Garth Brooks Is Headlining Milwaukee’s Summerfest 2026 With Kickoff Concert

Garth Brooks is set to make his debut performance at Milwaukee’s Summerfest next year, when he launches the festival with an opening night concert on June 17 at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. The show will also mark the seven-time CMA Awards entertainer of the year winner’s first show in Milwaukee in more than a decade.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Garth Brooks to Summerfest and cannot imagine a better way to kick off the festival in 2026,” Sarah Pancheri, president and CEO, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., said in a statement.  “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!” 

Prior to the Brooks concert, attendees can also partake in the Official Summerfest Garth Brooks Pre-Party, which will be held inside the South Gate at Henry Maier Festival Park, and will include live entertainment, food, specialty cocktails and other beverages.

Summerfest 2026 spans three weekends: June 18-20, June 25-27 and July 2-4.

Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. CT via the Summerfest website, Ticketmaster and in person at American Family Insurance Amphitheater. (Each ticket purchased also includes complimentary admission to Summerfest 2026, and is valid on any day of the fest.)

This year’s lineup included James Taylor, Hozier, Lainey Wilson, Megan Thee Stallion and The Lumineers.

Earlier this year, Brooks wrapped up his 72-show residency, Garth Brooks/Plus ONE, at Las Vegas’ Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The residency followed last year’s launch of the Nashville-located Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk, which opened in March 2024.