Summerfest, Advocate Aurora unveil plans for Aurora Pavilion at prominent festival site

One of the most prominent stages at Summerfest has a new name and a unique mission.

Milwaukee World Festival and Advocate Aurora Health announced Thursday they are partnering to create the Aurora Pavilion at Henry Maier Festival Park.

The spot is at Mid Gate and was most recently used as the Sound Waves Stage. The covered stage will be overhauled to get it ready for next year's Summerfest. The project is budgeted at $2.7 million.

The Sound Waves dance concept will continue along with a mix of local artists, national touring acts.

"There's a huge opportunity for us to not only utilize the stage and bring people together to listen to the music during Summerfest but there's an opportunity for us to also create a community space where we can continue to amplify health and wellness," said Cristy Garcia-Thomas, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Advocate Aurora Health.

She added the site offers a chance for the organization to bring health-related initiatives to the community. According to a news release, the project also aims to create free community events for families with a focus on "arts and entertainment, healthy living and community giving initiatives."

"We know there's a lot of activity that happens on the Summerfest grounds throughout the year," Garcia-Thomas said.

Upgrades for the facility include a widened entrance to increase capacity, a new permanent video screen, improved accessibility for patrons with mobility limitations and hospitality and backstage upgrades.

The 2024 festival runs June 20 to 22, June 27 to 29 and July 4 to 6.