Three festivals to take place at Summerfest grounds this year with added safety precautions
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58)-- Summerfest announced its BMO Harris Pavilion Stage headliners and dates today.
But what does that mean amid the pandemic?
After being nearly a ghost town last year, nearly every festival was canceled because of COVID 19, this year is already starting to look much different.
Entertainment being back in Milwaukee means live music.
"I'm excited about the lineup we announced for our BMO Harris Pavilion today. I'm excited the new act, Leon Bridges, Drop Kick Murphy, Kesha," said Bob Babisch, Summerfest vice president of entertainment
Just two other festivals will be held on the grounds this year- Mexican Fiesta and Irish Fest.
"This is the city of festivals and we want people to enjoy it," said Mike Mitchell, Irish Fest executive director.
The decisions for opening came down to vaccines for both festivals.
"We have several safety precautions being put into place," said Mitchell. "We have hand sanitizing stations throughout the grounds, people may not be familiar with, we will also have a place people can go and have some separation from people if they feel more comfortable in doing that. We also are going to be going cashless this year."
Dr. Matt Anderson with UW Health says concerts and large outdoor gatherings are unique.
"If you're going to be in those very dense shoulder to shoulder, or less than a couple of feet situations, wearing a mask in those situations probably is warranted to reduce someone's risk if they're unvaccinated," said Anderson.
For those who are vaccinated he says masking is not necessary.
"I think the number one thing is just be cognizant of those who are around you and just understand that some people may have higher-risk condition," said Anderson.
Tickets for the BMO Harris Pavilion go on sale tomorrow.
Irish Fest will take place from August 20 through August 22. Mexican Fiesta takes place from August 27 through August 29. You can buy tickets for both Irish Fest online.