. All the more reason to take a half day and extend your time at the fest. – CM
