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Final weekend of Summerfest 2022 kicks off Thursday
The final weekend of Summerfest 2022 kicked off Thursday, and the Big Gig is wrapping up with some big headliners.
MILWAUKEE - The final weekend of Summerfest 2022 kicked off Thursday, July 7, and the Big Gig is wrapping up with some big headliners.
Headliners for the final weekend include: Rod Stewart, Cheap Trick, Backstreet Boys, Thomas Rhett and more. Click here for a full list of headliners.
It’s the beginning of the end for this year’s Big Gig, and some concert-goers hope this is the last time Summerfest has a staggered format.
Everyone FOX6 News talked with Thursday said they want to see the Big Gig go back to rocking and rolling over 11 straight days, but we should note, everyone we talked with is from a generation that grew up having Summerfest as one long, continuous party.
The sky isn’t the only thing going gray for the last weekend of Summerfest. When the gates opened Thursday, anyone 60 or older got into the Big Gig for free, part of "Senior Fest" sponsored by Direct Supply.
"You get out, do stuff, fresh air," said Beverly Hassel, Milwaukee. "A lot of us seniors don’t get out much. Only I do."
"It’s always a special treat to be here," said Kay Crosby.
At 89, Crosby’s heard a lot of great tunes.
"Obviously, the big band, but I enjoy all music," said Crosby.
But she's heard none sweeter than the sound of her grandchildren by her side.
"We enjoy singing together," said Taylor Crosby. "I like old music, stuff she likes, so we bond over that. That’s something I really enjoy."
"Just because you get older doesn’t mean that you stop loving doing those things," said Sharon Jordan, Direct Supply.
Direct supply also offers free wheelchair rentals and senior talent showcased on multiple stages.
"You just see a lot of people you don’t see in a small town," Kathleen VanWagenen, West Bend.
The VanWagenens drove down from West Bend. They said they are disappointed in how the Big Gig has changed.
"I’m not a big fan of this three-weekend things," said Gerritt VanWagenen, West Bend.
Summerfest adopted a Thursday through Saturday format over three weekends last fall. How long it replaces the traditional format of 11 straight days remains to be seen.
These seniors said they’re set in their ways and hope the staggered format gets tossed.
"For years, I worked weekends until I retired.," said Beverly Hassel, Milwaukee. "I kind of feel sorry for those who work weekends and can’t get here."
The free ticket promotion for seniors ended at 4 p.m.
Summerfest 2022 Admissions Promotions:
Thursday, July 7 • 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
SILGAN COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE
The first 2,000 patrons who arrive between 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. and donate three (3) non-perishable food items will receive one (1) free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. Canned fruits and vegetables are especially appreciated! Donations will be accepted at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth. All donations benefit Hunger Task Force.
Thursday, July 7 • 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
DIRECT SUPPLY SENIORFEST DAY
All patrons ages 60+ will be admitted for free when they present their ID at the designated turnstile at any gate. Admitted seniors will also receive a voucher for $2 off a food or non-alcoholic beverage purchase over $10. Spend the day enjoying music spanning a range of genres including the Buddy Rich Big Band, Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience, Foghat, the Direct Supply Golden Idols, and more. In addition, all wheelchairs will be provided free of charge to seniors between 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. while supplies last. Wheelchairs are subject to availability.
Friday, July 8 • 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
SHOW YOUR COLLEGE PRIDE DAY WITH ONMILWAUKEE, CW18 AND MY24 MILWAUKEE
All patrons who arrive between 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. wearing a shirt or hat representing a participating college or university, or present their High School ID, will receive one (1) free admission ticket. Tickets are only valid for the day and time of the promotion. Stop by the Mid Gate Promotions Booth to receive your ticket, then head over to your school’s booth to say hello and show your support! Only shirts or hats from the following colleges or universities will be accepted:
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Carthage College
- Marquette University
- Milwaukee Area Technical College
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
All High School students who complete their FAFSA by July 8 will receive one (1) free General Admission Summerfest Ticket, brought to you by Milwaukee Education Partnership.
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Saturday, July 9 • 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
SUMMERFEST FAN APPRECIATION DAY
All patrons arriving between 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. will be admitted free, compliments of Summerfest. Plus, the first 30,000 patrons arriving through the gates will receive one (1) free ticket valid for Summerfest 2023.