Summerfest Is Open to Independent Artist Submissions
What it is: Summerfest, held on the lakefront in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and billed as the world’s largest music festival, runs an open online submission process for up-and-coming artists to perform.
Who it’s for: Independent artists and bands who can put together a strong recorded set, professional photos and a clear performance history — the submission form asks for all three.
How it works: Submissions are online and free to enter. The festival runs across multiple weekends each summer, so there is more than one opening for new performers across the run, not a single all-or-nothing slot.
Worth knowing: Submission windows close months ahead of the festival itself, so check the official page early for the current cycle’s exact dates rather than assuming submissions are open year-round.