Summerfest 2023 attendance, weekend dates for next year announced

Summerfest's 55th year in the books

From hundreds of artists to thousands, of fans the 55th year of Summerfest is officially over.

MILWAUKEE - Summerfest released its 2023 attendance numbers Tuesday, July 11 – and new information about next year's Big Gig.

Organizers announced 624,406 fans attended over this year's nine days – a 40% increase over 2022. Numbers also increased from 2021 to 2022 after a sharp decline following the COVID-19 pandemic. In fulfillment of Milwaukee World Festival Inc.’s non-profit mission, 17% of those fans got in via a free admission promotion.

"As I look back on my 20 years of leading Summerfest, this year’s festival is a highlight, as our team continued to deliver a world-class experience in a world-class setting," said Don Smiley, CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. – the organization that puts on Summerfest.

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This year's Summerfest saw everything from wildfire smoke to rain to artists like Jimmy Buffett and AJR canceling ther performances. It was the third year of the three-weekend format; the 11-day run was tabled in 2019.

"Summerfest’s 2023 results allow our organization to continue to position the festival for future success. The Summerfest experience remains one of the best in the business and our team looks forward to enhancing that experience in the years to come," said Sarah Pancheri, president of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Summerfest

Summerfest 2023 also featured several additional programming elements including the new Sound Waves Stage, enhanced performances at the American Family Insurance House, American Cornhole League, Pro Shootout and Superhole Cornhole Competitions.

Fans also provided over 27,000 pounds of food donations for Hunger Task Force, over $18,000 worth of hygiene products, which will be donated to Milwaukee and Waukesha County schools through the United Way, and over 3,500 books for Next Door’s community literacy initiatives.

Additionally, organizers announced Tuesday the dates for Summerfest 2024. It will be held June 20-22, June 27-29 and July 4-6.