spectator info

Recommended viewing areas

Approx. Start area to McKinley Marina (mile 6.5)

McKinley Marina to Sheridan Park (Mile 15 & 20)

Sheridan Park to South Shore Park (mile 23)

Viewing area with bounce house, food, drink sponsored by Copeland-Vilter

Please know that parking lot is approximately 1/3 mile to mid-gate entrance of finish line and security is present. Allow enough time to see your athletes.

a few things
to keep in mind

Put litter in its place! We are guests in these communities.

The race course is closed so don’t even think about getting on it. We will be publishing “Spectator areas” that will feature some great viewing areas to cheer on your athlete along with directions to get there. For everyone’s safety and as a courtesy to the municipalities we are guests in, please be patient, courteous and lawful. More info to be announced this summer.

Parking is not allowed on the streets of our race course.

The big one: Please do not accompany, follow, or assist the runners in any way. Doing so could result in their disqualification.

There will be mandatory security and screening of bags at our finish line. Please understand that there will probably be lines so be patient. (Hint: Do NOT try to see your athlete at mile 25 and expect to also see them at the finish line.

We will have food trucks and beverage stands available for purchase at the finish line celebration. All sales are CASHLESS

Make a sign for your athlete at the Expo for free.

Currency will be accepted for MLM merchandise sales but the Henry Maier Festival Grounds are cashless. Credit and Debit cards for food and beverages only. Converting machines will be available at the finish line area.

Safety & Security Measures

IMPORTANT

Please know that our finish line for Sunday's event will be held at the Henry Maier Festival Grounds and they have security procedures in place that we cannot control. Every entrant coming into the grounds will be subject to state-of-the-art metal detectors and further search if deemed necessary. Please plan ahead by following their rules as we do not want you to be disappointed:

All bags are subject to inspection prior to entering the Summerfest grounds. No backpacks at all or bags larger than 9x10x12 will be allowed on the grounds. All bags larger than 9X10X12 will need to be returned to a vehicle or home before entering the Park.
Please leave any unnecessary articles secured within your vehicle or at home to expedite your entry into the park. Items NOT ALLOWED CANNOT be checked in (see list on the right).
Any prohibited items will be confiscated by security and will not be returned.
Milwaukee World Festival, INC (MWF) is not responsible for fire, theft, damage or loss of vehicle including articles left within.

If you need to bring medication, medical equipment, diapers, or other personal care items to Summerfest, how should you pack those items?

If you have privacy concerns, put those items in a smaller bag that you cannot see through and then place that bag in a clear bag.
Please note, the small cosmetic or privacy bag is still subject to inspection.
Nursing mothers may bring in needed items in a similar manner or separate bag.

What can I carry in?

The following items are ALLOWED:

Umbrellas
Strollers
Small Camera
Small Bag, Cinch bag, or Purse

The following items are NOT ALLOWED:

Backpacks (special consideration will be given for parents with infants and those with medical needs)
Large Bags over 9X10X12 inches
Camelback-style hydration packs
Outside food and beverages (unless needed for infants, medical or dietary needs)
Cans and Glass/Plastic or Metal Containers (including Yeti type bottles, tumblers, thermos, and disposable plastic bottles)
Coolers or other hard side containers
Stainless steel reusable drinking straws
Self-defense sprays (such as OC, pepper spray or mace)
Aerosol cans (except for spray sunscreens 6oz or less, 1 per patron)
UAV-Drones
Alcohol
Illegal drugs or substances
Firearms (no open or concealed weapons/firearms)
Knives
Weapons or objects that could be used as weapons
Fireworks, sparklers, or explosives
Professional cameras (cameras with a detachable lens or lens that extends further than 3 inches) or video equipment
Recording devices
Brooms/broomsticks, selfie sticks, poles, trekking sticks, and tripods
Pets (except service animals, or during special events or promotions)
Banners or flags on poles
Laser pointers
Skateboards, roller skates, inline skates or hoverboards
Foot powered or electric scooters
Bicycles, tricycles or unicycles
Wagons
Kites
Hula-hoops, Frisbees, and beach balls
Stadium seats and lawn chairs

*This list is not exhaustive. Items not appearing on the list may still be prohibited at the discretion of MWF Security if the items pose a potential threat to safety of our guests or due to event restrictions