Summerfest Milwaukee has canceled its 2020 edition due to Coronavirus. The event was set to run from Sept. 3 to Sept. 19 in downtown Milwaukee, Wisc. According to a press release, “this is the first time the festival has been canceled in its 53-year history.  The dates of Summerfest 2021 will be announced in the coming weeks.”

Don Smiley, the president and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., also released a statement.

“After careful, diligent, and thoughtful consideration and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our community – including artists, fans, vendors, participants and staff – Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance will not take place in September 2020, as previously announced,” the statement began.

It is our honor to be responsible for such a storied tradition.  With five decades of festivals, countless legendary performances and millions of memories, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. explored numerous options to ensure the Summerfest tradition could continue in 2020, in a safe and healthy manner.  

“Given the information available today, and the uncertainty surrounding very large gatherings, we cannot in good conscience proceed with the festival this year,” he continued. “The immediate future presents multiple levels of risk for our fans, and we choose the side of safety.”

Smiley’s statement also discussed refund: “Refunds on Summerfest admission tickets purchased via Summerfest.com or Ticketmaster are available. Information regarding how to get a refund on festival admission tickets, as well as information regarding concert tickets for the American Family Insurance Amphitheater or the BMO Harris Pavilion can be found at Summerfest.com.

For a full list of tours and festivals impacted by COVID-19 visit Relix.com/Coronavirus.