In the annual ranking of Summerfest announcements, the big lineup drop is number one with several exclamation points. Somewhere in the trailing pack is the news that got shared Monday: the Summerfest promotions for 2026 that will get you through the gate in exchange for a donation, a bit of college gear, a certain ID or — occasionally — nothing at all.
Check out all of the ways to get in free below, and visit the Summerfest website for more updates about this year’s festival.
Summerfest promotions for 2026
Thursday, June 18
Saz’s Stomp Out Hunger Day with FOX6 Milwaukee
All patrons who donate three shelf-stable food items between noon and 3 p.m. will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. Food donations will be accepted at all gates. Limit one ticket per person. Founded in 1976, Saz’s is celebrating 50 years of serving the community by matching the first 1,976 canned goods donated. All donations benefit Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
Thursday, June 18
Show Your College Pride Day with OnMilwaukee and CW18/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. Only apparel from the following schools will be accepted: Carroll University, Marquette University, Milwaukee Area Technical College, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Whitewater. High-school students who begin their FAFSA before July 4 will receive a free General Admission Summerfest Ticket, brought to you by Milwaukee Education Partnership.
Friday, June 19
Redo Cabinets Supports Northcott Neighborhood House Food Drive
The first 2,500 fans who donate three shelf-stable food items between noon and 3 p.m. will receive one free admission ticket courtesy of Redo Cabinets, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. Food donations will be accepted at the Mid Gate. Limit one ticket per person. All donations benefit Northcott Neighborhood House.
Saturday, June 20
Briggs & Stratton United Way Diaper & Wipe Drive
Help United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County provide essential diapers and wipes to families across the community. Between noon and 3 p.m., the first 1,500 patrons who donate new unopened wipes or diapers 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 United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Diaper Bank network.
Thursday, June 25
Throwback Thursday presented by Pick ‘N Save, Metro Market and Mariano’s
From noon to 6 p.m., enjoy $5 admission and 50% off select beverages, plus a collection of music through the decades from various throwback artists. During that time, all beer, seltzer, cherry vodka lemonade, Aquafina Water and soda will be 50% off.
Thursday, June 25
H.O.G. Member Day
From noon to 3 p.m., receive one free admission ticket when presenting a valid H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) card. One admission per card, valid for the day and time of the promotion only.
Friday, June 26
Shorewest Children’s Fest Day with TMJ4 and 99.1 The Mix
All patrons arriving between noon and 3 p.m. will be admitted for free to celebrate Shorewest’s 80th anniversary at Summerfest’s Children’s Fest Day. Spend a fun-filled day with the family enjoying Children’s Fest activities, including the Shorewest Map of Fun, plus discounts on food and beverage items from select vendors.
Saturday, June 27
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. will be admitted for free at the designated turnstile at any gate. Eligible individuals must present a valid Military ID, copy or photo of a DD-214 form, driver’s license with Veteran classification, or law enforcement or fire department agency-issued credentials. Police and fire union ID cards will also be accepted with a photo ID.
Saturday, June 27
Northwestern Mutual Make a Child Smile Day
From noon to 3 p.m., 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 10 are preferred. All books collected at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth will be donated to Next Door.
Thursday, July 2
TBD
Friday, July 3
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 2027 and a BIG WIN entry ticket. To participate in the BIG WIN drawing, simply drop the perforated BIG WIN entry ticket in a specially marked bin inside the Summerfest Mid Gate between the hours of noon and 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 4
Freedom on the Fourth Food Drive presented by Harley-Davidson
From noon to 3 p.m., the first 5,000 patrons who donate three nonperishable food items will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All food will be collected at the Mid Gate entrance. Canned fruits and vegetables are especially appreciated. All donations benefit Hunger Task Force.
Other promotions
Download the Summerfest App, fueled by Pepsi
The first 15,000 fans who download the Summerfest App can claim a free digital admission ticket courtesy of Pepsi, valid for one admission at any gate between noon and 4 p.m. June 18, June 19 or June 20. Limit one ticket per device.
Summerfest at Pick ‘N Save, Metro Market and Mariano’s
Earn two free Summerfest general admission tickets with the purchase of $25 in participating items in a single transaction with your Fresh Perks Card at any Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market or Mariano’s store from May 20 to June 9. Participating brands include Pepsi, BUBBL’R, Johnsonville, Koops’ Mustard, Monster Energy, Good Foods, Sargento and Connie’s Frozen Pizza.
Visit PicknSave.com/Summerfeast for details and qualifying products. The offer is printed at the bottom of the receipt. To redeem the offer, bring the complete original receipt to the Summerfest ticket windows at the entry gates on any date of Summerfest. Limited to two offers (four tickets) per transaction. Max redemption of six offers/12 tickets per day.
Versiti Summerfest Blood Donation
All patrons who donate blood at a Versiti Donor Center in Wisconsin or Illinois between June 9 and 14 will receive one free Summerfest general admission ticket, while supplies last.