By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Sep 01, 2021 at 10:31 AM

This year, Summerfest will welcome back classic, fan-favorite activities and also introduce new special attractions. Here are 16 highlights happening the next three weekends.

1. The Summerfest Big Bang Fireworks presented by Menards and WISN 12
Thursday, Sept. 2 – 9:30 p.m.

The Summerfest Big Bang Fireworks Show will be live on the grounds or you can also watch WISN 12 for a taped show at 10:30 p.m.

2. Lou Malnati’s Children’s Fest & Map of Fun
Saturday, Sept. 4 – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

All patrons arriving during this three-hour timeframe will be admitted for free. Spend the day with the fam checking out Children’s Fest activities like the Lou Malnati’s Map of Fun. When you turn in your completed map, your child receives a prize and is entered to win the Family Fun Package drawing. Plus, at the Lou Malnati’s Map of Fun station you can also pick up a kid’s coloring booklet. And after Summerfest, take your child’s booklet to any Wisconsin Lou Malnati’s location and redeem it for a free personal pizza.

3. Klement's $1 Brat Day
Thursday, Sept. 9 – 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. 

Klement’s brats will be available for purchase inside the Mid Gate for just $1 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. while supplies last. Limit one brat per person and all proceeds will benefit a local charity.

4. Latin Music Day presented by Advocate Aurora Health and Telemundo Wisconsin
Thursday, Sept. 9 – 2 p.m.

Listen to the lively sounds of J. Torres and El Gran Combo for Latin Music Day at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard.

5. Oktoberfest at Summerfest
Saturday, Sept. 18 – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Swing by the Klement’s Sausage and Beer Garden for an Oktoberfest-themed celebration featuring live polka music, fun contests and more. Klement’s Sausages and Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest beer will be available.

6. American Family Insurance House 
12 to 9 p.m. daily

Stop by this exclusive live music venue showcasing a mix of national and local talent. Hang out on the rooftop porch, create your own festival swag and pose for fun pics at the photo booth. Located near the Mid Gate.

7. Elizabeth "BO" Black Family Fountain with B93.3
Daily

Kids of all ages can splash and play while keeping cool in the Summerfest “Splash Pad.” Remember to bring towels and/or dry clothing.

8. Knockerball Southern Lakes
Daily

In this hilarious activity, kids or adults are strapped into a large inflatable ball that fits from over your head to below your tailbone, including a safety harness and handles. Once “in the ball” you can bump into other participants and do somersaults and rolls.

9. The Summerfest Landing with Freedom Boat Club
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily

The Landing offers a place to relax, beautiful views of Lake Michigan and free boat rides. Sign up at the Freedom Boat Club tent located just south of the Summerfest Landing to sign up for your free ride and also learn how you and your family can get out on the water at your favorite vacation destinations throughout the country.

10. Miller Lite Brewhouse
Daily

Check out the Brewhouse Experience featuring Bars & Recreation, located on the right side of the Miller Lite stage. Once there you can win prizes, including Front Row Passes to the Miller Lite Oasis, by sinking a hole-in-one or playing at the shuffleboard courts.

11. Gruber Law Offices Sportszone with Newsradio 620 WTMJ
Daily

This area offers interactive daily programming including sports demonstrations, clinics and entertainment from the Division BMX Stunt Team, Brew City Wrestling, Milwaukee Admirals and more.

12. bubly Bar
Daily

The new bubly Bar on the lake walk will serve up your favorite bubly cocktails and mocktails. While there, check out the swing photo op for the perfect festival selfie and head to Snapchat for a custom Summerfest filter. 

13. Northwestern Mutual Community Park
Daily

This new area offers family-focused entertainment and activities including accessible play surfaces, new play equipment, a new stage and more.

14. Summerfest Skyglider
Daily

Located high above the main walkway, this gentle ride provides passengers with a scenic view of Henry Maier Festival Park, Lake Michigan and the entertainment below. One-way and round-trip fares are available.

15. Summerfest's Wheel in the Sky 
Sept. 9 to 11 and Sept. 16 to 18 from 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Jump aboard this giant Ferris wheel, located on the south end of the grounds, and enjoy spectacular views of Summerfest, Milwaukee’s Downtown and Lake Michigan. Operating from noon – 11:30 pm daily.

16. Shop Local Market at Summerfest
Shop Local Market is new this year and offers wares from Wisconsin-based small businesses and artisans. The area includes a variety of handmade items like Milwaukee-themed gifts, upcycled clothing, natural body products, textiles and macrame, original artwork and more. Look for the banner with “Milwaukee colors” near the Summerfest Store, between the Miller Lite Oasis and Generac Power Stage.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.