Milwaukee comes alive in Summer and Summerfest marks the start of the season. Near the end of June, Milwaukee's lakefront festival grounds hosts one of the largest music festivals in the country. For 10 days, an enormous variety of musical groups, entertainers, food and fun await the local or distant traveler. People have been known to travel lightyears to attend the festivities and the excitement and activities go into the wee hours often highlighted by a spectacular array of fireworks. Most music shows are included in your admission price but there are several shows (generally big acts) every night that cost additionally. Prices vary.

If you happen to be in the Milwaukee area, don't miss the opportunity.

When it's happening

Thursday, June 29 - Sunday, July 9, 2006. The grounds are open from Noon until Midnight daily.

Where it's happening

The World’s Largest Music Festival - Summerfest celebrates its 38th year filling a 23,000-seat amphitheater and ten grounds stages with national headliners for eleven straight days. Situated on 75-acres along the shores of Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee, world-class live music, unique attractions, and over 50 restaurants combine to make Summerfest the premier even of the summer.

Milwaukee Wisconsin Lakefront Festivals

The Big Shows

The Marcus Amphitheater is the venue where many of the bigger acts take place. These shows are generally the larger acts of Summerfest and can vary from Classic Rock shows to current big name performers. Here's the Marcus' Boxoffice

The Big Fireworks Display

Summerfest's annual fireworks display, "The Big Bang," will take place on Thursday, June 30, at approximately 10:30pm, weather permitting. The annual downtown Milwaukee display will take place on Sunday, July 3 at approximately 9:30pm..

Prices

Current prices for Summerfest are $15 per day but specials abound and it's worthwhile doing some research. Here's more about prices and specials

Musical Lineup

The shows that are part of Summefest are constantly being added and some won't be finalized until shortly before the festival begins. Here's the place to find who's playing so far.

Local places to stay

Below is a listing of hotels in the downtown Milwaukee area. For additional listings or to make hotel reservations at area hotels offering great Summerfest packages, visit visitmilwaukee.org or call 1.800.231.0903, Monday-Friday, 8:00a-5:00p CST.

Astor Hotel 414.271.4220 800.558.0200
Best Western Inn Towne 414.224.8400 877.484.6835
Courtyard by Marriott 414.291.4122 800.321.2211
Hilton 414.271.7250 800.HILTONS
Holiday Inn 414.273.2950 800.HOLIDAY
Hotel Metro 414.272.1937
Hotel Wisconsin 414.271.4900
Howard Johnson 414.271.4656 888.271.4646
Hyatt Regency 414.276.1234 800.233.1234
Knickerbocker 414.276.8500 Lakeside Inn 414.276.1577
Milwaukee Athletic Club 414.273.5080
Park East 414.276.8800 800.328.7275
Pfister Hotel 414.273.8222 800.558.8222
Plaza Hotel 414.276.2101 800.340.9590
Ramada Inn 414.272.8410 800.2RAMADA
Residence Inn 414.224.7890 800.331.3131
Wyndham 414.276.8686 800.WYNDHAM

This information is subject to change. Check out Summerfest's website for the most current information