MILWAUKEE -- "The Big Gig" kicks off its 51st year of music and fun along Milwaukee's lakefront Wednesday afternoon. With good weather in the forecast, thousands are expected to attend Summerfest's opening day.
Here's what you need to know to make Day 1 at Summerfest a successful one:
- MORE COVERAGE: Your Complete Guide To Summerfest!
Imagine Dragons will start the party in style
The Big Gig's first American Family Insurance Amphitheater concert is sure to be packed for the Las Vegas-based rockers. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. Here's hoping the increased capacity of the amphitheater is better equipped to handle fans after 2013's way-too-packed free stage appearance.
Say "ooh" and "ahh" with the Big Bang fireworks
Who doesn't love fireworks? Each year, Summerfest hosts a 'Big Bang' on night one, and 2018 is no exception. Make sure you have your seat by 9:30 p.m. for the show. If you can't make the Big Bang, there are more fireworks around the corner - see our city-by-city guide here.
Traffic is going to be a nightmare...
The streets around Summerfest in the Third Ward are always jammed at the end of the night, but Wednesday's traffic will be especially egregious with President Trump arriving in town at the same time. Plan for extra delays if you're driving.
...But you don't have to drive at all
If you'd rather not deal with stop-and-go traffic and finding a parking spot, there are lots of other ways to get to Summerfest: MCTS buses, Uber, and shuttles can all transport you back and forth, just to name a few. Check out our transportation guide and avoid a headache.
You can totally get in for free
All patrons arriving between noon – 3:00 pm who donate 3 non-perishable food items will receive 1 FREE weekday admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. Get more information here.
Other notable headliners who will be turning it up:
- Lil Uzi Vert
- Alesso
- Grizzly Bear
- Kane Brown
- The All-American Rejects
- Walker Hayes
