Wednesday Night Live2025-05-12T15:30:49-05:00

Wednesday Night Live

Wednesday Night Live

featuring some of Wisconsin’s BEST cover bands

Wednesday Night Live is a FREE, weekly summer concert series
held exclusively at the Bud Pavilion at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

For nearly 40 years, the Bud Pavilion has featured some of Wisconsin’s best cover bands. Our Wednesday Night Live music concert series hosts a different cover band weekly during the summer. Three bars for all your favorite beer, craft beer, mixed drinks, and N/A beverages, hot food at The Grill, and more than 20 HDTVs for sports enthusiasts.

Experience the Best Cover Bands

Join us at the Bud Pavilion!

Wednesday Night Live is a FREE, weekly summer concert series held exclusively at the Bud Pavilion on the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds.

For nearly 30 years, Milwaukee’s most popular local cover bands entertain thousands of fans each week with a four-hour performance at our indoor/outdoor, family-friendly concert venue.

Enjoy cold beer and N/A beverages at one of our drink stations, sample craft beers at the Goose Island Ale House, enjoy unique snacks at The Grill, or rock out with the band on the main Bud Pavilion party floor. So much do to, and all at one location!

2024
LINEUP

GET THE SCHEDULE!

Featuring

LIVE COVER BANDS

Some of the best local cover bands perform on our stage weekly during summer.

goose island ale house beers

ICE COLD DRINKS

Beer, craft beer, mixed drinks, wine, and N/A products are readily available at our bars
during all events.

HOT FRESH FOOD

Burgers, fries, chicken tenders, cheese curds, giant pretzels and a lot more offerings at The Grill.

FAQs

Do I need a ticket to attend Wednesday Night Live?2021-06-03T04:47:13-05:00

No tickets are needed to attend any Wednesday Night Live event.

What time do the gates open for Wednesday Night Live?2021-06-08T00:23:48-05:00

Gates open at 6:00pm.

What time does the live music start at Wednesday Night Live?2021-06-08T00:25:15-05:00

Wednesday Night Live performances always begin at 7:00 pm.

What time does the live music end at Wednesday Night Live?2022-04-22T21:22:50-05:00

Wednesday Night Live performances have an end time of 10:00pm.

What time can I start purchasing food and drinks at Wednesday Night Live?2021-06-08T00:25:27-05:00

Food and beverage service begins promptly at 6:00pm.

Are dogs permitted at Wednesday Night Live?2021-06-08T00:26:50-05:00

Well-behaved dogs on short leashes are permitted at all Wednesday Night Live music events. Dogs are not allowed inside the Bud Pavilion, due to the noise and crowds, but may enjoy Central Park and the entire outdoor area at Wednesday Night Live. Dogs must be under physical control at all times. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up all pet waste. Owners of disruptive, aggressive, unfriendly, and/or intimidating dogs will be asked to leave immediately. Please consider your dog’s behavior around large crowds before bringing it to Wednesday Night Live. While there are no breed restrictions at the Budweiser Pavilion, all dog owners are personally responsible for the dog’s action, even if your dog is provoked by another dog or guest. Dogs are never permitted during the Wisconsin State Fair or Harvest Fair events.

Do I need a reservation for a table?2021-06-23T00:14:23-05:00

The Bud Pavilion operates on a first-come-first-served basis for our tables and bar seats. Larger groups and parties may contact us through this website to request reserved seating.

Do you have Wifi?2021-06-17T01:23:57-05:00

Yes, the Pavilion provides FREE public Wifi access.

Does the Bud Pavilion have air conditioning?2021-06-08T00:13:07-05:00

The Bud Pavilion and the Goose Island Ale House are both fan-cooled facilities.

Is the Pavilion accessible to people with disabilities?2021-06-08T00:13:49-05:00

Yes, the Pavilion is at street level with no curbs to better accommodate our customers using assisted-walking devices and wheelchairs.

Do you have bathrooms?2021-06-08T00:14:22-05:00

The Bud Pavilion does not have bathrooms available to the general public. There are public bathrooms just to the east of the Pavilion at the end of Micro Alley.

What happens if it rains?2021-06-08T00:17:00-05:00

We have a large Pavilion roof that can cover nearly 1,000 people. Our performances happen rain or shine. However, performances may start late, end early, or be postponed indefinitely in case of severe weather that presents a danger to our patrons, staff, and bands.

Can I smoke?2021-06-20T14:55:23-05:00

Smoking under the Pavilion roof is strictly prohibited. This includes tobacco, vape, electronic products, and anything else that emits smoke, steam, or vapor. Smoking outdoors is always permitted. The use of illegal substances is also strictly prohibited.

Can I dance while the band is playing?2021-06-08T00:18:14-05:00

Yes! Patrons can dance anywhere they like, especially on our large dance floor in front of the stage. Dancing on top of benches, stools, tables or bars is strictly prohibited.

What if I have a question, comment, or concern about something I’ve experienced or witnessed at the Bud Pavilion?2021-06-08T00:18:43-05:00

We encourage feedback of all kinds from our customers. Please contact an onsite staff member and they will help you direct your feedback to the correct person. You can also send an email to: [email protected].

What happens if I have an emergency?2021-06-08T00:19:28-05:00

We encourage patrons experiencing an emergency to either immediately contact the nearest staff member or State Fair Police Officer for assistance.

Can I bring food or beverages into the Bud Pavilion?2021-06-23T09:54:55-05:00

Carry-ins are strictly prohibited at Wednesday Night Live. Security guards check all backpacks, purses, and bags upon entry.

Is there a WNL Season Parking Pass?2023-05-26T16:12:37-05:00

Yes. There is a season parking pass for WNL 2023.  It is $60 and available for purchase online from Interstate Parking, State Fair’s parking operations partner.

Regular Parking Prices for WNL 2023

  • Automobile Parking: $10
  • Motorcycle Parking: Free

Street parking is free and a short walk to Wednesday Night Live, including 84th Street and side streets to the west and south of State Fair Park

Is there a fee to park at WNL?2023-05-26T16:06:56-05:00

Yes.  Our weekly concert series is free to attend – and there is a nominal fee from Wisconsin State Fair Park for on-site parking.

Here’s a look at this year’s parking information on the State Fair Park Grounds.

  • Automobile Parking: $10
  • Season Pass: $60 (purchase online now)
  • Motorcycle Parking: Free

Street parking is free and a short walk to Wednesday Night Live, including 84th Street and side streets to the west and south of State Fair Park

Is there Food Available?2023-05-30T08:41:57-05:00

Yes.  Food is available for purchase.  To see our Wednesday Night Live menu CLICK HERE.

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