Summerfest 2025 in Milwaukee lit up the lakefront across four weekends with a powerhouse lineup that blended classic rock, rising stars and genre-spanning energy.
Kicking off on June 19, Def Leppard and Tesla drew thousands of fans ready for a blast of hard rock nostalgia. The following night, Hozier captivated the crowd with soulful vocals alongside Gigi Perez, while Gary Clark Jr. brought his signature blues-rock edge to a separate stage. On June 21, James Taylor closed the weekend with help from Jason Mraz and indie-folk trio Tiny Habits, delivering a warm, intimate set that felt like summer in full swing. A special Juneteenth celebration added even more meaning and music with performances by Chicago and Japanese Breakfast and a vibrant parade honoring the day.
The second weekend ramped things up again with country star Lainey Wilson bringing Southern charm to the Amphitheater stage, joined by Lukas Nelson and Shane Smith. Indie rock fans were treated to a killer set from The Killers, backed by Cold War Kids, while Megan Thee Stallion dominated on June 28 with a high-octane hip-hop show (unfortunately, opener Flo Milli missed her flight) and Riley Green on a nearby stage.
The final stretch over July 3 to July 5 was packed with highlights. Benson Boone’s explosive vocals and emotional energy stole the show on opening night. On Independence Day, rock fans leaned into the gritty sounds of Bad Omens and We Came As Romans. The Lumineers closed the festival with a feel-good folk rock performance that had the crowd singing along under the stars.
Beyond the music, the festival grounds were alive with energy. Over 600 acts performed on 12 stages, and visitors could explore immersive art installations, ride the Ferris wheel, or cool off at the splash pad. The American Family Insurance House offered exclusive artist meet-and-greets and rooftop views, while giveaways, daily parades, and games kept the fun going throughout the grounds. Summerfest 2025 delivered another unforgettable season of music and celebration, cementing its legacy as one of the biggest and best music festivals in the world.
See photos below, by Dan DeSlover.
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