June 11, 2025

By Lane Kimble

You can expect to see a good deal of extra traffic flowing through I-794 and the connecting Hoan Bridge over the next several weekends in Milwaukee.

Summerfest returns for its 57th year starting Thursday, June 19, bringing hundreds of thousands of people to the city to see the likes of James Taylor, The Killers, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, Third Eye Blind and more.

The freeway not only provides critical transportation to and from the world’s largest music festival; it also serves as a part of Henry Maier Festival Park’s overall aesthetic, with stunning views of the lakefront and downtown high rises.

The “Big Gig” is about much more than just music, though.  It’s the sights, sounds, smells, snacks, and sentimental feelings that come rushing back when you arrive.

“You get out on the grounds, it just feels good.  All the rain we’ve had, everything looks really green and lush.  Hopefully you can tell I’m jazzed, I love it,” Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. CEO Sarah Smith Pancheri said.

So, what’s new this year?  Where are the best “secret spots” to take in a show?  What’s the weirdest request from a performer? How do you get there? And how does transportation infrastructure play a role in making Summerfest a reality?

Find out in the latest episode of Road Trippin’ with WTBA.  Episode 5: Build Up to the Big Gig is live now.

You can find us by searching “WTBA” on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, or wherever you get your pods.