MILWAUKEE — PrideFest returns to Milwaukee’s lakefront June 4-6, celebrating 30 years at Henry Maier Festival Park with three days of entertainment, community programming, carnival rides, fireworks and LGBTQ+ pride.

Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning for a longtime tradition, here’s what to know before heading to Wisconsin’s largest LGBTQ+ festival.

Festival Hours

Thursday, June 4: 4 p.m.-midnight
Friday, June 5: 3 p.m.-midnight
Saturday, June 6: Noon-midnight

Get In Free on Thursday

PrideFest’s annual food drive returns Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Attendees who bring four approved, unopened nonperishable food items can receive free admission while helping support Vivent Health’s Food Pantry.

Donations must be unopened, non-expired and in good condition. Damaged, opened or expired items cannot be accepted.

Thursday Highlights: Drag Race Takes Over PrideFest

Opening night features a strong lineup of drag talent from RuPaul’s Drag Race:

• Lydia B. Collins
• Kori King
• Suzie Toot
• Olivia Lux

Dance Pavilion headliner:

• DJ MEL-DOWN

Thursday is often one of the festival’s most community-focused evenings, combining the food drive with a packed schedule of drag performances and dance music.

Friday Highlights: Music Takes Center Stage

Friday’s entertainment lineup includes:

• Brian Justin Crum (America’s Got Talent, Jesus Christ Superstar)
• Jake Wesley Rogers
• Brody Ray (America’s Got Talent)

Dance Pavilion headliner:

• Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale, the Detroit house music pioneer known as the “Godmother of House Music”

Friday is expected to be one of the festival’s busiest nights, drawing music fans from across Wisconsin and the Midwest.

Saturday Highlights: Comedy, Pop Music and Fireworks

Saturday’s lineup features:

• Comedian Dulcé Sloan
• Indie pop-rock duo 76th Street
• ’90s pop star Sophie B. Hawkins

Dance Pavilion finale:

• DJ Shawna
• Shaun J. Wright

The weekend culminates with an expanded 30-minute fireworks display over Milwaukee’s lakefront beginning at 9:30 p.m. Organizers say each minute of the show represents one of PrideFest’s 30 years at Henry Maier Festival Park.

Beyond the Main Stage

PrideFest is more than entertainment. Festival-goers can also explore:

• More than 120 vendors
• Carnival rides
• Food and beverage vendors
• Community resource booths
• The PrideFest History Exhibit
• The Red Light District
• The Intersection Stage, featuring local performers

This year’s festival also expands its inclusion efforts through partnerships with Black Pride MKE and Courage+, which will lead programming in the Youth Area for LGBTQ+ youth and families.

Look Up

Throughout the weekend, Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge will be illuminated in celebration of Pride Month, creating one of the city’s most visible symbols of LGBTQ+ pride.