Summerfest Delayed Until Mid-September Due To Coronavirus

MILWAUKEE, WI — Summerfest, billed as "the world's largest music festival," has been a summertime staple along Lake Michigan in Milwaukee each summer between late June and early July.

That's not happening this year due to the coronavirus, organizers said. This year, due to coronavirus concerns and the ripple effect they have had on performing groups across the U.S., Summerfest has been forced to move two months later.

"The music industry has been profoundly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and most live events scheduled for early summer have been cancelled," Don Smiley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. said.

Summerfest 2020 will move to new dates: Sept. 3-5, 10-12 and 17–19 in 2020.

"We know there will be many questions and we look forward to sharing details with you in the future. All purchases of festival tickets will be honored for the rescheduled September dates," Smiley said. "More information about rescheduled performances at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater and BMO Harris Pavilion will follow soon."

In compliance with the direction provided by Gov. Tony Evers, and the mass-gathering bans, the Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. offices have been closed.

"All of us at Summerfest look forward to seeing you in September. Until then, I hope you can take some time to listen to your favorite artists and enjoy the magic of music. Please take care of yourself and one another," Smiley said.