With a little more than a month before the start of this year’s festival, Summerfest on Monday announced its traditional slate of promotions that will get you through the gates for free (or, in one case, at a very steep discount).
The vast majority of the opportunities involve donating an item of need — such as food, books and hygiene supplies — between noon and 3 p.m. on the day that you want to attend. You can also get in free of charge July 4 and 5 in exchange for absolutely nothing, as well as June 27 for being connected to one of several local colleges and universities (although unfortunately for this former Badger, the omission of the University of Wisconsin-Madison continues).
In their promotions announcements, organizers included reminders that free admission is also available by:
- Downloading the Summerfest app
- Purchasing $25 in participating items from Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market or Mariano’s from May 21 to June 10
- Donating blood at a Versiti Donor Center in Wisconsin or Illinois from June 9-15
You can find the full list of daily promotions below and more information about all of the ways to get in free on the Summerfest website.
Summerfest promotions for 2025
Thursday, June 19 | Noon-3 p.m.
Bush’s Beans Stomp Out Hunger Day with FOX6 Milwaukee
All patrons who arrive between noon and 3 p.m., and donate three shelf-stable food items will receive one FREE admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. Food donations will be accepted at all three gates. Limit one ticket per person. All donations benefit Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Northcott Neighborhood House.
Friday, June 20 | Noon-3 p.m.
Shorewest Children’s Fest Day with TMJ4 and 99.1 The Mix
All patrons arriving between noon and 3 p.m. will be admitted free! Spend a fun-filled day with the family enjoying Children’s Fest activities, including the Shorewest Map of Fun. Select vendors will offer discounts on food-and-beverage items.
Saturday, June 21 | Noon-3 p.m.
Briggs & Stratton Mary Lou’s Closet Supply Drive
Help support United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County’s Mary Lou’s Closet, a program providing needed hygiene supplies for youth in area public schools. The first 1,500 patrons who arrive between noon and 3 p.m. to donate new socks (greatest need), deodorant and/or oral hygiene items (toothbrush and toothpaste) with a total minimum value of $10 per person will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All donations benefit the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership.
Thursday, June 26 | Noon-6 p.m.
Throwback Thursday presented by Pick ‘N Save, Metro Market and Mariano’s
Get a $5 admission ticket and 50% off select beverages as you enjoy a collection of music through the decades from various throwback artists. From noon to 6 p.m., all beer, seltzer, Cherry Vodka Lemonade, Aquafina Water and soda will be 50% off!
Friday, June 27 | Noon-3 p.m.
Show Your College Pride Day with OnMilwaukee, CW18 and MY24
Patrons arriving between noon and 3 p.m. wearing a shirt or hat from a participating college or university, or showing a valid high school ID, will receive one free admission ticket (valid only during the promotion). Visit the Mid Gate Promotions Booth to claim your ticket, then visit your school inside! Only apparel from the following schools will be accepted:
- Beloit College
- Carroll University
- Herzing University
- Marquette University
- Milwaukee Area Technical College
- St. Norbert College
- UW-Milwaukee
- UW-Parkside
- UW-Whitewater
In addition, all high-school students who begin their FAFSA before July 5 will receive a free general admission Summerfest ticket, brought to you by Milwaukee Education Partnership
Saturday, June 28 | Noon-6 p.m.
Summerfest Military and First Responder Appreciation Day presented by Generac
All active-duty military personnel and veterans, police, fire and EMT (along with up to four family members) arriving between noon and 6 p.m. who present a valid Military ID, copy or photo of a DD-214 form, driver’s license with Veteran classification, law enforcement or fire department agency-issued credentials at the designated turnstile at any gate will be admitted free. Police and fire union ID cards will also be accepted with a photo ID.
Saturday, June 28 | Noon-3 p.m.
Northwestern Mutual “Make a Child Smile” day
The first 2,500 patrons who donate new or gently used children’s books with a $10 minimum value will receive one FREE admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. Picture books and early readers for children ages birth through ten are preferred. All books collected at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth will be donated to Next Door.
Friday, July 4 | Noon-6 p.m.
Celebrate July 4th at Summerfest with Kwik Trip
All patrons arriving between noon and 6 p.m. will be admitted free, and the first 5,000 attendees through the Mid-Gate will receive a commemorative can cooler.
Saturday, July 5 | Noon-3 p.m.
Summerfest Fan Appreciation Day presented by Potawatomi Casino Hotel
All patrons arriving between noon and 3 p.m. will be admitted free, compliments of Potawatomi Casino Hotel and Summerfest. Plus, the first 30,000 patrons arriving through the gates will receive an admission ticket for Summerfest 2026 and a BIG WIN entry ticket. Simply drop the perforated BIG WIN ticket in a specially marked bin inside the Summerfest Mid Gate between the hours of noon and 3 p.m. July 5 to be entered for the opportunity to win $1 million dollars and a guaranteed share of $10,000.
