Milwaukee Summerfest

Most exciting five acts: Full lineup TBA. Lady Gaga, Outkast
Branding itself "The World's Largest Music Festival," this Wisconsin tradition on the shores of Lake Michigan stretches the definition of a music festival. Inspired by Oktoberfest, Summerfest is more akin to a state fair, with hundreds of bands playing 11 stages over 11 days. It's a come-one-come-all mix of country, pop, rock, emo, Americana, rap and indie acts. The main shed, the Marcus Amphitheatre, is essentially an aggregator of summer arena tours—this year Bruno Mars, Motley Crue, Lady Gaga, Dave Matthews Band, Outkast and more pull up their buses. Those big gigs cost some money; the rest is dirt cheap. This being Milwaukee, there is no shortage of cheap beer, encased meats, Harleys, cheese, fried foods on sticks and people reenacting the Laverne & Shirley theme.