2026 Grand Marshals Announcement: Tempestt “Femme Noir” Ballenger and Jim Melotte (In Memoriam)
The Milwaukee Pride Parade Board of Directors is proud to announce the 2026 Grand Marshals, recognizing two individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impact on Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ community.
This year’s first Grand Marshal is Tempestt “Femme Noir” Ballenger, an award-winning DJ, community advocate, mentor, and organizer whose work has helped bring people together across Wisconsin. Her accolades include serving as pregame DJ for the Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Pride headliner, MAMA DJ of the Year, Wisconsin Drag Awards DJ of the Year, and recipient of the Black Pride Awards Milwaukee Creative Excellence Award. Through her artistry, mentorship, and commitment to creating inclusive spaces, Femme Noir continues to uplift and inspire communities throughout Wisconsin.
The Parade is also honored to recognize former Milwaukee Pride Parade President Jim Melotte as Grand Marshal In Memoriam. Jim dedicated nearly two decades of leadership to growing the Milwaukee Pride Parade from a small neighborhood procession into one of Milwaukee’s largest and most visible LGBTQ+ celebrations. His vision, commitment, and unwavering support of the community helped shape the parade into what it is today. In tribute to his legacy, Jim’s Grand Marshal vehicle will be driven by members of his family during the parade.
“Together We Are Pride is about recognizing the people who make our community stronger,” said Andrew Larsen, President of the Milwaukee Pride Parade. “Tempestt embodies the spirit of bringing people together through visibility, creativity, and service, while Jim’s legacy can be seen in every aspect of the parade we celebrate today. We are honored to recognize both of them as our 2026 Grand Marshals.”
Now entering its 22nd year, the Milwaukee Pride Parade continues to serve as one of the city’s largest and most visible celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community. Each year, thousands gather in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood for an afternoon centered on visibility, inclusion, advocacy, resilience, and joy.
The 2026 theme, “Together We Are Pride,” reflects the collective strength of the LGBTQ+ community and allies across Milwaukee and beyond. At a time when connection, visibility, and support matter more than ever, this year’s parade serves as a reminder that Pride has always been built through community.
The parade will follow its traditional route along 2nd Street, beginning at Scott Street and concluding at Seeboth Street in Walker’s Point.
Thousands of attendees are expected to line the route as local organizations, businesses, performers, advocacy groups, marching units, elected officials, and community members come together in celebration and solidarity.
Community members and organizations are encouraged to participate in or support the event in the following ways:
• Parade Participation: Registration has closed with 160 units participating this year
• Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to assist with parade operations, staging, setup, de-staging, and cleanup efforts throughout the day.
• Community Support: Attendees are encouraged to come out, celebrate responsibly, and support the businesses and organizations that help make Pride possible.
Registration and volunteer information can be found at prideparademke.org.
Additional announcements and parade updates will continue to be shared through the parade’s official website and social media channels.
The event is rain or shine. Attendees are reminded to remain on sidewalks and behind barricades for their safety, respect the neighborhood, and help keep the parade route clean throughout the event.
The Milwaukee Pride Parade, founded in 2004, is a community-led 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization operated entirely by a volunteer Board of Directors. The parade is dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and fostering visibility, inclusion, advocacy, and celebration throughout Milwaukee and beyond.
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