We know how our readers feel when we give away secrets, but everyone in town is deserves to get to Summerfest as easily as possible. That's why we're happy to share our personal parking secrets to the Big Gig -- they might not get you door-to-door service ... but they'll get you close.

Molly Snyder Edler
Staff Writer
It's extremely "14" of me, but my first choice for Summerfest transportation is to have someone -- and by someone I mean my husband -- drop me off and pick me up at an agreed-upon Downtown destination. Obviously, the drop off / pick up point cannot be too close to the grounds otherwise we get stuck in the post-fest traffic soup, but somewhere about three or four blocks away works wonders.

Also, I'm a big fan of riding my bicycle, although I do not have a light on my bike so it limits my route home. Occasionally, a friend and I or my husband and I will tune up my tandem bike and take it to Summerfest, which is always a blast.

Julie Lawrence
Staff Writer
The first thing you must consider when driving a vehicle is, which pains you more: long-distance walking or excessive parking price tags. Personally, I'd rather walk through Downtown, the Third Ward or Walker's Point on a warm summer night with a gaggle of friends than shell out valuable beer money on ditching my ride. Don't fool yourself into thinking there'll be a spot in the Third Ward; it's not happening. That being said, most people circle around Downtown and waste their time jockeying for a few spaces. Your best bet is to head south into the Fifth Ward. There's a big lot on Florida and 1st Street across from Slim McGinn's. From there, hop the Slimousine to the festival grounds. It's also not a bad walk, if you're up to it. Head north two blocks to Pittsburgh Avenue, cross the river into the Third Ward and boom, you're there.

Drew Olson
Senior Editor
A lot of Summerfest patrons are so hung up on finding street parking Downtown that they neglect the parking structures. You can park at one of the hotel, or at one of Downtown -- either on Jefferson Street or further south near Michigan Street and Broadway. It's a longer walk to and from the festival grounds, but you may actually save time by avoiding the traffic crush closer to the gates.

Jeff Sherman
President
Like nearly every major event in Milwaukee (or elsewhere for that matter), if you are willing to walk 6-12 blocks to your destination, you can practically park for free. For Summerfest, try some of the 10-hour meters in Downtown or just park at a friend's Downtown condo or apartment and walk. But you probably want something more specific, so here it goes: The Rock Bottom Brewery surface lot is pretty inexpensive, and Mo's Irish Pub (just down the street) has shuttles. So, consider that an easy option. There's plenty of street parking in the East Town area, too, and it's free after 6 p.m. So, park at a metered spot and walk the about a mile to the grounds. It's a good way to stretch the legs before the Big Gig. Use this link for more options: http://parkmilwaukee.com.

Bobby Tanzilo
Managing Editor
If you don't mind a bit of a walk, remember that both sides of the stretch of St. Paul Avenue west of the Intermodal Station have no parking restrictions and are rarely filled up. Park, stroll almost directly east down St. Paul to the fest and you've saved on parking. Buy another beer to reward yourself!

Andy Tarnoff
Publisher
You can find great parking at Summerfest, but it depends on how far you'll go to get it. The easiest way to park close and free is to show up on two wheels: Motorcycles park free (assuming there's space), but bicycles can get very close, too. The best option, however, is a scooter. As a moped, you can legally park on a sidewalk, just about anywhere you want. That's a pretty extreme measure, however. So, if you're not a fan of taking a bus from a nearby bar, my "secret spot" is on the short strip of South Water Street, between Florida Street and National Avenue. It's not incredibly close to the south gate at Summerfest, but it's not incredibly far, either.