Milwaukee Pridefest 2025: parade, lineup and events

Milwaukee PrideFest 2025 will light up the lakefront from Thursday, June 5 through Saturday, June 7! This marks the 37th edition of PrideFest (started in 1988) held at Henry Maier Festival Parkon North Harbor Drive.

The festival is organized by Milwaukee Pride, Inc., which not only focuses on the festival but also provides year-round programming and education to support the LGBTQ+ community.

What to Expect at Milwaukee PrideFest?

Each night features five stages of music and entertainment. Drag performers and queens, including RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni like Nina West, Adore Delano, Raja, Willow Pill and Jan Sport on June 5 headline the SKYYLine Mainstage.

Pop stars and DJs keep the party going, with Brazilian pop star Pabllo Vittar and R&B singer Jordin Sparks headlining the festival on June 6th.

PrideFest also has a “Dance Pavilion” tent, a family area with activities, and a health and wellness expo.

Milwaukee Pride Parade

on Sunday June 8, the 21st annual Milwaukee Pride Parade steps off at 2:00 PM. The parade starts in Walker’s Point on 2nd Street (between Scott and Seeboth streets) and moves north toward the Milwaukee River.

This year’s theme is “Remember, Resist, Rejoice,” reflecting both celebration and remembrance in the community. At the end of the parade, organizers and marchers often spill into Walker’s Point’s bars for an outdoor block party and bar specials. According to the local organizer, the parade is intentionally “family fun oriented,” so attendees range from grandparents to rainbow-clad toddlers, and many Milwaukeeans stay afterward to support neighborhood businesses.

PrideFest and Community

Each year, the festival highlights its dedication to inclusivity and community support through its comprehensive programming that includes music, arts, cultural expressions, and community resources. The festival is noted for its diverse and dynamic atmosphere, with multiple stages hosting a variety of acts that cater to a broad audience.

Moreover, PrideFest Milwaukee plays a crucial role in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a platform for visibility and engagement while celebrating the culture and contributions of the community. It's an event that emphasizes safety, joy, and the affirmation of LGBTQ+ identities, making it a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s cultural landscape.