PrideFest

press release: PrideFest Milwaukee welcomes the B-52s, Jussie Smollett, and Daya to the Miller Lite Main stage this June 8, 9, and 10 on the Summerfest Grounds. This year, marks the third decade of Pride celebrations in Milwaukee, and organizers are thrilled for what is shaping up to be another record breaking year.  

Milwaukee Pride kicks off the 31st Annual PrideFest Milwaukee opening ceremonies at the Dance Pavilion on Friday, June 8 at 3:00 p.m. The Board of Directors, as well as honored guests, elected officials, award winners and guest speakers, will commemorate this momentous occasion with a special admission offer.

Danica Roem, American journalist and politician, will serve as keynote speaker.  When elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2017, Danica became the first openly transgender individual to be elected and serve in any United States legislature. Her opponent, incumbent Bob Marshall, was a lead sponsor on Virginia's trans-exclusionary bathroom bill and Virginia's bill to end same-sex marriage. The 2018 Pride Awards will also be presented

To increase community access to PrideFest Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Pride Board of Directors is offering free admission with a $1 donation per person to the PrideFest Plus One Campaign.  This year's campaign supports Diverse & Resilient, which impacts thousands of local LGBTQ lives every year with critical health care programs.  This limited time offer will only be valid on Friday, June 8 and only between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. 

To add to the excitement, PrideFest enters it's 31st official celebratory year and 22nd year at the Summerfest Grounds by launching a groundbreaking Thursday, June 7, 2018 Kick-Off Party. This special celebration sponsored by ARCW and Energy106.9 will take place in the Dance Pavilion only, and the $10 admission price includes all entertainment. Tonight's Launch Party welcomes international superstar DJs Cash Cash and Antics, local favorites DJ Shawna, Chomper and DJ Kelly, Andrew Christian models and three separate dance groups (PrideFest Dancers, Prismatic Flame and Revamped Dance Company.)  Trannika Rex and Lucy Stoole, Midwestern drag favorites, will host the evening's activities from 6 p.m. to midnight.

"Not only does this expansion and line up mean growth for Milwaukee Pride, Inc and PrideFest, it means growth in tourism, national recognition and activation in our wonderful city," says Milwaukee Pride Board President Wes Shaver. "We are thrilled to be adding an additional day to contribute to our community beneficiary, PLUS ONE partner and further inject resources into our local LGBT community"

Grammy award winner Daya, opens the festival on Friday June 8 as the headliner on the Miller Lite Mainstage. Known for catchy hits like "Sit Still Look Pretty," and "Hideaway", Daya took home a Grammy for her collaboration with The Chainsmokers on their hit, "Don't Let Me Down."

On Saturday, June 9, PrideFest welcomes actor, director, singer/songwriter, Jussie Smollett, one of the stars of the wildly successful television drama, "Empire". Smollett is fresh on the heels of his new album release, "Sum of My Music" on March 2nd, and recieved a 2016 NAACP image award for Outstanding New Artist. 

Finally, good things come to those who wait. After years at the top of the PrideFest "artist wish list" submissions, the board and production team are thrilled to announce the Sunday June 10 headliners, the B-52s. This legendary band has had audiences dancing to hit after hit for decades. 

PrideFest Milwaukee 2018 is held at Henry W. Maier Festival Park.  Additional guests, and entertainment schedules will be announced soon at pridefest.com.

Friday June 8 2:30 P.M. - Midnight; Saturday June 09 noon - Midnight; Sunday June 10 Noon - 10:00 P.M. (Grounds). Noon - Midnight (Dance Pavilion). Box office closes at 11 P.M. daily.