It's never too early to think about Summerfest, which celebrates its 55th birthday in 2023. On Thursday, the Big Gig unveiled a new anniversary logo and some of the promotions at the 2023 festival, which kicks off on June 22.
In 2023, Summerfest will stick with the three-weekend format.
You read a history of Summerfest, which debuted in 1968, in this article celebrating its first half-century.
“Fifty-five years of music, food, fun and unforgettable memories will bring us together as we celebrate Summerfest’s 55th anniversary next year,” said Don Smiley, CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., in a statement.
“Mayor Henry Maier’s vision of Summerfest has now grown into one of the largest and most diverse music festivals anywhere. We are proud to continue that legacy and look forward to celebrating with our fans, sponsors and artists in 2023.”
While we await the first concert announcement – coming on Monday, Oct. 17 – here's a first look at the 2023 festival promotions, as provided by Summerfest:
Summerfest 55 Happy Hour – from 4 to 5 p.m. each day of Summerfest 2023, fans can enjoy select Miller products including Miller Lite, Miller High Life, and Coors Light for $5.50.
Fest Fan of the Past 55 – share your love for Summerfest and why you should be declared the Fest Fan of the past 55. Contest will launch Feb. 1 – fans will be asked to share their favorite memory of Summerfest over the past 55 years. Summerfest staff will select the top 10 nominations from all online submissions, which will then be reviewed by a celebrity panel of judges. The panel of judges will then vote to determine the winner of the Fest Fan of the Past 55. The winner will receive two nine-day power passes, two tickets to a show of their choice at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater during the festival, a Summerfest gift card, and a signed Summerfest memorabilia item. Watch for more details early in 2023.
Opening Day Celebration – the first 10,000 fans on Summerfest’s opening day, June 22, will receive a commemorative Summerfest 55 item, which will not be sold in stores.
Summerfest Business Group Tickets – Celebrate Summerfest’s 55th Anniversary with 55 percent off Summerfest business group tickets now through Oct. 31. Plus, purchasers will automatically be enrolled in the Summerfest Business Alliance unlocking VIP perks, networking opportunities and more. For information visit Summerfest Business Alliance.
Stay tuned for more details to be released in the coming months.
Visit Summerfest.com for more information.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
