PrideFest

Annual celebration of LGBT culture & community, 6/2-4, Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds), Milwaukee. $25/$15 per day ($50 adv. weekend).

2022 FESTIVAL HOURS: Thursday, June 2, 4pm-Midnight, Friday, June 3, 3pm-Midnight, Saturday June 4, 12pm-Midnight

media release: Milwaukee Pride Inc. - parent organization of PrideFest, Wisconsin’s largest LGBTQ+ event announces festival headliners. The long-standing June festival’s return in 2022 marks the 25th PrideFest held in June; the event moved to the park in 1996. This year’s festival will be Thursday-Saturday, June 2-4, 2022, kicking off Milwaukee’s festival season.

Earning star billing for the festival is the original Weather Girl, platinum-selling recording artist and two-time Grammy nominee, Martha Wash accompanied by Broadway star and American Idol sensation, Frenchie Davis on Saturday night. Friday, in collaboration with Bonkerz Comedy Productions, a stand-up comedy showcase featuring three LGBT stand up acts: Headliner, Cindy Foster, Feature Act Sam Morrison and show MC and host Chicago's own Marik Mavrakys. Other notable acts include Prince Poppycock (America’s Got Talent), tribute shows to Lady Gaga & Adele, and a star-studded line up of local DJs such as The Milwaukee Bucks official DJ, DJ Shawna, drag performers, dancers, and more.

Each of the five festival stages are rich with diverse and engaging programming. Families and children can enjoy the Northwestern Mutual Community Park and the Children’s Stage while the Stonewall Stage will feature historians, speakers, and LGBT activists. Festival organizers are collaborating with the MKE LGBT Community Center on creating a Pride Prom on Saturday night as well as a community inclusive talk-back session with festival entertainers.

In celebration of the 25th June Festival, organizers are planning a full line up of “Throwback Thursday” themed acts and promotions to honor the event’s past and 1996 move to the park. The night’s entertainment will feature local DJ’s, a drag show revue starring local legend BJ Daniels, 90’s boy band review and a headlining act in collaboration with 88.9 Radio Milwaukee for an old-school music jam featuring DJ Kenny Perez. Also, PrideFest guests can enjoy Throwback-To-Back Happy Hours on Thursday and Friday from open-6pm that will include 1996 pricing on cocktails and beer.

New for 2022, Milwaukee Pride Inc. announces a new partnership with Marcus Hotels & Resorts as the official hotel and hospitality partner of PrideFest citing the Hilton City Center as the host hotel for festival participants. Additional presenting sponsorship partners include: Vivent Health, Molson Coors Beverage Company (Miller Lite), Froedtert and the Medical College, General Beverage Distributors (SKYY Vodka), and BMO Harris Bank.

All of Milwaukee will have the opportunity to enjoy PrideFest’s traditional fireworks show, which will light up the sky on Saturday, June 4th starting at 9:15pm. In addition, The Hoan Bridge will be illumined Thursday-Saturday with the iconic colorful rainbow colors. A new collaboration between Milwaukee Pride and Light the Hoan created a limited edition T-shirt design illustrated by local artist, Jonathan Warobick featuring an all hand drawn Hoan Bridge in rainbow colors. The shirt is available for pre-sale via an online store and will be available at the festival grounds all weekend.

“Light the Hoan is honored to partner once again with PrideFest and shine a light on love and unity in our city. The Hoan will be lit in its iconic rainbow theme during PrideFest to celebrate Milwaukee’s LGBTQ community,” said Michael Hostad, President & CEO, Light the Hoan.

“I could not be happier with the relationships, collaborations, and new support systems that have come in 2022,” said Wes Shaver, President, Milwaukee Pride Inc. He added, “PrideFest continues to grow and evolve, year after year, and each festival season I’m reminded how Milwaukee is truly a city that supports one another and lifts communities up- it’s a city full of intentional leadership and energetic individuals that want to see growth and progress. It’s beautiful.”

PrideFest.com will continue to be updated with entertainment and stage schedules as acts are announced. Festival goers are encouraged to purchase tickets online to avoid long lines at the box office.