June is Pride Month, which began as an acknowledgement of the LGBTQ+ community’s fight for equality and evolved into a celebration of culture, identity and history. In keeping with the spirit of honoring individuality, PrideFest – Milwaukee’s annual LGBTQ+ celebration, this year from June 4-6 at Henry Maier Festival Park – is designed to offer a little bit of everything.
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“The secret to the festival is having this very intentional crescendo as the day carries on,” says Wes Shaver, president and CEO of Milwaukee Pride. Whether your idea of a fun time means a laid-back day wandering the grounds, a lively night of clubby partying, or something in between, this guide can help you access an experience that delights you.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Night
Looking to break a sweat and let loose? All three days of the festival have something that fits the bill: concerts by Jake Wesley Rogers (June 5) and ’90s pop singer Sophie B. Hawkins (June 6); DJ sets including DJ Mel-Down (June 4) and DJ Shawna (June 6); drag shows from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni (June 4); and plenty of local performers, too. “It’s like your favorite nightclub but 10 times bigger,” Shaver says.
The 21-plus Red Light District is “keeping to grown ’n’ sexy,” says section manager Natasha Perkins. That includes lipsyncing and ballroom musical chairs (June 4), the Risk, Reveal, Runway Fashion Show (June 5), and more fringe activities to explore. And on Saturday at 9:30 p.m., PrideFest will have its longest-ever fireworks show to celebrate 30 years at the Summerfest grounds. “It’s a minute for every year,” Shaver says.
Day
For a more low-key experience, plan to attend on the afternoon of Saturday, June 6. You’ll find activities for all ages, like the Children’s Stage with a family-friendly story hour and face painting. Partnering with nonprofit Courage+, the fest provides teens and young adults with dance sessions, ballroom workshops and a space for trans youth.
The Intersection Stage lays out board games, playing cards and chalk art. On Saturday is Queer Quest, a new live scavenger hunt with prizes. The Health & Wellness Area has vendors that offer services for LGBTQ+ folks. And you can stroll the fest to find panel discussions, workshops and a marketplace featuring LGBTQ+ artisans. Or simply kick back at the main stages to more chill performances from emerging artists. “[You] can basically just enjoy a day at a park, with music and activities going on all around,” Shaver says.
The Milwaukee Pride Parade continues the party. Sunday, June 7 at 2 p.m. Second Street, Walker’s Point.
Queer Spotlights Screenings
FIRST SCREENING JUNE 1 | CACTUS CLUB
Cactus Club’s arts education and community branch, Cactus+, will show 2025 film F—toys to kick off a series of queer film screenings.
Milwaukee Brewers Pride Night
JUNE 12 | AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD
Around the Brewers game against the Philadelphia Phillies, take in the national anthem performed by local duo REYNA and shop the LGBTQ+ makers market.
The Well Red Damsel’s Pride Book Fair
JUNE 13 | BAIRD CENTER
Gather with bookish friends to shop LGBTQ+ books and vendors at this free event.
