Summerfest’s first weekend is in the books, and it had a little bit of everything that makes the world’s largest music festival a spectacular Milwaukee must-do. From fireworks at great heights to “Top Chef” bites, celeb cameos to headlining shows, and weather that reminded us of the beautiful, unpredictable nature of life, the Big Gig showed why it is one of the best fests on the planet. As we eagerly count the hours to Summerfest Weekend 2 (21 hours and counting at the moment), we couldn’t help but make a list of our five favorite things we saw during the fest’s first weekend.
DanDan Stand
Opening its serving window just hours after the season finale of Bravo’s “Top Chef: Wisconsin,” finalist cheftestant Dan Jacobs and James Beard-recognized partner Dan Van Rite served their delicious dishes, festival-style, by the U.S. Cellular Stage at the DanDan Stand. While Dan Jacobs sadly didn’t take home the title of Top Chef, he did win the hearts of the viewing audience and the admiration of Milwaukeeans everywhere. Here, just a few hours after locals and visitors witnessed Jacobs’ culinary prowess on “Top Chef,” he was on the grounds of Summerfest serving, among other dining delights, the DanDan Noodles, featuring Sichuan pork dumplings, an egg roll and smashed cucumber.
Big Bang Fireworks
An annual tradition, the sound of summer, the Big Bang Fireworks and its colorful explosions in the sky are an official kickoff to the season. The show drew locals and visitors to the lakefront and the Henry Maier Festival Park grounds for a vibrant backdrop to the night’s concerts and an aerial spectacle beloved by all.
Miss @KimKardashian walked right in front of my daughter at the @sza concert @Summerfest!
— Stephanie Sutton (@Steph__Sutton) June 23, 2024
(Video courtesy: @Kate_Sutton12) pic.twitter.com/P1SYSgIqIB
Celebrity Cameos
Summerfest Weekend 1 also opened the door for a celebrity cameo. Kim Kardashian – known for her starring role on the reality television show, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” – and her daughter North headed north to Milwaukee to see SZA at the American Family Amphitheater on Saturday night.
Summerfest 2024 Fox Poster
Just look at it! Look at the little fox in sunglasses. Is there really any other explanation needed as to why this is one of our favorite merch items from this year’s fest?
Well, if a fox in sunglasses awaiting a great day on our Great Lake doesn’t tickle your fancy, maybe a little background might turn you around. The Summerfest grounds are widely known as the home of a small family of foxes. They’ve been spotted frolicking in green spaces along Lake Michigan, both at Lakeshore State Park and the festival grounds. As an homage to the furry friends that call the park home, Summerfest has made a habit of hiding foxes at the periphery of artwork and collateral. Now, the fest foxes are front and center. Their moment is now, and we would love nothing more than to watch a fox play an acoustic set from a boat. Get your fest merch here!
12 Stages of Headliners
If you’ve never been to Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival moniker may be something of an abstract concept that seems a little hard to live up to. Let us be the first to assure you the festival’s 75 acres of grounds pack entertainment around every turn. The festival boasts 12 stages of headlining talent every night, with performances from music legends, rising stars and the hottest artists in the industry all in one place. Check out the lineup!
With Summerfest Weekend 2 set to get underway tomorrow, make 2024 your best fest experience yet! Map your Summerfest adventures, get your tickets today and plan your stay for multi-day fest fun. Smile On!
With Summerfest Weekend 2 set to get underway tomorrow, make 2024 your best fest experience yet! Map your Summerfest adventures, get your tickets today and plan your stay for multi-day fest fun. Smile On!
