Milwaukee Summerfest 2025: A Star-Studded Celebration of Sound and Soul

Milwaukee’s legendary Summerfest billed as “The World’s Largest Music Festival” returned in 2025 with three electrifying weekends on the shores of Lake Michigan. Spanning over 600 acts across 12 stages, the festival boasted a kaleidoscope of genres: rock, hip‑hop, country, electronic, blues, DJ sets, and more.

A Festival That Feels Like Home

From the moment you stepped onto the Summerfest grounds at Henry Maier Festival Park, the energy was electric. The scent of sizzling brats and fresh cheese curds filled the air, mingling with the sounds of guitars, laughter, and the occasional burst of fireworks over Lake Michigan. Families, friend groups, and solo wanderers alike moved between stages, beer gardens, and vendor stalls, creating a communal buzz that felt both intimate and expansive.

Summerfest’s layout encouraged exploration. Whether you were dancing at the Miller Lite Oasis, relaxing by the water at the BMO Pavilion, or catching a surprise set at a smaller stage, there was always something unexpected around the corner. Street performers, pop-up art installations, and interactive sponsor booths added to the immersive experience.

Weekend 2

Milwaukee’s lakefront came alive once again for Summerfest 2025 Weekend 2, held from June 26 to June 28, with a lineup that blended nostalgic pop-rock, soulful Americana, and high-energy indie pop.

Thursday, June 26th Highlights

Lainey Wilson & Lukas Nelson

Country music took center stage Thursday night at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, where Lainey Wilson delivered a powerhouse performance filled with heartfelt lyrics and Southern swagger. Her set included fan favorites like “Heart Like a Truck” and “Things a Man Oughta Know”, earning roaring singalongs from the crowd. Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson, opened with a soulful, rootsy set that blended rock, blues, and country, showcasing his band Promise of the Real’s tight musicianship

The Avett Brothers

Headlining the BMO Pavilion on Thursday, The Avett Brothers delivered a rousing, emotionally rich performance that spanned their deep catalog of folk-rock anthems. Their harmonies were tight, their energy infectious, and their connection with the audience palpable. Highlights included “I and Love and You”, “Ain’t No Man”, and a moving acoustic encore that brought the crowd to its feet.

Allison Russell

A standout of the weekend, Allison Russell brought a deeply moving and poetic performance to the BMO Pavilion. Her blend of folk, soul, and Americana—infused with themes of resilience and liberation—was both musically rich and emotionally powerful. Songs from her Grammy-winning album “The Returner” captivated the audience, and her storytelling between songs added depth to an already unforgettable set.

Tierra Kennedy

Emerging R&B/ Country artist Tierra Kennedy brought smooth vocals and soulful charisma to one of the festival’s more intimate stages. Her performance was a hidden gem of the weekend—introspective, sultry, and deeply personal. Songs from her latest EP resonated with fans new and old, and her connection with the audience hinted at a bright future ahead.

Thursday, June 28th Highlights

7000 Apart

Dog Park

Amble

Irish indie-folk band Amble who are currently opening for Hozier on his tour, delivered one of the most intimate and heartfelt sets of the weekend. Their lush harmonies, acoustic textures, and poetic lyrics created a serene, almost spiritual atmosphere. Songs like “Riverbed” and “Stillwater” felt tailor-made for a lakeside sunset, and their local fanbase showed up in full force to support them.

Molly Tuttle

Bluegrass virtuoso, Molly Tuttle, lit up the Miller Lite Oasis on Saturday evening with her band Golden Highway. Her set was a dazzling display of technical skill and heartfelt songwriting, blending traditional Americana with modern storytelling. Songs like “Crooked Tree” and “Dooley’s Farm” had the crowd clapping along, while her cover of classic folk tunes gave them new life.

Nicotine Dolls

One of the most buzzed-about emerging acts of the weekend, Nicotine Dolls delivered a raw, emotionally charged set that blended alt-rock with theatrical flair. Lead singer Sam Cieri’s powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence drew in curious passersby and turned them into instant fans. Their performance was a reminder of Summerfest’s magic—where you can stumble upon your next favorite band.

Preston Cooper

A rising country artist with a rock edge, Preston Cooper brought grit and charm to his Friday afternoon set. His original songs, like “Backroad Revival” and “Whiskey Weather”, showcased his storytelling chops, while his cover of Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” earned a roaring response from the crowd.

Smallpools

Bringing infectious indie-pop energy to the Miller Lite Oasis, Smallpools lit up the stage with their synth-driven anthems and vibrant stage presence. Their hit “Dreaming” had the crowd jumping, and their newer material showed the band’s continued evolution while keeping their signature upbeat vibe.

The Fray

The nostalgia was thick in the air as The Fray took the stage Friday night. Known for their early 2000s hits like “How to Save a Life” and “Over My Head (Cable Car)”, the Denver-based band delivered a polished, emotionally resonant performance that had the crowd swaying and singing along. Their set was a reminder of how deeply their music still resonates with fans of all ages.

Young the Giant

Performing Saturday night at the UScellular Connection Stage, Young the Giant delivered a dynamic and emotionally charged set as part of their In the Open 2025 Tour. With hits like “Cough Syrup”, “Mind Over Matter”, and a fiery rendition of “It’s About Time”.

The band had the crowd swaying, singing, and dancing under the stars. Their set was a perfect blend of indie rock nostalgia and fresh energy.

Weekend 2: Final Thoughts

Weekend 2 of Summerfest 2025 was a masterclass in musical variety—from country legends in the making to indie darlings and rock veterans. Whether you came with a plan or wandered stage to stage, the weekend offered something for everyone. With one more weekend to go, the bar has been set high.

Weekend 3

As the sun set over Summerfest on Lake Michigan, the final weekend of Summerfest 2025 brought the heat—both literally and musically. The grounds buzzed with excitement as fans of all ages explored the maze of food vendors, local artisans, interactive exhibits, and waterfront views. Whether you were dancing in front of the amphitheater, discovering a new favorite band at a side stage, or just soaking in the summer vibes with a cold drink in hand, Summerfest offered something for everyone. Weekend 3 stood out for its eclectic mix of genres, from nostalgic rock legends to rising indie stars and electrifying EDM sets. The energy was palpable, the crowds were massive, and the performances were unforgettable.

Thursday, July 3rd Highlights

311

The alt-rock veterans delivered a tight, high-energy set that blended reggae, funk, and rock. With hits like “Amber,” “Down,” and “Beautiful Disaster,” they had the crowd grooving from start to finish. Their chemistry and stage presence proved why they’ve remained a festival favorite for decades, and their improvisational jams added a fresh twist to familiar tracks.

Badflower

Badflower brought raw emotion and gritty rock to the stage. Frontman Josh Katz’s intense vocals on tracks like “Ghost” and “Heroin” captivated the audience, creating a cathartic experience that resonated deeply with fans. Their set was both sonically aggressive and emotionally vulnerable, a rare and powerful combination.

Bishop Briggs

Bishop Briggs stunned with her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence. Her performance of “River” was a showstopper, and her blend of alt-pop and soul had the crowd dancing and singing along throughout her set. She also debuted a few new tracks, hinting at an exciting evolution in her sound.

Loud Luxury

The Canadian DJ duo turned the grounds into a massive dance party. Their remix-heavy set, including hits like “Body,” kept the energy sky-high and the crowd moving late into the night. With pulsing visuals and crowd-pleasing drops, they brought a full-on club atmosphere to the lakefront.

Lovejoy

The British indie rock band, fronted by Wilbur Soot, drew one of the most enthusiastic crowds of the night. Their emotionally charged lyrics and catchy guitar riffs on songs like “Call Me What You Like” and “Normal People Things” made for a standout performance. Their charisma and connection with fans were undeniable, making them one of the weekend’s breakout acts.

MJ Lenderman

Bringing a more laid-back, alt-country vibe, MJ Lenderman offered a refreshing contrast. His lo-fi sound and storytelling lyrics gave festivalgoers a chance to catch their breath and soak in some introspective tunes. His set felt like a front-porch jam session, intimate and authentic.

Friday, July 4th Highlights

Alex Warren

The social media star-turned-singer surprised many with his heartfelt pop-rock set. His vulnerability and charisma connected well with the crowd, especially during his breakout hit “Chasing Shadows.” He showed real growth as a performer, blending polished production with raw emotion.

Chicago

A true Fourth of July treat, Chicago delivered a nostalgic and musically rich performance. Their horn section was as tight as ever, and classics like “25 or 6 to 4” and “If You Leave Me Now” had the crowd swaying and singing along. Their musicianship was impeccable, and their set felt like a masterclass in classic rock showmanship.

Darren Kiely

The Irish singer-songwriter brought a folk-pop charm to the stage. His acoustic-driven set was intimate and heartfelt, offering a nice contrast to the louder acts of the day. With his warm vocals and poetic lyrics, he created a cozy, campfire-like atmosphere.

Everclear

’90s alt-rock fans were in for a treat as Everclear tore through hits like “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine.” Their gritty, nostalgic sound was a perfect fit for the Summerfest vibe. Frontman Art Alexakis brought both energy and sincerity, reminding fans why their music still resonates.

John Waite

The former Babys and Bad English frontman proved he’s still got it. His performance of “Missing You” was a highlight, showcasing his timeless voice and stage presence. He mixed solo material with a few deep cuts, delivering a set that was both classy and heartfelt.

Midnight South

This up-and-coming band brought a Southern rock flair to the festival. Their tight musicianship and energetic performance hinted at big things to come. With bluesy guitar solos and gritty vocals, they delivered a set that felt both fresh and rooted in tradition.

Plague Vendor

With their punk-infused garage rock, Plague Vendor delivered one of the most intense sets of the day. Their chaotic energy and frontman Brandon Blaine’s wild stage antics made for a thrilling experience. It was raw, loud, and unapologetically wild—exactly what punk should be.

We Came As Romans

Closing out the night with a bang, the metalcore veterans brought crushing riffs and emotional catharsis. Their tribute to late bandmate Kyle Pavone was especially moving, and the crowd responded with heartfelt support. Their mix of aggression and melody left a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts

Weekend 3 of Summerfest 2025 was a fitting finale to a festival that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. It was a weekend where generations collided—where longtime fans of Chicago and Everclear shared space with Gen Z devotees of Lovejoy and Alex Warren. The diversity of the lineup reflected the diversity of the crowd, and the shared joy of live music created a sense of unity that’s hard to find anywhere else.

As the drone show lit up the Milwaukee skyline on the Fourth of July, it was clear: Summerfest isn’t just a music festival; it’s a tradition, a rite of summer, and a reminder of music’s power to bring people together. Whether you came to dance, rock out, or discover your next favorite artist, Summerfest delivered a perfect ending to an unforgettable season.

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