Fans indifferent over weekend format of Summerfest

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Anybody remember going to Summerfest four years ago in 2019?

That was the last year before the pandemic. Headliners on the AmFam Amphitheater stage included Willie Nelson, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Billie Eilish.

2019 was also the last time Summerfest used its traditional format -- 11 straight days, except for the Monday.

Since 2019, Summerfest was cancelled for a year, pushed back another year and then changed to this weekend only format.

So, we wondered if Summerfest fans missed the old weekend-long format -- or if they like the current setup.

CBS 58 spent a lot of time on the grounds for Summerfest, and today, we have been talking to people about the future of the festival.

This is the second full season of Summerfest to take place over the course of three weekends -- Thursday through Saturday -- rather than 11 days straight.

With two years to get used to the new format, fans are wondering if it's here to stay.

Today is Senior Day, and for many visitors, this marks more than five decades of visiting the Big Gig.

They have seen lots of changes over the years.

"I've been coming here since 1968. I'm 70 years old," said Summerfest attendee Susie Rubner. "And I come every year."

"I liked 11 days straight," said Summerfest attendee Bill Yancey. "I like the new format. It gives it a little break, longer, enough time to sanitize."

Everyone seems to have a different opinion.

Despite changes over the years, one consensus is that it is worth it every year.

If you want to avoid the parking hassles near the Summerfest grounds tonight, there are plenty of public transportation and rideshare options