Garth Brooks to Kick Off Summerfest 2026 in Milwaukee

Garth Brooks will headline the Summerfest 2026 kick-off concert on June 17 at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater in Milwaukee, marking his first-ever performance at Summerfest and first Milwaukee show in over a decade. Tickets go on sale September 12 at 10 a.m. and include admission to any day of Summerfest, which runs across three weekends from June 18 to July 4, 2026. The event will feature an official pre-party with live entertainment, food, beverages, and specialty cocktails, with details forthcoming. Brooks, the best-selling solo artist in U.S. history, is known for his record-breaking tours and multiple industry accolades, including nine Diamond Awards and seven CMA Entertainer of the Year honors. Sarah Pancheri, President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., called the concert a highly anticipated and memorable opener for the festival. This announcement highlights Summerfest’s tradition of iconic performances and promises a standout start to the 2026 festival season.