Summerfest today announced that it will require either proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend the Big Gig. 

All attendees at Summerfest – including the three Wednesday night solo concerts hosted at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater – will be required to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card or proof of a negative test at any of the entrance gates to the grounds. Attendees can show either an original vaccination card, a printed copy of a valid card or a screenshot or photo on a phone – as long as the entire front of the card is visible. 

As for unvaccinated attendees, a negative COVID-19 test must be obtained within 72 hours of attending Summerfest. For information on COVID testing options, click here or check out OnMilwaukee's guide. 

The new entrance protocols – introduced amid growing case and hospitalizations in Wisconsin as well as across the nation – will also be in effect for this weekend's Little Big Town/BoDeans concert on Saturday, Aug. 13. Entrance protocols for other concerts hosted at either the AMP or the BMO Harris Pavilion outside of Summerfest's official capacity will be determined on a case by case basis; check the venues' websites or social media accounts as they draw closer.

The new rules also come shortly after Chicago's Lollapalooza music festival, hosted July 31 through Aug. 1, put in place a similar vaccine requirement, with the festival announcing 90 percent of those in attendance brought proof of vaccination. 

For those interested in refunding tickets, stay tuned to Summerfest's website for updates as those potential processes are finalized in accordance with Ticketmaster's policies. 

As for the Big Gig's other COVID-19 safety protocols, masks are recommended in indoor spaces for most attendees (children under 12 are required to mask up) while those experiencing symptoms are strongly encouraged to stay home. An increased amount of hand sanitizers will be installed as well, and transactions will be made cashless. (Reverse ATMs, which turn physical money into a useable card, are expected to be available on site.) For more on Summerfest's 2021 health and safety protocols, visit the festival's website.

For more Summerfest updates, stay tuned to OnMilwaukee. And for some lighter and more carefree Big Gig reading, here's the current Summerfest headliner lineup. We're mere weeks away!