Special Attractions Enhance The Summerfest Experience

MILWAUKEE (May 19, 2016) – Summerfest offers an interesting variety of special attractions that make each day a unique experience for music fans and festival lovers alike!  This year’s special attractions include:

The Summerfest Big Bang Fireworks presented by Menards and WISN-TV, Wednesday, June 29 at 9:30 pm
Don’t miss the Summerfest Big Bang Fireworks Show live on the grounds at 9:30 pm presented by Menards and broadcast in HD. Watch WISN-TV for a taped show at 10:30 pm. Produced by Bartolotta Fireworks.

Columbia St. Mary’s Cool Down Lounge with News/Talk 1130 WISN
Visit the air conditioned Columbia St. Mary’s Cool Down Lounge on the south end of the grounds to cool off and, this year, help Summerfest prepare to celebrate its 50th in 2017! All patrons are invited to stop into the Cool Down Lounge to share their favorite Summerfest memory between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm daily. If you are selected, you will have the opportunity to record the story of your memory on video and receive a FREE ticket to the 50th Summerfest in 2017.  Also featured in the lounge will be an exhibit on the history of the BoDeans at Summerfest in honor of the 30th anniversary of their first hit record, “Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams.”

Meijer Hole-in-One Contest with CBS 58 and 540 ESPN Milwaukee
Tee up three (3) balls for $8 for a chance to hit a Hole-In-One! One lucky winner will take home a $5,000 Grand Prize. Support provided by 540 ESPN Milwaukee, CBS 58 and the Michels Corporation. For contest details and rules visit Summerfest.com.

Summerfest Skyglider Presented by Taiwan Excellence
Take a ride on the Skyglider, a true family favorite!  Located high above the main walkway, this gentle ride provides passengers with a scenic view of Henry Maier Festival Park, Lake Michigan and the entertainment below. One-way and round-trip fares available.  For more info on Taiwan Excellence, please visit www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.en

Calypso Lemonade Comedy Tent
Comedy returns to Summerfest!  Visit the Calypso Lemonade Comedy Tent for three shows nightly featuring the best in local and regional talent.  On the weekends, the tent will feature Calypso and Caribbean music before the comics take the stage.  Located immediately inside the South Gate.

The following comedy headliners will be performing at 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00 pm:

June 29 - 30: Dobie Maxwell as seen on The Late Show & Comcast Comedy Spotlight
July 1 - 3: Gerry “The Human Jukebox” Grossman as seen  on HBO
July 5 - 7: Carmen Vallone as seen on Last Comic Standing, HBO, CBS & Jamie Kennedy’s Heckler movie
July 8 - 10: Kier as seen on TNN & HBO

Other entertainment to be announced.

Emerging Artist Series Presented by Full Compass and 88Nine Radio Milwaukee
The Johnson Controls World Sound Stage with Blue Moon and 88Nine will once again host the Emerging Artist Series, highlighting emerging talent each evening from 3:00 - 7:30 pm with the opportunity for patrons to vote for their favorite performances. Check Summerfest.com for information on nightly competitions.

FM 102/1 Series at Summerfest
Wherever you find great alternative music at Summerfest FM102/1 will be there!  The FM102/1 Series at Summerfest is proud to welcome the following artists: Alabama Shakes, Weezer, Panic at the Disco, Fitz & The Tantrums, Passion Pit, Rise Against, Garbage, X Ambassadors, Mike D, The Decemberists, Elle King, Young the Giant, Death Cab For Cutie, 311 and many more!  Stop by FM102/1 HQ located just inside the Mid Gate and say hello.

FM106.1 Country at Summerfest
Wherever you find great country music at Summerfest, FM 106.1 will be there!  The FM 106.1 Country Music Series at Summerfest is proud to welcome the following artists: Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Dustin Lynch, Randy Houser, Hunter Hayes, Chase Rice, Brothers Osborne, Phil Vassar, Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr., Jana Kramer, Cam, Kane Brown and many more.

The Elizabeth “Bo” Black Family Fountain Presented by McDonald’s and B93.3
Your day at Summerfest would not be complete without a stop at the “Splash Pad.” Kids of all ages can splash and play the day away while keeping cool. Patrons will have the opportunity to win great prizes at the McDonald’s display. For deals and information from your local McDonald’s, follow them on Twitter: @McDonaldsMKE.

Land the Big Gig® Presented by Tap Milwaukee and Summerfest, Thursday, June 30 at 5:00 pm
Do you have what it takes to Land the Big Gig®? Visit LandtheBigGig.com to vote for your favorite artists by 11:59 pm CDT on June 2. Then come to Summerfest on Thursday, June 30 to watch the top 3 finalists perform at the Briggs and Stratton Big Backyard for their chance to win a share of over $25,000 in prizes, including cash, travel and accommodations.

Latin Day with Telemundo Wisconsin, Tuesday, July 5
Summerfest and Telemundo are proud to welcome Dance Academy of Mexico, Ecuador Mantra, Afinca’o, J. Torres and Charlie Aponte (formerly of El Gran Combo), for Latin Music Day at the Harley-Davidson™ Roadhouse.  Stop by the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse to enjoy traditional Mexican folkloric dance performance and Salsa, Andean fusion, Cha-Cha and Latin Jazz music starting at 2:00 pm.

Summerfest 2016 will take place June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – July 10 from noon until midnight and will be closed Monday, July 4.  Following its 1968 debut, Summerfest has evolved into what is now recognized as “The World’s Largest Music Festival” and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration, bringing the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites along with approximately 850,000 people from Milwaukee and around the world together each year for an unforgettable live music experience.  During the festival, the spotlight shines on over 800 acts, over 1,000 performances, 11 stages, delectable food and beverages and interactive activities, all in a world-class festival setting.  Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest.  For more details, visit Summerfest.com, Facebook.com/summerfest or Twitter: @Summerfest or download the 2016 Summerfest App.