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Please see the 2026 Summerfest Grounds policies for security, carry ins, prohibited items, permitted items, and service animals. New to 2026: Clear Bag and Carry-in Policy; see details below.

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. d/b/a Summerfest reserves the right to alter carry-in item policies at any time. MWF will not offer accommodations for prohibited items and are not responsible for items left behind in the screening process

WHAT ARE THE SECURITY POLICIES AT THE GATES DURING EVENTS

To ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all guests, performers, staff, vendors, and contractors. Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) enforces the following policies for all public and private events held at Henry Maier Festival Park (PARK). By entering the Park, you consent to security screening, bag inspection, and agree to comply with Park policies and lawful instructions issued by MWF Security.

Entry and continued presence at the Park are conditioned on compliance; violation may result in denial of entry or removal without refund.

Security Screening Requirements

All guests, employees, contractors, and vendors are required to:

• Pass through metal detection screening.
• Submit all bags and personal items for inspection
• Comply with direction from MWF Security.

Individuals who refuse screening will be denied entry or escorted from the grounds.

Face Covering and Mask Policy

To maintain a secure environment and ensure individuals can be properly identified:

Prohibited Face Coverings:

The following may not be worn unless explicitly authorized by MWF Security.:

• Full-face masks (costume, ski, tactical)
• Fabric gaiters, scarves, or coverings obscuring facial identity
• Hoods worn in a manner that prevents recognition
• Face paint or accessories designed to conceal identity.

Permitted Exceptions:

Face coverings and masks are permitted under the following conditions subject to Security screening:

• Medical or health-related protective masks
• Job-related protective equipment (e.g., food service, security)
• Religious head or face coverings
• Theatrical or performance-related costumes approved for the event
• Masks required under an active public health order

Event-Specific Costume or Face Covering Exceptions:

Security may grant temporary exceptions for specific events where face coverings or costumes are part of the normal experience (e.g., themed festivals, parades, cultural celebrations, Halloween events).

Identity Verification:

Security will require individuals to temporarily remove or lower any face covering upon request for the purpose of verifying identity. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the individual being denied entry or immediately escorted from the premises.

To provide a safe and efficient entry process for all guests, employees, and vendors, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) enforces a Clear Bag and Carry-In Policy consistent with national event-security standards.

Bag Size and Type Restrictions

For the safety of all guests, all bags and carried items are subject to inspection prior to entry.

Permitted Bags

• Clear bags only (plastic, vinyl, PVC, drawstring, or cinch-style) not exceeding 12” x 12” x 6”
• Small clutches, small bags, wallets, or fanny packs not exceeding 6” x 9”

Size Rule

Bags larger than 6” x 9” must be clear and may not exceed 12” x 12” x 6”.

Not Permitted

• Backpacks
• Large non-clear bags
• Any bag exceeding the size limits

Medical, Privacy & Personal Care Items

Guests who need to bring medication, medical equipment, diapers, nursing supplies, or other personal care items may do so consistent with the following guidelines:

• Items may be carried in an approved clear bag (up to 12” x 12” x 6”).
• For privacy, guests may place personal or medical items inside a smaller opaque bag and then place that bag inside an approved clear bag.
• Smaller bags or privacy bags remain subject to inspection.
• Nursing mothers may bring necessary items in a similar manner or in a separate bag for personal care needs.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for guests with medical or accessibility-related needs consistent with safety requirements. All items remain subject to inspection.

Please Note

• Security personnel will determine compliance with this policy at the point of entry.
• Security will not store or hold prohibited items. Please leave unnecessary items secured in your vehicle or at home to help expedite entry.
• This policy may be updated as needed. 

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

For safety and to expedite screening, the following items are prohibited inside the Park:

• Backpacks of any type
• Coolers, picnic baskets, or rigid containers
• Camera bags, laptop bags, briefcases, or luggage
• Camelback-style hydration packs
• Any other container deemed unsafe by security
• Outside food and beverages (unless needed for infants, medical, or dietary needs) 
• Cans, Glass/Plastic containers, empty or sealed water bottles, or Metal Containers (including Yeti/Stanley type bottles, tumblers, and thermos)
• Stainless steel reusable drinking straws
• Self-defense sprays (such as OC, pepper spray, or mace)
• Aerosol cans (except for spray sunscreens 6oz or less, 1 per patron)
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or Drones
• Alcohol or Illegal drugs or substances
• Open or concealed weapons/firearms (including pocket knives)
• Objects that could be used as weapons
• Fireworks, sparklers, or explosives
• Professional cameras (cameras with a detachable lens or a lens that extends further than 3 inches) or video equipment
• Recording devices
• Brooms/broomsticks, selfie sticks, poles, trekking sticks, and tripods
• Pets (except for service animals or during special events or promotions)
• Banners or flags on poles
• Laser pointers
• Skateboards, roller skates, inline skates, or hoverboards
• Foot powered or electric scooters
• Bicycles, tricycles, or unicycles
• Wagons
• Kites
• Hula-hoops, Frisbees, and beach balls
• Stadium seats and lawn chairs

Milwaukee World Festival does not provide storage or accommodations for prohibited items and is not responsible for items discarded or left behind in the screening areas.

MWF reserves the right to alter carry-in item policies at any time. MWF will not offer accommodations for prohibited items and is not responsible for items left behind during the screening process.

Exceptions to Prohibited Bags and Containers

Medical and Family Needs: Guests with infant care items or medically necessary supplies may bring such items in a bag appropriate for those purposes, subject to inspection by Security.

Performer or Event-Specific Items: Certain events may allow limited exceptions (e.g., artist-approved merchandise bags or instrument cases). These items will be subject to screening by Security.

Is There A Place I Can Put My Umbrella, Purchases, Etc?

During Summerfest, please visit one of the Guest Services Information Booths located inside the Park near the mid or south gates to check items. There is a fee of $2 to check each item.

Other events held at the Park may offer a check-in items service. Please see individual events’ website for details.

Guest Conduct & Safety Statement and Shared Responsibility

At Henry Maier Festival Park, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all guests, performers, staff, vendors, and contractors. Everyone on the grounds is expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner. Together we can be safe, be kind and be the best!

By entering Henry Maier Festival Park, all individuals agree to uphold these standards of conduct and contribute to a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Prohibited Behavior:

• Stalking or following individuals
• Verbal abuse, threats, or physical intimidation
• Offensive, discriminatory, or derogatory remarks, including but not limited to remarks based on sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation.
• Physical assault and/or battery
• Harassing or non-consensual photography or video recording
• Inappropriate touching or unwelcome physical attention
• Throwing any item toward the stage, performers, or other individuals – including, but not limited to, water bottles, cups, cans, food, or any object that could cause injury, distraction, or disruption

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, intimidation, unsafe behavior, or actions that may compromise the well-being of others. Everyone on the grounds is expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner.

Reporting & Enforcement

If you experience or witness any of the above conduct, please report it immediately to:

• MWF Security personnel (wearing red shirts)
• A First Aid station for medical concerns
• Event Medical Services or Milwaukee Police Department officers on-site

MWF Security reserves the right to immediately remove any guest, employee, contractor, or vendor from the festival grounds for engaging in harassment, throwing objects, or any unsafe or disruptive behavior-without refund or re-entry privileges.