Summerfest and Juneteenth join forces for historic day of celebration in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thursday, June 19, marks a milestone moment in Milwaukee, as two of the city’s most iconic festivals — Summerfest and Juneteenth — converge for the first time on the same day.

Organizers say collaboration between the two festivals is no accident. It’s a coordinated effort to lift up Milwaukee’s culture, history, and community — while making room for both distinct celebrations to shine.

“It’s important for us to bring as many people to Milwaukee as we can,” said Tony Kearney, president of Juneteenth Milwaukee. This year’s Juneteenth Day festivities are expected to draw more than 70,000 people to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

But the celebration doesn’t stop there.

“With our Summerfest partnership, we’d like to see those 70,000 people join Summerfest at 6 o’clock,” Kearney said.

That’s when Summerfest will hold a special opening ceremony on the festival grounds to commemorate Juneteenth. It kicks off an evening of dedicated programming and live music — including performances by Gary Clark Jr., Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and The Isley Brothers. 

“We’ve been working on it for about eight months,” said Sarah Smith Pancheri, President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., which produces Summerfest. “How do we lend a spotlight to one another, and at the same time make sure we keep our events both distinct?”

To help attendees navigate between celebrations, the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) announced additional service options. Three route combinations will help connect Juneteenth events to the Summerfest grounds, including service on Route 19, Route 22, and CONNECT 1 BRT. Riders can get between the sites for just $2. Details on routes here.

With large crowds expected throughout the day, Milwaukee Police will handle public safety. MPD told CBS 58 in a statement:
“MPD is prepared and will have additional resources for these events in our city.”

The collaboration continues Saturday, with a “Taste of Juneteenth” event hosted inside Summerfest. Food vendors from the Juneteenth celebration will be featured on the lakefront, and ticket sales will directly benefit those vendors. Tickets available here.

From MLK Drive to the main stage, Milwaukee is showing the world what unity looks like when cultures celebrate together.

“Milwaukee should be so proud that we have one of the oldest — if not the oldest — Juneteenth celebration in the country,” said Smith Pancheri.

Added Kearney, “One America, one Milwaukee.”