'Going to be great': Summerfest officials expect bigger crowds during week 2
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's week two of Summerfest, Sept. 9-11. Usually, the Big Gig would be wrapping up, but this year it's three weekends in a row.
Summerfest officials expect bigger crowds earlier in the day, as some headliners go on at 4 p.m.
"Excited, excited about going into week two. I think we have perfect weather, fantastic bands tonight in the amphitheater for the next three days. We’ve got Chris Stapleton today... Zac Brown Band tomorrow, just a few tickets left for that, and Dave Chapelle," said Summerfest Vice President of Entertainment Bob Babisch.
Thursday, Sept. 9, is "Throwback Thursday." You can get in for just $5 until 6 p.m.
The music is also a throwback with Joan Jett, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and more.
Brats at Summerfest are also just $1.
Today is Throwback Thursday presented by @PicknSaveStores! Bring in your free ticket from Pick N Save or get a ticket for just $5! PLUS! Select beverages will be 50% from 12-6pm! Tickets: https://t.co/ltOxvDf3qopic.twitter.com/78DJuU9ZNw
— Summerfest (@Summerfest) September 9, 2021
Bob Babisch said they're just happy to be able to put on a music fest this year amid the pandemic.
"The first weekend was a little more challenging than we thought it was going to be," Babisch said. "But we’re looking forward to it now and we think it’s going to be great."
Summerfest officials are also warning people to remember to bring proof of COVID-19 vaccination and get tested ahead of time. Otherwise, you can take a $25 rapid test at the gate.
Meantime, CBS 58's Nicole Koglin will be LIVE from the Summerfest grounds every Thursday and Friday at 4 and 5 p.m. on CBS 58 News. You can watch live HERE.
@Summerfest week 2 officially underway. What an absolutely beautiful day down here at the lakefront! ☀️ Excited to be live on @CBS58 4:00pm & 5:00pm today! pic.twitter.com/GEHQUVe3U1
— Nicole Koglin (@NicoleKoglinMKE) September 9, 2021
If you're looking for something a little different to do this year, Freedom Boat Club of Milwaukee is giving free boat rides every 30 minutes.
Take a break from the music and enjoy the beautiful view of Summerfest.
They have a pontoon that seats 12 at a time and a cabin cruiser that seats nine.
"Just getting to meet all the cool people at Summerfest and going out for rides and exposing them to be on the water if they haven't been yet," said Erin Stapleton a boater with Freedom Boat Club.
We caught people going out on the pontoon Thursday. They couldn't help but take a photo once out on the water.
"This is fantastic, this is one of the best views of the Milwaukee skyline that you can get," said Joe Janusz of New Berlin.
You can find the full lineup and daily specials for Summerfest here.