Pridefest, Wisconsin’s largest LGBTQ+ event, will return to Henry Maier Festival Park and help kick off the city’s festival season June 4-6. Now within two months of the festival (the 30th edition at Henry Maier Festival Park), PrideFest is ready to announce its headliners.
Today, Milwaukee Pride Inc.—the parent organization of PrideFest—unveiled some of the internationally known talent that will be performing on the festival’s six stages over the course of three nights. Between opening night on Thursday, June 4 and the festival’s crescendo on Saturday, June 6, PrideFest will feature a 30-minute fireworks show, a performance by established pop musician Sophie B. Hawkins, a set by up-and-coming comedian Dulcé Sloan, beloved DJs, a cavalcade of America’s Got Talent veterans, and an array of RuPaul-approved drag superstars.
As far as the drag is concerned, PrideFest will feature appearances by a collection of RuPaul’s Drag Race alum that includes the likes of Lydia B. Kollins, Kori King, Suzie Toot, and Olivia Lux on Thursday, June 4. On Friday, June 5, a trio of AGT musicians—Brody Ray, Brian Justin Crum, and Jake Wesley Rogers—will take their turn on the main stage. Hawkins, Sloan, and Nashville-based indie pop project 76th Street will anchor the final night’s entertainment. Meanwhile, The Dance Pavilion will play host to noted spinners like DJ Mel-Down, Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale, Shaun J. Wright, and Milwaukee’s own DJ Shawna over the course of the weekend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzvN8Il9PDw
In addition to the eclectic and impressive entertainment options (including programming at the Children’s Stage, the Dance Pavilion, and the Stonewall Stage & History Exhibit that will announced in the coming weeks) and more than 120 food and retail vendors, this year’s PrideFest will bring back carnival rides and, as noted above, a 30-minute fireworks show on June 6 to cap off the festival’s 30th year on the Henry Maier grounds. The Hoan Bridge will also be illuminated with Pride-focused lighting all weekend in the spirit of inclusion, representation, and celebration.
This year also marks the beginning of new partnerships with Black Pride MKE, who will curate an entertainment program on Saturday night, well as and Courage+, who joins the festival as the official Youth Area partner, leading programming and experiences for LGBTQ+ youth and families. Buy tickets now and stay tuned for the full entertainment lineup as PrideFest approaches.
