Highlights from Milwaukee’s Summerfest's Second Weekend
Summerfest in Milwaukee is the kind of event that brings people together, not just for the music, but for the shared experience of something unforgettable. This past weekend marked the second stretch of the festival, and the energy across the grounds was palpable. The lineup catered to every taste, with stages offering everything from rising local stars to internationally acclaimed acts. The festival grounds buzzed with anticipation, each corner carrying its own unique vibe as fans gathered to see their favorite performers and discover new ones.
All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver PhotographyWalking through the sprawling festival, the atmosphere was an incredible mix of excitement and warmth. The second weekend carried a sense of discovery, with attendees eagerly moving from stage to stage, soaking in the diversity of sound and style. It was easy to lose track of time with so much happening, whether you were catching a first-time performer finding their groove or watching legends who’ve mastered the art of commanding a crowd.
The thoughtful layout of the stages made it possible to experience the festival in your own way, whether you wanted to camp out in one spot or explore as much as you could. Each performance felt personal in its own way, whether it was under the bright open sky or in the more intimate spaces scattered throughout the grounds. The festivalgoers, as diverse as the lineup itself, added to the magic, bringing their energy and love for live music to every set.
Click The Image Above For The Full 4Seasons Skate Park of Milwaukee Photo GalleryWhile each artist brought something special, what stood out most was the connection between the performers and the audience. The crowds weren’t just there to hear music; they were there to feel it, to be part of something bigger than themselves. The performers seemed to sense that, meeting the audience’s enthusiasm with an outpouring of their own passion. From soulful melodies to high-energy anthems, the music wove its way through the festival, creating moments that felt timeless.
Click The Image Above For The Full Tiera Kennedy Photo GalleryThe fourth day of Summerfest brought clear skies and vibrant energy as the festival’s second weekend got underway. Tiera Kennedy graced the Aurora Pavilion with her debut Summerfest performance, her soulful voice and heartfelt delivery drawing in the early crowd.
Click The Image Above For The Full Lille Venn Photo GalleryOn the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage, Lille Venn enchanted listeners with their unique sound, a mix of genres that created a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Click The Image Above For The Full Landon Smith Photo GalleryOver at the UScellular Connection stage, Landon Smith brought his southern roots to the Midwest, sharing stories from the road and the excitement of playing so far north for the first time.
Click The Image Above For The Full Shane Smith & The Saints Photo GalleryShane Smith & The Saints took over the Amphitheater, where their blend of country and rock sounds filled the air with warmth and energy that had fans singing along and swaying to every note.
Click The Image Above For The Full Bootjack Road Photo GalleryStopping by the Lasso Lounge, the local cover band Bootjack Road delivered a fun and familiar set of crowd-pleasing hits, bringing smiles to those gathered in the cozy venue.
Click The Image Above For The Full Lukas Nelson Photo Gallery Later, Lukas Nelson captivated the Amphitheater audience with his masterful guitar work and soulful, reflective lyrics, creating an unforgettable experience under the evening sky.
Click The Image Above For The Full DEVO Photo GalleryOver at the Uline stage, Devo drew fans of all ages for a nostalgic stop on their farewell tour, their iconic sound and visuals making for a show that many won’t soon forget.
Click The Image Above For The Full Gavin Adcock Photo GalleryMeanwhile, Gavin Adcock commanded the UScellular Connection stage with a high-energy performance that kept fans engaged.
Click The Image Above For The Full Mayday Parade Photo GalleryWrapping up the night, Mayday Parade took the Miller Lite Oasis stage with a dynamic and emotional set, their music resonating with the crowd and leaving the audience fully immersed in the moment.
Each stage seemed to hold its own story, making Day 4 a day to remember for everyone in attendance.
Day 5 brought a vibrant mix of sounds and energy to the Summerfest stages, showcasing talent that spanned genres and regions.
Click The Image Above For The Full Adam Warner Photo GalleryAdam Warner started the day strong at the Uline stage, delivering a set filled with country charm that connected effortlessly with the audience.
Click The Image Above For The Full 81355 Photo GalleryOver at the UScellular Connection stage, 81355 brought a fresh twist with their experimental hip-hop, layering intricate beats with introspective lyrics that held the crowd’s attention.
Click The Image Above For The Full Ladybird Photo GalleryLadybird added a special hometown vibe at the Aurora Pavilion, their performance carrying the warmth of Milwaukee pride.
Click The Image Above For The Full Bad Skin Photo GalleryMeanwhile, Bad Skin from Montreal electrified the Miller Lite Oasis stage with a punk rock attitude that had fans shouting along and soaking up the rebellious energy.
Click The Image Above For The Full IshDARR Photo GalleryIshDARR kept the rhythm alive at the UScellular Connection stage, showcasing why he remains one of Milwaukee’s standout artists.
Click The Image Above For The Full Showoff Photo GalleryOn the Generac Power stage, Showoff delivered an engaging dose of punk nostalgia.
Click The Image Above For The Full Isabel Dumaa Photo GalleryIsabel Dumaa’s heartfelt performance at the Big Backyard stage drew in listeners with her distinctive voice and compelling presence.
Click The Image Above For The Full Phil Vassar Photo GalleryOver at the Uline Warehouse stage, Phil Vassar delighted longtime fans with a charismatic set filled with familiar hits.
Click The Image Above For The Full Skrilla Photo GallerySkrilla set the mood with a laid-back but infectious vibe at the UScellular Connection stage, creating an atmosphere that felt equal parts intimate and celebratory.
Click The Image Above For The Full Plain White T's Photo GalleryLater, The Plain White T's brought their signature sound to the Generac Power stage, with songs that had everyone singing along.
Click The Image Above For The Full Local H Photo GalleryLocal H commanded the Miller Lite Oasis stage with high-energy riffs that echoed throughout the grounds, their set proving to be a highlight for many in the crowd.
Click The Image Above For The Full 1900Rugrat Photo GalleryOne of the most exciting moments came when 1900Rugrat brought out Skrilla for a surprise collaboration at the UScellular Connection stage, igniting the audience with their synergy.
Click The Image Above For The Full Jo Dee Messina Photo GalleryJo Dee Messina then took over the Uline Warehouse stage, seamlessly delivering a heartfelt mix of storytelling and country hits.
Click The Image Above For The Full Billy Corgan and the Machines of God Photo GalleryBilly Corgan and the Machines of God made an appearance at the Miller Lite Oasis stage, but it was a little lackluster; a lot of the crowd found their way to other stages
Click The Image Above For The Full Offset Photo GalleryOffset closed out the day with a magnetic performance that had fans fully immersed in the music.
Day 6 brought a welcome shift in pace, with a lineup that felt both refreshing and reflective as the weekend wound down.
Click The Image Above For The Full The Fray Photo GalleryThe day started with The Fray at the American Family Insurance House stage, their intimate set giving fans a chance to connect deeply with the heartfelt lyrics and familiar melodies that have defined their career.
Click The Image Above For The Full Bryan Andrews Photo GalleryOver at the BMO Pavilion, Bryan Andrews stepped up with a performance that blended soulful storytelling and a commanding stage presence, drawing in an appreciative crowd.
Click The Image Above For The Full Molly Tuttle Photo GalleryMolly Tuttle brought her signature bluegrass artistry to the Miller Lite Oasis stage, captivating the audience with her nimble fingerpicking and crystal-clear vocals.
Click The Image Above For The Preston Cooper Photo GalleryAt the BMO Pavilion, Preston Cooper followed with an engaging set that left fans impressed by his authenticity and connection to the music.
Click The Image Above For The Full Chuckyy Photo GalleryMeanwhile, Chuckyy created a unique vibe at the Generac Power stage, with a performance that felt raw and unpredictable, keeping fans curious and entertained.
Click The Image Above For The Full Riley Green Photo GalleryRiley Green packed the BMO Pavilion, drawing a sea of fans eager to sing along to his relatable, feel-good country hits. The energy was electric as the crowd swayed to his music, creating a collective moment that felt almost tangible.
Click The Image Above For The Full The Fray Photo GalleryLater in the evening, The Fray returned to the Uline Warehouse stage, bringing a second round of their evocative sound to the festival. Their performance soared as the band wove through their catalog of emotional, well-loved songs, leaving the audience fully immersed in the experience.
Click The Image Above For The Full Here Come The Mummies Photo GalleryAs the night unfolded, Here Come The Mummies brought their funky grooves and playful energy to the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage. Their theatrical presence and infectious rhythms had everyone on their feet, dancing and laughing as the festival drew to a close. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with unforgettable moments, celebrating the joy of live music.
The second weekend of Milwaukee's Summerfest offered an extraordinary journey through music, with each day unfolding its own unique rhythm and energy. The festival’s ability to balance a mix of genres and artists was remarkable, creating moments that felt personal, no matter the size of the crowd or the stage. Whether it was a local performer making their mark or a celebrated artist delivering a career-defining set, every act brought something special to the experience.
What truly stood out was the connection between the performers and their audiences. The energy wasn’t just on the stages; it flowed back and forth between the artists and the crowds, creating a sense of shared joy and appreciation that’s hard to put into words. It was a reminder of the irreplaceable magic of live music, where each note, lyric, and interaction feels real and alive in a way nothing else can replicate.
Click The Image For The Full SummerFest Grounds Photo GalleryThe diverse lineup ensured there was always something new to discover, while familiar favorites provided grounding moments of nostalgia and comfort. The festivalgoers’ enthusiasm was a key part of what made the weekend so memorable. Whether dancing, singing along, or quietly absorbing the music, the collective energy was undeniable.
As the weekend wrapped up, there was a quiet sense of fulfillment among those who had experienced it all. The performances, the memories, and the connections made will linger as reminders of how music has the power to bring people together. Summerfest’s second weekend wasn’t just a series of concerts; it was a celebration of what live music can mean to those who love it.
