Garth Brooks to Kick Off Summerfest 2026 in Milwaukee

The wait is over — Garth Brooks is coming back to Milwaukee for his first time in more than a decade.

Garth will kick off Summerfest 2026 with a landmark opening-night performance on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. The concert marks Garth’s first-ever Summerfest appearance.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, September 12, at 10 a.m. through Summerfest.com, Ticketmaster.com, and at the Amphitheater box office.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Garth Brooks to Summerfest and cannot imagine a better way to kick off the festival in 2026,” said Sarah Pancheri, President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “This show is not to be missed. We’ve seen countless iconic performances over nearly six decades, and this promises to be one of the most memorable yet.”

As the best-selling solo artist in U.S. history, Garth brings an unparalleled catalog of iconic hits and is one of the world’s most electrifying live performers. Fans can start the celebration early at the official Summerfest Garth Brooks Pre-Party. The event will be located inside the South Gate of Henry Maier Festival Park and feature live music, food, drinks, and specialty cocktails.

Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance has been a cornerstone of American music since 1968, bringing music’s most important artists to Milwaukee’s lakefront. Spread across 12 stages and 75 acres, the festival draws over 600,000 attendees each year. Summerfest 2026 will take place across three weekends: June 18–20, June 25–27, and July 2–4, 2026. Each ticket purchased also includes complimentary admission to Summerfest 2026, valid on any day of the festival. For more information, visit Summerfest.com.