Summerfest 2023 kicks off, marking 55th anniversary of the Big Gig
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Summerfest 2023 kicked off Thursday, June 22 bringing music, food, and fun to Milwaukee's Henry Maier Park. The Big Gig takes place over three weekends, June 22-24, June 29-July 1, and July 6-8.
Having a GREAT TIME at @Summerfest opening day with @AmandaBeckerTV on the @CBS58 Morning News! pic.twitter.com/PyUs2e9gJ8
— Mike Curkov (@MikeCurkov) June 22, 2023
We’re at Summerfest this morning and it’s already beautiful out here. Who are you most excited to see over the next three weeks? @CBS58pic.twitter.com/TRDZ2vaYTB
— Amanda Becker (@AmandaBeckerTV) June 22, 2023
The American Family Field Insurance Amphitheater headliner Thursday, June 22 is country singer Eric Church. Elle King will open the show, which started at 7:30 p.m. You do need to buy tickets ahead of time since general admission tickets will not get you into the amphitheater concerts.
As thousands flocked to the grounds on the beautiful and sunny Thursday, CBS 58’s Ellie Nakamoto-White caught up with visitors from not only Milwaukee, but across the country, who say Summerfest is an event they can’t miss.
For Gloria Alvarez Schaff of Milwaukee, her favorite part is “everything.”
“The people, the food, the music, everything is great,” Alvarez Schaff said. “Milwaukee is the best.”
Armand Lopez and his wife moved to Ft. Myers, Florida, after previously living in Shorewood, Wisc. but said they make the effort to come back each year.
“We love Summerfest. The people. The food. The camaraderie. This is community,” Lopez said.
His wife recalls attending the first Summerfest in 1968, before the festival even had pavement.
“I’ll tell ya we danced in the mud but it was just wonderful,” Lopez said.
For people like Michael Durst, it’s all about the memories and the traditions that Summerfest offers.
You may have seen Durst strolling around casually, decked out in Viking attire.
“I’m the unofficial Summerfest Viking,” Durst said laughingly.
It’s a near ten-year tradition for Durst to dress up in armor he calls “beyond hot.”
“A lot of times I get people coming back and saying I got my picture last year or my mom got her picture with you last year, I’d like to get one and every year it’s more people and more people,” Durst said.
But his costume is also for a cause.
“I have chronic lymphatic leukemia, and this is helping, the music and the smiles from people,” Durst said.
It’s 55 years of memories and history from the world’s largest music festival, set next to the stunning Lake Michigan.
“I meet the coolest people here, with different educations, different backgrounds, but we’re all here for one common thing — the music,” Lopez said. “I’m telling ya, if America knew about it, they’d all come here.”
Don't forget about Summerfest's bag policy. Approved bags include cinch bags, totes and purses, and small clutches.
On the flip side, coolers, big purses, backpacks and camera bags will not be allowed inside the grounds.
Officials recommend making sure your bag or purse fits within the policy guidelines before heading to the Big Gig.
PHOTO GALLERY
If you're looking to get a free general admission ticket Thursday, there's a deal happening between noon and 3 p.m.
Anyone who donates a minimum of three non-perishable cans of food will get one free general admission ticket that's valid for Thursday, June 22 only.
Food donations will be accepted at all three Summerfest gates and there's a limit of one free ticket per person.
All of the donations will go toward the Hunger Task Force.
CLICK HERE for more on Summerfest and stick with CBS 58 on air and online for more Summerfest coverage.