Wisconsin’s Summerfest to take place in September this year

Rebecca Omastiak
[Summerfest, Twitter]

One of the country’s largest music festivals, Summerfest, has been pushed back to September this year, festival organizers announced Tuesday.

Held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the summertime music festival typically features a variety of performances, food and shopping vendors, family activities and fireworks.

This year, the festival will take place during three consecutive weekends in September: Sept. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18.

Organizers said the decision to push the festival’s dates back was made to allow more time for COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

"While the progress made through the vaccine rollout is encouraging, we believe it is in the public’s best interest to hold the festival in September to give government leaders and health care organizations enough time to distribute the vaccine," Don Smiley, president CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., said in a statement. "We will continue to work diligently with civic officials and healthcare professionals as we prepare to welcome artists, fans, employees, vendors and sponsorship partners this summer. Our team is excited to get back to what we do best, as soon as possible."

Organizers also said they are hoping to introduce a few new Summerfest additions, including the $51.3 million American Family Insurance Amphitheater, the Northwestern Mutual Community Park, and the Generac Power Stage.

Valid Summerfest 2020 and 2021 general admission tickets issued so far may be redeemed during the new September dates, organizers said. Those who have purchased tickets may also receive refunds via the Summerfest website or Ticketmaster.