Summerfest adds four new food vendors

Summerfest is adding four new food vendors for its 2026 festival, widening the food lineup at Henry Maier Festival Park ahead of the event’s June opening. Organizers previewed the additions at a Milwaukee event on May 19, alongside other new food and drink items for this year’s festival. Local coverage on May 20 identified the standout additions as birria egg rolls, elote dogs and Wisconsin pretzels. Summerfest 2026 is scheduled to run across three weekends in Milwaukee next month. ### Which vendors are new this year? Milwaukee Business Journal reported on May 20 that four new food vendors are joining the 2026 festival. Milwaukee Record and OnMilwaukee identified those vendors as Montacos Taqueria, The Wisconsin Table, Wild Dog and Wokkin’ Roll. Summerfest said in its concession information that openings for new vendors are limited in most years because many food operators return annually. (summerfest.com) The festival says it typically looks for applicants who already own and operate a restaurant in the Milwaukee area. ### What are the new menu items people will notice? Montacos Taqueria is bringing birria egg rolls and a walking taco, according to Milwaukee Record’s list from the preview event. (bizjournals.com) Wild Dog is adding an elote dog and an Italian Stallion, while The Wisconsin Table is offering a WI Pretzel Charcuterie and a Loaded Bloody Mary Burger. Wokkin’ Roll is listed with Bang Bang Broccoli. (summerfest.com) OnMilwaukee and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel also reported that Summerfest’s 2026 food preview included the new vendors and an expanded set of featured food and beverage options across all three weekends. The Journal Sentinel said the festival hosted its annual preview event on May 19, about a month before opening day. (milwaukeerecord.com) ### Where were the new foods unveiled? Summerfest said the preview event was held at South Second, a Saz’s Hospitality Group venue in Milwaukee, on May 19. The festival described the event as a first look at new food, drinks, merchandise and local small businesses tied to the 2026 season. (onmilwaukee.com) Milwaukee Magazine reported that city and tourism figures, including Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Visit Milwaukee chief executive Peggy Williams-Smith, attended the preview party. That report also said the event featured samples from the new vendors and other returning operators. ### How does the food fit into the broader festival? (summerfest.com) Summerfest says its food lineup is built around local vendors and a mix of new items and returning festival staples. On its event information page, the festival describes the food program as part of the broader guest experience alongside music, attractions and shopping. The festival’s main site says general admission tickets start at $30. (milwaukeemag.com) Summerfest also says the 2026 event will feature multiple stages and about 600 artists over nine days. ### When does Summerfest 2026 start? Summerfest said on May 18 that the 2026 festival will run June 18-20, June 25-27 and July 2-4. The event takes place at Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee. (summerfest.com) Summerfest’s website says food and beverage details are part of the festival’s visitor information, and ticket sales are already underway. (summerfest.com) The next public milestone is opening day on June 18, when the new vendors will join the broader food lineup on the grounds. (summerfest.com)