'Plan ahead': Summerfest organizers release 'Get Around Guide' options for 2023

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The 55th Summerfest is less than two weeks away. Milwaukee's Big Gig at Henry Maier Festival Park starts Thursday, June 22. 

This year's festival brings three weekends (June 22-24, June 29-July 1 and July 6-8) of star-studded music lineups and new food and drink options, with hundreds of thousands of attendees expected.

Organizers gathered Monday to share transportation options so fans can get to and from the festival quickly and safely.

"One of the things that we're trying to encourage all of our patrons to do is plan ahead," said President of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Sarah Pancheri. 

New this year, Milwaukee County Transit System's (MCST) Connect One BRT line is free. Service starts at the Watertown Plank Park & Ride, with stops throughout Wisconsin Avenue.

The MCTS Freeway Flyer busses will return this year, running north and south straight to the gate for $10 round-trip.

"I hope you enjoy the fest, and please leave the driving to us," said Tim Hosch, the CFO for MCTS.

Also new for 2023, Henry Maier Festival Park's North Gate will have a designated drop off-pickup spot for rideshares, like Uber and Lyft. Several bar shuttles will also be running.

"Milwaukee is alive. Downtown is developing, the Third Ward is developing, and so we're really trying to encourage all of our fans not to rely on that muscle memory that you may have coming to the lakefront in the past," Pancheri said.

If you do choose to drive, Summerfest's "Get Around Guide" lists downtown parking lots and garages.

"If you exit before the lakefront, either using James Lovell or Plankinton, and you're able to park in one of the downtown parking lots, look for signs that have QR codes, and those QR codes will have the best walking directions to the Festival Park," Pancheri said.

However you choose to get to the Big Gig, organizers said now is the time to make a game plan.

"Do your research before you get in the car," Pancheri said.

To learn more about Summerfest and how to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.