Milwaukee World Festival and BMO Extend Longstanding Partnership
Foreigner Announced as First BMO Pavilion Headliner for Summerfest 2027
MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) today announced a new multi-year sponsorship extension with BMO, reinforcing a partnership that has helped shape the Summerfest experience for fans while supporting Milwaukee’s community for more than two decades.
In celebration of the partnership extension, Summerfest and BMO are also excited to announce the first headliner for the BMO Pavilion in 2027- Foreigner on Friday, July 2, 2027, as part of the band’s 50th anniversary tour.
“For more than 20 years, BMO has helped create memorable experiences for music fans while supporting programs that strengthen our local community, including the Small Business Spotlight,” said Sarah Pancheri, president and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “We are proud to continue our partnership with BMO and grateful for their longstanding commitment to our mission.”
As part of the renewed agreement, BMO will continue as title sponsor of the BMO Pavilion, one of Summerfest’s premier concert venues on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Since opening in 2012, the BMO Pavilion has welcomed millions of fans and hosted hundreds of performances by some of music’s biggest names, including Charli XCX, Willie Nelson, Steve Miller Band, Janelle Monáe, Brad Paisley, Kesha, Goo Goo Dolls, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ivan Cornejo, and many others.
“Creating stronger communities means investing in the places and experiences that connect people,” said Dave Anderson, Senior Executive, Southeast Wisconsin, BMO. “Summerfest brings people together in a way few events can, and BMO is proud to continue supporting an organization that plays such an important role in Milwaukee’s culture and vibrancy.”
The partnership also continues to create impact through initiatives that support local businesses, create opportunities for entrepreneurs, and deliver exclusive benefits for BMO clients during Summerfest. Supporting small businesses is a key part of BMO’s purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. Through its partnership with Summerfest, BMO helps local entrepreneurs access resources, funding, and growth opportunities while contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous community.
BMO Small Business Spotlight Program
Since launching in 2021, the BMO Small Business Spotlight Program has awarded more than $261,000 to 39 local small businesses, the majority of which are women owned. The program supports traditionally underserved entrepreneurs by providing access to grant funding, financial education, business coaching, development resources, and opportunities to showcase products and services to Summerfest fans as marketplace vendors. Through BMO’s support, Small Business Spotlight vendors have achieved measurable success. Past recipients have experienced increased brand awareness, record-breaking sales, strong customer engagement, new partnership opportunities, and growth across digital and retail channels. More information on the program will be available in early 2027.
Exclusive BMO Client Perks
BMO clients will continue to receive exclusive Summerfest perks during the festival, including merchandise discounts when using eligible BMO cards and access through the BMO Client Gate, on the south end of the festival grounds.
Ticket Information -Foreigner at the BMO Pavilion July 2 at Summerfest
Foreigner is responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems including “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Say You Will,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Long, Long Way From Home” and the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” FOREIGNER still rocks the charts 50 years into the game with massive airplay and continued Billboard album chart success.
Tickets for reserved seating for Foreigner on Friday, July 2, 2027, will go on sale Friday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Summerfest.com, Ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Box Office. All reserved seat tickets include admission to Summerfest on the day of the performance.
During the festival, evening headlining performances at the BMO Pavilion offer fans the choice of purchasing reserved seating or accessing FREE general admission seating, included with Summerfest admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis the night of the show.
For more information, visit Summerfest.com.
About Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. is an independent, private 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1965 that produces Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance, a three-weekend music festival featuring over 600 artists across 12 stages. Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. also maintains and improves Henry Maier Festival Park, located on 75 acres on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, WI. In addition to Summerfest, Henry Maier Festival Park hosts a variety of ethnic and cultural festivals, concerts, family programming, walks, runs, and other special events. The mission of the organization is to promote an understanding of different ethnic cultures, the histories and traditions of various nationalities, harmony in the community, civic pride as well as to provide a showcase for performing arts, activities, and recreation for the public and employment opportunities for the youth of the community. For more details, visit MilwaukeeWorldFestival.com or Summerfest.com, and on socials @MilwaukeeWorldFestival or @Summerfest.
About BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of July 31, 2026. Serving clients for more than 200 years, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services across Canada, the United States, and select markets globally. BMO is innovating for business value, by deploying and integrating human, digital and artificial intelligence to personalize client experiences, augment teams, and automate its business responsibly. Driven by its purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and stronger communities.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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