Every last Wednesday in June, something incredible happens in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. No, we’re not talking about Milwaukee Brewers fans sobering up long enough to go to a game. This is much more exciting: every year since 1968, the city welcomes upwards of 800,000 new temporary residents as the certified biggest outdoor summer music festival in the world makes the next 11 days absolute heaven for visitors. We’re talking, of course, about Summerfest, the legendary summer concert series that features world-renowned artists, fireworks displays, shopping opportunities, family activities, and more fair food than you can stand.

Legendary Performers, Year After Year

With nearly two weeks of prime summertime set aside for Summerfest every year, the performer lineup is nothing short of legendary each and every time. Headliners alone over the past few years have included Jennifer Lopez, Imagine Dragons, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Rolling Stones, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line, and Bon Jovi to name a few. And that says nothing about the literally hundreds of other amazing groups that have played this 11-day festival. There are literally too many to list, but it’s almost guaranteed that your favorite has graced this stage at some time or another in their career. From Billie Eilish and Janelle Monae to Ed Sheeran and the Flaming Lips or anything else, you name it, and they’ve been there.

Prepare Yourself For Greatness

If you’ve never been to a summer festival, Summerfest is one hell of a way to start. Even if you’re an old hand and you’ve been to other countless festivals over the years, you’ve still never seen anything quite like this. But you can’t just show up on a whim: you better start planning now. And that includes packing your bags with lots of sunscreen, figuring out where you’re gonna stay, what you’re gonna eat, and showing up ready to party!