Here's where you can park if you're going to Summerfest this year

Alex Groth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·3 min read

One of the largest music festivals in America is now underway at Milwaukee's lakefront. Summerfest runs from June 20-22, June 27-29 and July 4-6 this year.

Here's your guide for how to park at the festival, and some options on how to get there if you'd prefer to leave your car at home.

Where is parking available near Summerfest grounds?

(Left) Haley Jones of Georgia and (right) Michelle Schmidt of Cottage Grove ride the Summerfest Skyglider on Thursday June 22, 2023 at the Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee, Wis.
(Left) Haley Jones of Georgia and (right) Michelle Schmidt of Cottage Grove ride the Summerfest Skyglider on Thursday June 22, 2023 at the Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee, Wis.

Attendees are encouraged to get off the highway at any of the downtown exits prior to the Lakefront exit and park in one of the many downtown parking structures.

Henry Maier Festival Parking lots are open daily at 9 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. You can get a pre-paid parking pass for a specific date during Summerfest online at the Summerfest store. Preferred parking is $40 per day. Tailgating is not permitted, and there isn't any RV parking in any of the lots.

Motorcycle parking is near the Mid Gate and opens at 9 a.m. You can purchase motorcycle parking for $20 per day (shared spaces), or purchase your own spot in any of the lots on a first-come, first-served basis for $40 per day.

For a list of public parking lots near the ground, visit Park Milwaukee.

Parking spots recommended by the festival:

  • Museum Center Park, 719 N. Prospect Ave.

  • Lewis Center, 616 E. Clybourn St.

  • US Bank Structure, 716 E. Clybourn St.

  • 411 E. Wisconsin Ave Garage, 601 N. Jefferson St.

  • Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St.

  • Chase Tower Garage, 525 N Water St.

  • The Pfister Hotel, 421 E. Mason St.

  • Cathedral Structure, 580 E. Mason St.

  • 780 N. Jackson St. parking

  • 777 N Cass St. garage

  • Wells Fargo Tower, 632 N. Water St.

  • 720 N. Water St. garage

  • SP+ Parking, 721 N. Broadway

  • The Avenue, 615 N. Plankinton Ave.

  • Convention Center Ramp, 615 N. 4th St.

  • Historic Third Ward Parking, 212 E. Milwaukee St.

  • Historic Third Ward Parking, 225 E. Chicago St.

How can I get to Summerfest without a car?

Take the bus: There will be three shuttles that run about every 15 minutes from College Avenue, Brown Deer Park or Hales Corners Park and Ride lots. These shuttles offer direct access to the festival ground entrance located outside Summerfest Mid Gate. MCTS Connect 1 BRT line can also drop you off at the lakefront, with a new stop at the Couture on Michigan Avenue and Lincoln Memorial Drive.

Take a bar shuttle: Several bars run shuttles to festival grounds during Summerfest. You can find a list here.

Bike: You can rent a bike from Bublr Bikes and dock it at the Discovery World station and walk to the grounds. If you're taking your own bike, bicycle parking is near the Mid, North and South gates.

Electric scooter: If you see a scooter, you can download the app on your smartphone to rent an electric scooter. Users can park the scooters essentially anywhere in an upright position, without blocking traffic.

The Hop streetcar: The streetcar stop serves the Milwaukee lakefront. You can find more information about how to ride the Hop here.

RELATED: Recap: Summerfest 2024 kicks off with fun-filled opening day

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Where to park your car at Summerfest 2024: Lots, prices, motorcycles