Summerfest 2013 kicks off June 26th, runs for 11 days

MILWAUKEE (WITI) — Summerfest 2013 kicks off Wednesday, June 26th! The festival  runs for 11 days — from June 26th – 30 and July 2nd – 7th. The festival will be closed on Monday, July 1st.

This year’s festival highlights the waterfront more than ever before!

This year you can celebrate Summerfest on the water in paddleboats! Presented by Badger Meter, this family friendly activity provided by Lakeshore Paddle Sports will give patrons the opportunity to relax and take in views of the festival and downtown Milwaukee. From Noon – 7:00 pm each day, paddle around part of the lagoon for 30 minutes in boats that hold up to four people for $8 per person. Located at the boat dock on the north end of the grounds, this is a can’t miss experience!

Enjoy a thrilling show from the air with the Summerfest Skydive Shows happening June 26 – 28, July 2 and July 5 at 2:30 pm.  Skydive Milwaukee will perform five jumps over Lake Michigan during Summerfest, landing on Lakeshore State Park.  Any spot on the grounds will provide eye-catching views!  In addition, visit with skydivers on the ground and learn about the history of the Sky Knights.

Zipline along the waterfront!  This new attraction provides participants with views of the water and Summerfest Grounds as they speed along from 40 feet above.

The Summerfest Parade will bring additional entertainment to the grounds during the festival on June 26 – 28, July 2 and July 5 at 3:00 pm. Incorporating a second line style, the parade will start at the south end of Henry Maier Festival Park at the Marcus Amphitheater Forecourt and complete a full lap of the grounds.  Fans are encouraged to join in with participants and strut their stuff!

Help “The World’s Largest Music Festival” smile on in a big way with the Summerfest Big Smile Photo Opportunity!  Presented by ForwardDental, fans are encouraged to register online to participate, then come down to Summerfest on Sunday, July 7 to pick up a red Smile On t-shirt and help create the Summerfest smile with hundreds of fest-fans.  Participants will form the smile, be photographed from above and be a part of Summerfest history.  For more information and to register visit Summerfest.com.

New for 2013!  The #SFLIVE Lounge, located inside the Columbia St. Mary’s Cool Down Lounge, offers interactive fan experiences,  will showcase artist interviews happening live and gives patrons the opportunity to participate in this year’s “Smile On/FEST FLAG” campaign along with other themed days to win great prizes!  Fans can also take Smile On photos and have the chance to be featured on Lamar Digital billboards around the city powered by Lamar Advertising.

Wednesday, June 26 is Summerfest Spirit Day from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.  All patrons arriving between 4:00 – 6:00 pm wearing their favorite Summerfest gear (t-shirt, hat, etc.) will receive one (1) FREE Weekday Admission ticket for future use when they check in at the #SFLive Lounge and a discount coupon to use at the Summerfest Store to purchase 2013 Summerfest gear.  The #SFLive Lounge is located inside the Columbia St-Mary’s Cool Down Lounge and will offer interactive fan experiences, showcase artist interviews happening live and give patrons the opportunity to participate in this year’s “Smile On/FEST FLAG” campaign along with other themed days to win great prizes!  Fans can also take Smile On photos and have the chance to be featured on digital billboards around the city powered by Lamar Digital Outdoor.

On Friday, June 28 college students are encouraged to participate in Campus Clash and represent their school by wearing college apparel and competing for the ultimate bragging rights.  When students check into the #SFLive Lounge they’ll receive a FEST FLAG with one FREE Weekday Admission ticket and can enter to win a V.I.P. Rockstar Experience for their entourage including an artist meet and greet, food and drink tab and more!  More details at Summerfest.com/campusclash.

Friday, June 28 from Noon – 2:00 pm is Klement’s $1 Brat Day with Major Goolsby’s and Alpha Baking.  The first 2,500 people can purchase a $1 brat (one per person).  Located by the Klement’s Sausage presents the Elizabeth “Bo” Black Family Fountain with B93.3. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and the Summerfest Foundation.

New for 2013, the Radio Disney LIVE! powered by New DOLE Fruit Squish’ems will make a stop at Kohl’s Captivation Station on Friday, June 28 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.  Kids can enjoy dancing, music and more and participate in a special Q&A session and public meet and greet with Kelli Berglund from Disney XD’s “Lab Rats.”

The BMO Harris Pavilion will host two FREE daytime headlining shows:

Saturday, June 29       2:00 pm           The Zombies with special guest Et Tu Bruce   

Wednesday, July 3      2:00 pm           Cody Simpson with special guest Ryan Beatty

Blue Circle Seat Passes will be available at the Interior Summerfest Box Office (located inside the South Gate at Henry Maier Festival Park) beginning at Noon on the day of each show.  Fans may receive a maximum of two passes per person onsite.  Bleacher seating is FREE and open to the public.

School of Rock, the national leader in performance-based music education, will host a “Battle of the Bands” competition for hundreds of their best students from across the world.  Come watch these incredible young musicians duke it out as they perform on Saturday, June 29. The top bands will then battle in the finals on Sunday, June 30. For more information visit Schoolofrock.com.

Participate in the FEST FLAG Spotter Program and win!  Visit any of the Summerfest Street Team events prior to the festival and bring your FEST FLAG with you to the Big Gig® for your chance to win!  If you’re spotted with your FEST FLAG you could win Marcus Amphitheater tickets, Summerfest tickets or other prizes from the Street Team. Visit Summerfest.com for a listing of all Street Team events.

Summerfest 2013 will take place June 26 – 30 and July 2 – 7, from Noon until Midnight and will be closed Monday, July 1.

CLICK HERE for additional information on Summerfest, and ways to save on admission.