How to Get in Free to Summerfest in 2025

Summerfest takes place starting June 19 in 2025

Your guide to getting free Summerfest tickets

Welcome to the ultimate insider's guide for experiencing Summerfest 2025, all without spending a dime on admission.

First things first, mark the calendar. Summerfest 2025 unfolds over three consecutive weekends, running Thursday, June 19 through Saturday, June 21; Thursday, June 26 through Saturday, June 28; and Thursday, July 3 through Saturday, July 5. The gates are open daily from noon until midnight.  

It's important to understand what "General Admission" (GA) gets attendees. A GA ticket or pass grants access to the entire Henry Maier Festival Park grounds and all the festival stages, except for the headlining shows at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater and separately ticketed reserved seats at venues like the BMO Pavilion.

While purchasing a ticket for an Amphitheater show does conveniently bundle in same-day general admission to the rest of the festival, snagging a free GA pass unlocks the vast majority of the Summerfest experience. Considering a standard single-day GA ticket costs around $30, getting in for free represents significant value, providing access to hundreds of performances, diverse food vendors, unique activities, and the overall festival buzz without the entry fee.

Free tickets with the Summerfest App

This year, the first 15,000 fans who download the Summerfest App can claim a free one-day Summerfest general admission ticket valid during the festival's opening weekend—June 19, 20, or 21—from 12 to 4 p.m. It’s one ticket per device, and they’re distributed digitally through the app.

To redeem, download the app, go to “Tickets” > “My Wallet,” and sign in using the same email from your Summerfest store account. Then select the PEPSI PROMO TICKET button. 

• Enter your name, email, and phone number. 

• Select the Summerfest 2025 First Weeknd 1 day admisson ticket that is displayed

• Select the GET TICKETS button and add 1 (one) to your cart

• Checkout and complete your order! You can then view your barcode. 

• Good for 1 Admission before 4:00 PM on either June 19, June 20, or June 21

• Limit (1) one per device. While supplies last.

Daily Summerfest Promotions for 2025

Mark your calendar for these money‑saving promos and community‑support drives.

Opening Weekend Deals (June 19 – 21)

• Thu 6/19 – Bush’s Beans “Stomp Out Hunger” – Bring 3 shelf‑stable food items between noon – 3 pm for a same‑day ticket, one per person.

• Fri 6/20 – Shorewest Children’s Fest – Families get in totally free from noon – 3 pm; look for kid‑friendly activities and discounted snacks.

• Sat 6/21 – Mary Lou’s Closet Supply Drive – First 1,500 guests who donate $10 worth of new socks, deodorant, or oral‑care items (noon – 3 pm) receive free entry.

• Any day June 19‑21 – Download the Summerfest App (powered by Pepsi) – The first 15,000 app users can claim a one‑day digital ticket good for entry before 4 pm.

Mid‑Festival Highlights

• Thu 6/26 – Throwback Thursday (Pick ’n Save) – $5 admission plus 50% off beer, seltzer, soda, and water noon‑6 pm. Shoppers can also earn four free tickets for every $50 qualifying grocery trip (See details below).

• Fri 6/27 – Show Your College Pride Day – Wear gear from a listed Wisconsin college (or show a valid high‑school ID) between noon – 3 pm for a free ticket.

• Sat 6/28 – Military & First Responder Appreciation (Generac) – Active‑duty, veterans, police, fire, EMTs (and up to four family members) get free admission noon‑6 pm with proper ID.

• Sat 6/28 – Northwestern Mutual “Make a Child Smile” – First 2,500 donors who bring $10 in new or gently used kids’ books (ages 0‑10) noon‑3 pm receive free entry.

Fourth of July Weekend

• Fri 7/4 – Free on the 4th (Kwik Trip) – Everyone walks in free noon‑6 pm; first 5,000 guests snag a commemorative can‑cooler.

• Sat 7/5 – Fan Appreciation Day (Potawatomi Casino | Hotel) – Free entry noon‑3 pm, plus the first 30,000 through the gates get a 2026 ticket and a chance at the festival’s $1 million “Big Win” drawing.

Earn‑Ahead Options

• Summerfeast at Pick ’n Save / Metro Market / Mariano’s (May 21‑June 10) – Spend $25 on participating brands in one transaction with your loyalty card to get two general‑admission tickets (redeem with full receipt at Summerfest gates; up to six tickets per day).

• Versiti Blood Drive Tickets (June 9‑15) – Donate blood at any Wisconsin or Illinois Versiti center to receive a free general‑admission ticket while supplies last.

Need‑to‑Know Reminders

• Most gate giveaways begin at 12 pm and end when that day’s allotment runs out. Arrive early.

• Free/discount tickets are valid only for the date & time listed (not for Amphitheater shows).

• Promo redemptions happen at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth unless noted otherwise.

Get in Free to Summerfest with Metro Market

Here’s how the Metro Market Summerfest promotion works: Spend $50 or more in a single transaction with your Metro Market (Kroger) Rewards Card between April 23 and May 13, 2025. You get 4 FREE Summerfest tickets good for Throwback Thursday, June 26 (12 pm – 6 pm). Metro Market has locations in the North Shore in Glendale, Shorewood and Mequon. Here are full details on how to get free Summerfest tickets from Metro Market.

Finally, if you miss the promotions, you can still get daily or multi-day passes directly from Summerfest. There are daily Summerfest tickets, 3-day Summerfest passes and 9-day Summerfest “Power Passes” available on the Summerfest ticket website.  

Keeping track of all these potential free admission opportunities requires staying informed. Sign up for our email list and we’ll keep you up to date as promotions are announced!

Looking for other ways to enjoy free fun this summer? See our guide to getting into Wisconsin state fair for free.