I don’t know when this happened, but Wisconsin seems to have become the land of music festivals. Now, I’ll state the obvious in that they all happen in “moderate” weather months because they’re pretty much all outside. About the only people who enjoy winter outdoor music festivals are the ice fishers and the hunters…hearty folks that they are!
I’ve always been a lover of music, and remember the first concert I went to was at the old Brown County Arena here in Green Bay, back in the 1970s. It was Chicago, and they’ve remained a favorite ever since. What I’m talking about here is full-on, multi-stage, sun up to sun down music festivals where thousands of music lovers converge to sing, dance, eat, have just a few cocktails, and joy artists from around the country and the world. THAT’s what I’m talking about here!
Worlds Largest Music Festival
The granddaddy of them all, in my opinion, is Summerfest. (www.summerfest.com) This festival began in the 1960s, the brainchild of then-mayor, Henry Maier. In the 1970s, it got its permanent 75-acre festival grounds on the Milwaukee lakeshore. I began going to Summerfest in college, making the trip almost daily with college roommates. Today, Summerfest is billed as the World’s Largest Music Festival, and features over 800 performers providing more than 1000 performances over the course of 11 days. You name it, you’ll find that music here.
Other festivals have popped up around Wisconsin over the years. Here are my top, can’t miss festivals…
- Summerfest – 11 days, late June to early July. There are variety of pass prices that get you into the park and enjoying the majority of the music. The “big” star performers are at the Marcus Amphitheater, and require a separate ticket purchase in advance, no different than any other concert venue. Check out http://www.summerfest.com for more info, dates, artists and ticket info.
- Mile of Music – 2019 marks the 7th year of this festival, and it’s really, truly incredible. The entire event takes place at 70 venues in a one-mile stretch of downtown Appleton, Wisconsin and is 100% FREE. Over 200 new artists, both local and from across the country, converge on the city to perform over just four days in August. There are multiple stages, educational events, sing-alongs, food and beverage, and fun for all ages. No matter what kind of music you like, you’ll find it at Mile of Music. Read the story of Mile of Music at http://www.mileofmusic.com
- Country USA – oh my Lord, if you’re a country music fan, this is the place to be. Country USA takes place at the Ford Festival Grounds in Oshkosh, Wisconsin…yes, little old Oshkosh, B’gosh (did ya catch that?!). This is a 3-day dive into all things country with BIG name acts. Check it out at http://www.countryusaoshkosh.com
- Rock USA – also held at the Ford Festival Grounds in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, this is an annual 3-day rockin’ good time. I personally am getting “out of tune” if you know what I mean, so I haven’t gone…o.k., I’m getting old and don’t listen to the music featured there…but I know a ton of people who go and love it. Head over to http://www.rockusaoshkosh.com
- Polka Days – threw you off with this one, didn’t I? Polka Days, held in Pulaski, Wisconsin, are an amazingly fun time. 2019 marks the 41st year of this festival, which features the best polka music in the world, and draws in thousands of visitors from all over the world. It runs over six days in mid-July, perfect weather season for an outdoor festival. There’s a ton of music, dancing, food, and party fun. The event includes a parade, art/craft fair, 5k run/walk, dance lessons, a polka mass (which is really cool), and the crowning of Miss Polka Days. Oh…and the food is wonderful! More info is at http://www.pulaskipolkadays.com
Beyond this short list, there’s always music going on someplace. Whether it’s a special performance at a botanical garden, a string trio at a winery, or a jam session on a beach (yes, we have beaches here!), you’ll never find a shortage of music in Wisconsin. Join us! You’re going to love it!
