By Courtney Bondar Multimedia Journalist Published Jul 08, 2022 at 4:56 PM Photography: Dan Garcia

The great Milwaukee summer is HERE! Don't miss all of our great coverage on local festivals and happenings. Click here for your full summer line-up! 

Your guide to having a great summer is brought to you by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino and Peoples State Bank.

Like you, I'm counting down the days until Big Gig is here! We have a lot to look forward to this year - you're probably wondering who you're going to see and what you're going to eat. 

But the real question is: How are you going to live your fest self? Stuck on what to do, where to go or thought you've seen it all? Let's take a look at 100 ways to live your fest self on the Summerfest grounds and the must-see attractions you need to check out during this final weekend.

  1. Grab sour cream and chive fries along with a can of Topo Chico from Saz's.
  2. Located on the lake walk, quench your thirst at the Bubbly Bar.
  3. Kids of all ages can enjoy the Northwestern Mutual Community Park.
  4. Jump in line and enjoy a scenic ride on the MKE Airport Skyglider.
    Skyglider
    PHOTO: Royal Brevvaxling
  5. Hit up a show at any of the ground stages – including the Miller Lite Oasis, Generac Power Stage, Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard, UScellular Connection Stage, BMO Harris Pavilion, Uline Warehouse or Johnson Controls World Sound Stage.
  6. Looking for a spot to sit and relax? Take a seat at any of the tables along the lake side of the Summerfest grounds.
  7. The American Family Insurance Amphitheater has all your must-see artists like Eric Church on June 22, Zac Brown Band on June 23, Odesza on June 30, Trippie Redd on July 1, Imagine Dragons and AJR on July 8.
  8. Is there such a thing as a hard seltzer full of antioxidants and vitamin C? Conveniently enough, yes! Take a walk over to the Vizzy seltzer bar and try one.
  9. Take a selfie or two in front of the giant instruments.
  10. Lakefront Brewery is a must with its multiple beer options and a big yellow tent that's hard to miss.
  11. Get smothered by the sweet aroma of grilled goods at The Charcoal Grill. You can't walk past their outside grill without craving something.
  12. Are you a fan of Simply Lemonade?! Then grab an ice-cold Simply Spiked lemonade seltzer! Who can pass up flavors like watermelon, strawberry, traditional lemonade or blueberry?!
  13. Don't have any or enough of the Summerfest merch? Visit the Summerfest store or any of the white Summerfest store tents. 
    Summerfest store
    PHOTO: Lori Fredrich
  14. At some point, you may ask yourself, "Do I smell donuts?" Yes! Yes, you do! Get over to Sil's Mini Donuts where they're made right in front of you!
  15. In the mood to get some fine wine? Visit Summerfest Corkscrew to get your glass at either the American Family Insurance Amphitheater forecourt or near the UScellular Connection Stage. 
  16. Looking to enjoy your time and don't want to worry about parking on the grounds? Purchase a $15 round-trip pass to take a shuttle to the grounds and leave your car at any of the five select park-and-ride lots.
  17. Is beer your beverage? Walk over to Water Street Brewery for all the Honey Lager Light, Bavarian Weiss and more while also enjoying the upper deck views as well. 
  18. Stop by the bright orange Generac shipping container to play to win prizes – including front-row passes! 
  19. Do you scream for Wisconsin-made ice cream? Stop by Cedar Crest for frozen custard and sorbet.
  20. The Miller Brewing Company shop is the place to stop to buy all your desired Miller merchandise, located on the side of the Miller Lite lower bar.
  21. The big national names get all the headlines – but don't overlook all the great local artists hitting the stages!
  22. Nostalgia is real – and so is Auntie Anne's where you can get all your pretzel needs fulfilled. 
  23. Make your own awesome Big Gig bag at the American Family Insurance House. 
    American Family Insurance House
    PHOTO: Matt Mueller
  24. Download the app to stay in the know about all things Summerfest.
  25. The Chicago Bucket Boyz may move all around the grounds, but you can always hear them through the crowd! Their unique sense of rhythm and beats can't be passed up. 
  26. Nothing is more classic than the taste of freshly squeezed Catalano's lemonade – yum!
  27. Live your fest self with Leinenkugel's selections such as Summer Shandy, Juicy Peach, Honey Weiss and more.
  28. Check out Chubby's Cheesesteaks at the American Family Amphitheater forecourt.
  29. Can't get enough Miller? Miller Lite Brew House is a great place to hang out, grab some beer and have some fun right next to the Oasis!
  30. Saz's is something special – but if you don't want to wait in the long line, get over to Saz's Express to grab something quick to-go!
  31. Keep an eye out for a dark blue container bar with a green Terrapin sign! It's your sign to taste some Georgia beer and relax by the water.
  32. Dehydrated? Get that hangover relieved with IV Nutrition so you can keep living your fest self. 
    IV Nutrition
    PHOTO: Molly Snyder
  33. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel down by the BMO Harris Pavilion.
  34. Haven't gotten a henna tattoo yet? Now is your chance – make your way to Starship at the Artisan Makers Market and South Market.
  35. Dance on a picnic table.
  36. In the mood for a sample Saturday? You're in luck: Canni Hemp Co. is offering some of its newest and favorite products for you to try! And keep an eye out for the Canni Hemp Bus!
  37. Stop by popular hot spot JoJo's Martini Lounge for specialty martinis and local entertainment.
  38. Angela Rose Studios, located at the Shop Local Market, has small-batch hand-poured soy candles and wax melts.
  39. Barking Bad Bakery and Dog is Good, located at the South Market, and For the Love of Drax, found at the Shop Local Market, have all things pet-related.
  40. Do you like perfumes and bath and body oils? Stop by Jess Wandering Goods at the South Market for the finest.
  41. Located all around the Summerfest Grounds, Shades of Fun has everything sunglasses for all those sunny days!
  42. People-watch. The Big Gig is the top when it comes to people-watching.
  43. Stop by the Gruber Law Offices Sportszone and check out Brew City Wrestling hitting the mat.
  44. Check out a band you've never heard of before. Maybe you'll find a new favorite – or a band that you didn't know you already knew!
  45. Just in the mood for some jewelry? Alohana Creations at the South Market has a wide selection to choose from.  
  46. All patrons that arrive between noon and 3 p.m. on July 8 will be very appreciative on Fan Appreciation Day, scoring free admission!
    Summerfest
    PHOTO: Summerfest Facebook
  47. Want a slice of Milwaukee's history? Angelo's Pizza at the Generac Power Stage is the place to go – especially for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free selections.
  48. Thinking about making your bathroom better? The Bath Fitter tent on the lake walkway can help!
  49. Virgo Organics at the South Market has all sorts of organic skin care products and more.
  50. On Saturday, roll your way over to see the Roll Train roller dancers at the Gruber Law Offices Sportszone at 3 p.m. 
  51. Did you even go to Summerfest if you didn't devour a Saz's sampler platter?
  52. Stuffed pretzels?! Bobalou Stuffed Gourmet Pretzels and Frozen Lemonade at the North Gate, Miller Lite Oasis and BMO Harris Pavilion is a perfect place for a snack!
  53. Need some advice as a homeowner? Everdry by the lake walk has you covered, providing free information on basement waterproofing, foundation repair and home living.
  54. Nothing beats Botanas! Over its years on the Summerfest grounds, Botanas has been serving up authentic Mexican cuisine and delicious favorites. 
  55. Dazzle Body at the South Market and Northwestern Mutual Community Park has face and body painting as well as temporary tattoos for kids! 
  56. Just meander around the grounds and get in all your steps for the day.
  57. Established in 2020, Bottle House 42 is one of the newer vendors offering delicious brewpub favorites.
  58. Pick up a delicious pop from Pete's Pops located by the Vizzy van! With over 100 different flavors of popsicles and ice cream bars made from natural ingredients - try one or try them all at the grounds!
    Pete's Pops
    PHOTO: Lori Fredrich
  59. Caricatures by Cindy is located at the Artisan Makers Market if you are in the mood for a charcoal work of art!
  60. Located at Johnson Controls World Sound Stage, Island Noodles brings Hawaiian flavors to Summerfest with freshly made Yaki-Soba noodles stir-fried with fresh garlic, ginger and a 21-vegetable medley.
  61. Vinyl record artwork? Soul Spin/Spin Art MKE, located at the Northwestern Mutual Community Park, is where you can make your next interactive art project!
  62. Looking for that authentic barbecue? Famous Dave's at the North Gate is serving up juicy BBQ pork and chicken sandwiches along with ribs and more. 
  63. Guitars for Vets, tucked away by the lake walk, has apparel and accessories to show support for our military and vets who live with PTSD.
  64. Carrying too much and don't have enough pockets? Wisconsin Hip Klips have wearable hands-free mini purses!
  65. It's that time of year for patio umbrellas! Get yours at M&E Sales at the South Market.
  66. Sunscreen. Unless you really want to be feeling the fest the next day, put on some sunscreen.
  67. Ashwear International, located at the South Market, has women's apparel from India!
  68. What's poppin'? Fazio's Gourmet Popcorn, is located throughout the Summerfest grounds!
  69. Africa Alive, found at the South Market, has African jewelry and more.
  70. Cool off at the mid-gate fountain. 
    Mid-gate fountain
    PHOTO: Visit Milwaukee
  71. Get a headstart on your Halloween costume this year and stop by Painted Faces at the Shop Local Market for their hand-painted costume masks. 
  72. Roasted sweet corn on the cob is a must! Catalano's Corn is locally sourced and seasoned with a variety of spices! 
  73. Phone running low on juice? Don't fret: The UScellular Connection Stage has several charging ports ready to rescue your device.
  74. Waz Shop, located on the lake walk, is your place for shirts, hoodies, tapestries and more. 
  75. Get into a fun fight inside those bouncing giant inflatable bubbles, found near the lake walk.
  76. Get yourself a gyro and other Greek specialties at Greek Village located by the North Gate and the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard.
  77. Have you ever wanted to customize your own wool or straw hat? Check out Anu'Crown Luxury Brims located at the South Market.
  78. Take a Bublr bike down to the grounds.
  79. Artesanos Unidos-Maya Handcrafts, found in the Artisan Makers Market, has handmade and handwoven crafts.
  80. Nab a great photo of the Milwaukee skyline from the grounds.
  81. Do pins and magnets interest you? Check out MKE Buttons at the Shop Local Market.
  82. Putter your way over to the Miller Lite Brew House and mini-putt for a chance to score front-row passes to that night's headliner acts!
    Mini-putt at the Brew House
    PHOTO: Matt Mueller
  83. Namaste Imports, located at the South Market. has crafts from India and Nepal!
  84. The only thing more Wisconsin than Summerfest? A beer garden inside Summerfest! Klement's Sausage and Beer Garden is grilling out by the North Gate.
  85. New in summer 2022, El Hefe Mexican Grill by the Miller Lite Oasis is inspired by The Charcoal Grill and features Pollo Asado with a twist as well as nachos, street tacos and more! 
  86. Bandbox LLC, located on the lake walk, has exclusive vinyl records, photos and more.
  87. Need some 414-based clothing? Check out Brew City Brand located at the Shop Local Market. 
  88. Sate your sweet tooth with Ultimate Confections. Located south of the Skyglider, you can sweet treats like chocolate-dipped pretzels, cherries, strawberries and more!
  89. Don't miss your (slap) shot at seeing the Milwaukee Admirals at the Gruber Law Offices Sportszone.
  90. Take a selfie in front of the big Summerfest mural right next to the Miller Lite Brew House.
  91. Reaching out to your inner retro and vintage style? Visit Hollyville, located at the Shop Local Market, for clothing and accessories!
  92. Catch a special acoustic show at the American Family Insurance House right at the mid-gate.
  93. Empanadas? Yes, please! La Masa in the Ethnic Village is a new vendor featuring local scratch-made empanadas – perfect handheld snacks while you walk around the grounds!
    La Masa empanadas
    PHOTO: Lori Fredrich
  94. Take a walk down memory lane with Decades Rock 'N' Pop, located at the South Market. It's got all things music and pop culture!
  95. Kickin' it kettle style? Fazio's Kettle Corn is located at the Miller Lite Oasis as well as at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard. 
  96. Do you like to DIY? Live Life and Tie Dye has tie-dye activities and apparel located at the Northwestern Mutual Community Park.
  97. Chill out with Hawaiian Shave Ice located at both the North Gate and the Generac Power Stage. 
  98. Honey-infused CBD? See-BD it for yourself at Canna Bees Rescue Blend Honey, located at the South Market.
  99. Overheating? Wonderpax, found near the mid-gate grass, has reusable heat/cooling packs. 
  100. Can you find healthy and refreshing snacks at Summerfest? Yes, it turns out – at Catalano's Produce at the Miller Lite Oasis and the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard.
Courtney Bondar Multimedia Journalist

Courtney Bondar is an adventurous Multimedia Journalist at OnMilwaukee, covering all things Milwaukee. Born and raised in Greendale, WI, Courtney has a deep-rooted connection to her hometown and a strong desire to explore and showcase the vibrant city of Milwaukee.

You can often find Courtney all over Milwaukee, attending exciting events - documenting her experiences on her Instagram stories. Her genuine enthusiasm for her work shines through in her posts - as she strives to capture the beauty of the city and shares it with her followers.

Courtney's passion for writing is evident in her engaging and heartfelt articles. While she covers a wide range of topics, she particularly enjoys delving into the intricacies of dating culture and the art of mixology. Her insightful and thought-provoking pieces offer a unique perspective on these subjects, captivating readers with her authenticity and wit.

After dedicating herself as an intern at OnMilwaukee, Courtney's hard work and dedication paid off when she earned her well-deserved diploma. Now, as OnMilwaukee's first full-time multimedia journalist, she is fully committed to continuing her journey - bringing her distinctive voice and storytelling skills to the forefront.