MILWAUKEE, WI (May 14, 2026) – The party starts before Garth Brooks takes the stage at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater! Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance will host the Callin’ Milwaukee Tailgate – the Official Summerfest Garth Brooks Pre-Party on June 16 and 17, 2026—setting the stage for two can’t miss nights highlighted by Garth’s first-ever performances at Summerfest.
Exclusively for Garth Brooks ticket holders, the Callin’ Milwaukee Tailgate starts at 4:00 p.m., transforming the south end of the grounds into a country-themed party filled with live bands, music with country DJ BG GOOD, cold drinks, food, photo ops, shopping, and more. During the tailgate, attendees will also have the opportunity to be among the first to shop Garth Brooks and Summerfest 2026 merchandise.
For fans looking to elevate their experience each night, Summerfest is offering the Honky Tonk VIP Experience, a premium upgrade option that delivers an elevated, all-in evening from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard VIP Deck. VIP perks include:
- All-inclusive food and beverages (cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water)
- Dedicated VIP entrance
- Access to a private VIP deck and bathrooms
Purchase tickets for the Honky Tonk VIP Experience below:
- June 16: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07006464C47176E6
- June 17: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07006464C7BB795D
Make your plans now and arrive early to experience every moment leading up to Garth’s Milwaukee return.
Live Music
The Lasso Lounge, presented by Kunes, located outside the Amphitheater, will serve as one of several tailgate hangouts with live music and specialty cocktails, making it the best place to sing along to country tunes from local bands including:
- June 16: Rebel Grace – bringing powerhouse vocals and high-energy country rock
- June 17: Bootjack Road – delivering modern country vibes with a Midwest edge
DJ BG GOOD will be setting the country vibe both nights and spinning country hits in the Amphitheater forecourt, setting the tone before the show.
Festival Favorites Food and Drink
Fans can enjoy a wide variety of festival favorites from Bobalou Gourmet Stuffed Pretzels and Soft Frozen Lemonade , Catalano’s Lemonade, Catalano’s Produce, Fazio’s Gourmet Popcorn, Fazio’s Kettle Corn, Greek Village, Ian’s Pizza, Mac-A-Do’s, Major Goolsby’s, Pepsi Beverage Station, Pete’s Pops, Pina Cocina & Cantina, Robby’s Roasted Corn, Ultimate Confections, and Ward’s Burger Express.
Custom Cocktails
Raise a glass and toast to the night with the following custom cocktails:
- Low Places – Bourbon, blackberry syrup, lemonade
- Thunder Rolls – Tequila, margarita mix, pineapple, jalapeño
- Shameless – Vodka, cranberry, lime
Shopping – Garth Gear and More
Official Garth Brooks merchandise items, including one-of-a-kind items for the Milwaukee show, will be available during the tailgate, in addition to Summerfest 2026 merch—tees, hats, hoodies, and much more.
Plus, check out custom, one-of-a-kind items from local vendors including:
- Ashwear International – women’s clothing & accessories
- ElleseeWomen - handmade polymer clay and resin jewelry
- Howdy Hat Bar – custom trucker hats
- Madewell Mercantile – customizable western wide-brimmed hats
- My Country Shine – country themed boutique
- Toe Wranglers – customizable toe rings
- Wallet Buckle - functional belt buckle that works with standard-size belt while holding up to five credit cards
Very limited tickets remain for both shows! Get your Garth Brooks tickets now by visiting Ticketmaster.com
About Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance
Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance is one of the most iconic celebrations of music in America, hosting the industry’s biggest acts for an unforgettable live music experience. Since its inception in 1968, Summerfest continues to distinguish itself as a premier independent national music festival and has developed an unrivaled reputation, consistently featuring hundreds of performances across 12 stages, throughout the permanent 75-acre festival grounds along Lake Michigan. Summerfest will take place across three weekends: June 18-20, June 25-27, and July 2-4, 2026. For the latest information, visit Summerfest.com, or Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok: @Summerfest.
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., producer of Summerfest, continues to fulfill its nonprofit mission of bringing the community together and providing a showcase for performing arts, activities, and recreation to the public, through music and special events.