05/18/2026
We’ve received a great question many times this weekend:
“Why not move the bands to the big outdoor stage instead of the tent?”
For many years, Mai Fest operated with a cover charge, and the tent setup allowed us to create a contained entertainment space in previous locations. More recently, thanks to incredible sponsorship support, we’ve been able to remove many of those cover charges and make the event more accessible for everyone.
We have absolutely discussed expanding onto the outdoor stage and utilizing more of the park. However, one of the biggest factors is timing — Mai Fest is always held the third weekend in May, and Wisconsin weather is anything but predictable. While we’ve been truly blessed with great weather the past few years, outdoor entertainment without cover from weather is a major risk for the bands, equipment, vendors, and overall attendance.
The tent allows us to guarantee entertainment rain or shine, whether it’s cold, windy, or hot. It gives guests a comfortable place to gather and helps protect the significant investment that goes into bringing live music and production to the festival.
We promise this topic has been explored many times, and with the resources, funding, and volunteer support we currently have, we truly believe this year’s setup worked phenomenally — and the crowds this weekend seemed to agree!
This year we expanded with a larger kids area and additional activities, and we still see plenty of opportunities to continue growing Mai Fest in the future. We also take great pride in respecting Firemen’s Park and leaving the grounds in excellent condition after the event.
We appreciate the feedback and love hearing ideas from the community. Mai Fest exists because of volunteers, sponsors, and community support — and we are always looking for more people to join our committee and help this event continue to grow year after year. ❤️🍻
