Music Events

WORTH THE DRIVE: Summer Music Festivals A Little Out of the Area

despite the extra gas, these festivals are sure to be a good time

V1 Staff |

2 Chainz at Summerfest 2022. (Submitted Photo)
2 Chainz at Summerfest 2022. (Submitted Photo)

SummerFest

June 22-24, June 29-July 1, July 6-8 • Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee • summerfest.com

Billed as the “World’s Largest Music Festival,” the iconic Summerfest is celebrating its 55th year in 2023, boasting top-notch headliners featuring Erich Church, Imagine Dragons, Sheryl Crow, and many more, plus an incredible lineup including Yung Gravy, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Styx, and more.

Pitchfork

July 21-23 • Union Park, Chicago • pitchforkmusicfestival.com 

A music festival in Chicago hosted by the Pitchfork music publication, calling itself “Chicago’s Local Music Festival”, this year’s performances includes Chippewa Valley favorite Bon Iver, The Smile, King Krule, and many more.

Mile of Music

Aug. 3-6 • Appleton • mileofmusic.com

Appleton’s downtown music fest is celebrating its “10 mile” year and will feature 200 artists across 40 venues, all in one mile of safe, walkable, no-cover charge events to explore. All original music from various genres like indie rock, country, soul, R&B, jazz, folk, and more. Plus check out craft shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Lollapalooza

Aug. 3-6 • Grant Park, Chicago • lollapalooza.com

One of the country’s biggest and most popular music festivals, this year’s lineup features megastars like Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more.

WE FEST

Aug. 3-5 • Detroit Lakes, Minnesota • wefest.com

This summer marks its 40th year, WE Fest recognized as one of the biggest country music festivals in the nation, located at Soo Pass Ranch on the shores of Lake Sallie. This year’s lineup nationwide faves like Morgan Wallen, Gabby Barrett, Kane Brown, and more.