Summerfest 2020 canceled

The re-scheduled Summerfest that was set for Sept. 3-19 in Milwaukee is officially canceled.

The Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Board of Directors made that decision Thursday because of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding large gatherings because of COVID-19.

“It is our honor to be responsible for such a storied tradition,” Don Smiley, President & CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. said in a news release. “With five decades of festivals, countless legendary performances and millions of memories, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. explored numerous options to ensure the Summerfest tradition could continue in 2020 in a safe and healthy manner. Yet, given the information available today, and the uncertainty surrounding very large gatherings, we cannot in good conscience proceed with the festival this year.  The immediate future presents multiple levels of risk for our fans, and we choose the side of safety.”

That announcement came after staff, sponsors, and vendors worked over the past two months to reformulate the festival for the rescheduled 2020 dates. Smily said organizers will do anything they can to preserve the $186 million social and economic impact Summerfest generates annually.

Refunds on Summerfest admission tickets are available.