Summerfest Moves To September 2021

MILWAUKEE, WI —Summerfest will become Late Summerfest this year after organizers announced Tuesday the music festival originally scheduled for late June and early July would be postponed until September because of the coronavirus pandemic. The event is now scheduled to take place over three weekends: Sept. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18.

Last year, Summerfest was canceled because of the pandemic, and organizers said pushing this year's event back to September would allow more time for people to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

"While the progress made through the vaccine rollout is encouraging, we believe it is in the public's best interest to hold the festival in September to give government leaders and healthcare organizations enough time to distribute the vaccine," Don Smiley, president and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival Inc., said in a press release.

Smiley continued: "We will continue to work diligently with civic officials and healthcare professionals as we prepare to welcome artists, fans, employees, vendors and sponsorship partners this summer. Our team is excited to get back to what we do best, as soon as possible."

Originally, Summerfest 2021 was scheduled from June 24-July 10 and had a lineup with artists like Luke Bryan, Justin Bieber, Dave Matthews Band and Guns N' Roses. The release said Summerfest officials were working to reschedule concerts and would provide updated information within the coming weeks.

Summerfest organizers said general admission tickets issued for the 2020 and 2021 festivals can be redeemed during the new September dates. Refunds on Summerfest admission tickets also are available. Information regarding refunds and concert tickets can be found at Summerfest.com.

This year's Summerfest is expected to include three new amenities: the $51.3 million American Family Insurance Amphitheater, Northwestern Mutual Community Park and the Generac Power Stage. All three are scheduled to be completed in June and may be opened prior to Summerfest in September.