The only thing better than a Summerfest experience is a free Summerfest experience. The rare opportunity to see your favorite band just for the cost of three cans of beans or a children’s book, for wearing your favorite local college apparel or just for showing up from noon to 3 p.m. on certain days. If you want to get into the Big Gig without paying the big bucks, here are 15 ways you can get into Summerfest for free every day.

A large crowd gathers at the US Cellular Connection Stage during Summerfest in Milwaukee as the sun sets behind the city skyline, with high-rise buildings including the Baird Center visible in the background.

2026 Summerfest Admissions Promotions
 

Thursday, June 18 | Noon – 3 p.m.  

Saz’s Stomp Out Hunger Day with FOX6 Milwaukee

Arrive between noon and 3 p.m. and donate three shelf-stable food items at any Summerfest gate for a free ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only, courtesy of Saz’s. Celebrating their 50 years of serving the community, Saz’s is committed to matching the first 1,976 canned goods, with all donations benefitting Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.

 

Thursday, June 18 | Noon – 3 p.m.  

Show Your College Pride Day with OnMilwaukee and CW18 & MY24 

Fans arriving between noon and 3 p.m. who are wearing a shirt or hat from a participating college or university, or showing a valid high school ID, will receive one admission ticket, valid only during the promotion. Visit the Mid Gate Promotions Booth to claim your ticket, then be sure to stop by and say hi to your favorite schools inside!

Participating schools include:

 

High School students who begin their FAFSA before July 4 will receive a free General Admission Summerfest Ticket, brought to you by Milwaukee Education Partnership.

 

Friday, June 19 | Noon – 3 p.m.

Redo Cabinets Supports Northcott Neighborhood House Food Drive 

The first 2,500 fans who arrive between noon and 3 p.m. and donate three shelf-stable food items will receive one admission ticket courtesy of Redo Cabinets, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. Food donations will be accepted at the Mid Gate. Limit one ticket per person. All donations benefit Northcott Neighborhood House.

 

Saturday, June 20 | Noon – 3 p.m.

Briggs & Stratton United Way Diaper & Wipe Drive

Help United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County provide essential diapers and wipes to families across the community. The first 1,500 fans who arrive between noon and 3 p.m. and donate new, unopened wipes or diapers with a total minimum value of $10 per person will receive one ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All donations benefit United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Diaper Bank network.

 

Thursday, June 25 | Noon – 6 p.m.

Throwback Thursday Presented By Pick ‘N Save, Metro Market and Mariano’s

Summerfest is turning back the clocks with $5.00 admission and 50% off select beverages. Enjoy a collection of music through the decades from various throwback artists, and from noon to 6 p.m., all beer, seltzer, cherry vodka lemonade, water and soda will be 50% off!

 

Also, check your receipts!  For every qualifying $50 spent in a single transaction at Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market and Mariano’s locations, from April 22 to May 12, you can earn four FREE Summerfest tickets. Visit PicknSave.com/Summerfest for details. The offer is printed at the bottom of the receipt. To redeem the offer, bring the complete original receipt to the Summerfest ticket windows on June 25 from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are only valid for the day and time of the promotion. Limit 12 tickets.

A group of people at the front row of a music performance

Thursday, June 25 | Noon – 3 p.m.

H.O.G.® Member Day At Summerfest 

Receive one free admission ticket when presenting a valid H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) card. One admission per card, valid for the day and time of the promotion only.

 

Friday, June 26 | Noon – 3 p.m.

Shorewest Children’s Fest Day with TMJ4 And 99.1 The Mix 

Celebrate Shorewest’s 80th anniversary at Summerfest’s Children’s Fest Day with free admission from noon to 3 p.m. Spend a fun-filled day with the family, enjoying Children’s Fest activities, including the Shorewest Map of Fun. Select food vendors will offer discounts on food and beverage items.

 

Saturday, June 27 | Noon – 6 p.m.

Summerfest Military and First Responder Appreciation Day Presented by Generac 

All active-duty military personnel and veterans, police, fire and EMT (along with up to four family members) arriving between noon and 6 p.m. who present a valid Military ID, copy or photo of a DD-214 form, driver’s license with Veteran classification, law enforcement or fire department agency-issued credentials at the designated turnstile at any gate will be admitted for free. Police and fire union ID cards will also be accepted with a photo ID.

 

Saturday, June 27 | Noon – 3 p.m.

Northwestern Mutual “Make a Child Smile” Day 

The first 2,500 fans who donate new or gently used children’s books with a $10 minimum value will receive one FREE admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. Picture books and early readers for children ages birth through ten are preferred. All books collected at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth will be donated to Next Door.

 

Thursday, July 2 

TBD

 

Friday, July 3 | Noon – 3 p.m.

Summerfest Fan Appreciation Day Presented by Potawatomi Casino | Hotel

Arrive between noon and 3 p.m. on Friday, June 3 for free admission, compliments of Potawatomi Casino | Hotel and Summerfest. Plus, the first 30,000 fans will receive an admission ticket for Summerfest 2027 AND a BIG WIN entry ticket. To participate in the BIG WIN drawing, simply drop the perforated BIG WIN entry ticket in a specially marked bin inside the Summerfest Mid Gate between noon and 3:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, July 4 | Noon – 3 p.m.

Freedom On The Fourth Food Drive Presented by Harley-Davidson 

The first 5,000 fans who arrive between noon and 3 p.m. and donate three nonperishable food items will receive an admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All food will be collected at the Mid Gate entrance. Canned fruits and vegetables are especially appreciated! All donations benefit Hunger Task Force.

A large crowd gathers at night under a highway overpass for a live outdoor concert at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage at Summerfest in Milwaukee. The stage is lit with vibrant red and yellow lights as a band performs. String lights hang above the crowd, and the downtown Milwaukee skyline glows in the background.

More Ways to Get Into Summerfest for Free

 

Download The Summerfest App Fueled By Pepsi 

Don’t miss a beat! There’s no better guide to the lineup, stage schedules and the entire Summerfest experience! The first 15,000 fans who downloaded the Summerfest App also received a free digital admission ticket courtesy of Pepsi, valid for one admission on June 18-20 from noon p.m. to 4 p.m. Limit one per device.

 
Summerfeast at Pick ‘N Save, Metro Market and Mariano’s 

You can earn two free Summerfest General Admission Tickets with the purchase of $25 in participating items with your Fresh Perks Card at any Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market or Mariano’s store from May 20 to June 9. Participating brands include Pepsi, BUBBL’R, Johnsonville, Koops’ Mustard, Monster Energy, Good Foods, Sargento and Connie’s Frozen Pizza. Visit PicknSave.com/Summerfeast for details and qualifying products. The offer is printed at the bottom of the receipt. To redeem the offer, bring the complete original receipt to the Summerfest ticket windows at the entry gates on any date of Summerfest. Limited to four tickets per transaction. Max redemption of 12 tickets per day.

 

Versiti Summerfest Blood Donation

Donate blood at a Versiti Donor Center in Wisconsin or Illinois on June 9-14 to earn a free General Admission Summerfest ticket, while supplies last. 

 

Get tuned up for Summerfest 2026, map out your lineup and plan your Big Gig getaway today!