This is a great festival, during the day it's a lot of families, at nighttime it turns into a younger crowd. The only disappointment is how expensive it is to get in and the price on drinks and food. Once inside, they have a great wellness center, a lot of vendors, music, shows, and entertainment. read more

While definitely for the youngins, it was good to see a supportive community of allies in one place. The tickets were a bit pricey but it included rides and good performances. Good to support the gworls! read more

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PrideFest 2025 was so fun! It was my first ever Pride. My friend and I went on opening night (Thursday). It was the perfect balance between busy and moveable with the amount of attendees. We got the mini donuts with powdered and cinnamon sugars. They had a 42 pack for $27. It was a great deal for the quality and quantity of the donuts. I highly recommend getting them. I had two drinks. The first drink (Skyy Cherry & Starry) I bought near the Dance Pavilion, and it was poured perfectly. The second drink (Skyy Cherry & Pepsi) I bought near the SkyyLine Mainstage, and it was definitely overpoured. Each drink was $14. I definitely recommend keeping in mind that pours may be inconsistent, especially if you're a light-weight drinker like myself! We checked out the Ru Queens Drag Show on the SkyyLine Mainstage. The queens were absolutely phenomenal, and the energy from the audience was unforgettable. After, we checked out Cirquelesque at The Intersection stage. Think circus acts meet drag! The performers were great and had great interactions with the crowd. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend PrideFest, whether you're in the queer community or not. It's a great and unique experience, supportive atmosphere, and overall entertaining! My goals for my next visit would be to check out more of the food vendors and the carnival area. read more

First time to PrideFest. I wanted to support my LGBTQ friends, but this is probably more so for the younger crowd (18-24). It felt like a big trashy nightclub tbh. The drinks they served were gross and cheap. They didn't even stir your drink and had no straws or napkins. I understand drinks will be expensive at events like this but for example, $12.50 for a small plastic cup of a very small amount of tequila and the rest store bought margarita mix, is kind of ridiculous. Food was okay. No events going on other than mostly people dancing on stage. Seeing Jordin Sparks perform was cool, but you had to stand and if you're short, good luck. read more

Pride Fest 2022 was so much fun, and this location is so huge and safe for everyone to enjoy. I love the fact that it's so well organized and all the vendors and food places and bars were so good. Music brings people together and this year although we didn't see any huge stars as in the past it was a lot of fun, keep up the excellent work. see you all next year. read more

We went for breakfast and my young one was dressed in her Pride flag draped like a cape. Our waitress struck up a conversation with my daughter and explained she works at Pridefest. She ended up giving my daughter Pridefest tickets! That made my daughter's day. I tried to shield my daughter from the protesters outside. We parked by the ICC for about $10.00. The line was huge as they have new security gates and bag checks. It was so early there really wasn't much going on. We visited the variety of booths and won a few things like Rep tickets and 10 free car washes. Importantly there is resources for the LGBTQ community. I made it a point for us to go early so it would be tamer. There were a lot of families and kids there. Everyone was super friendly. read more

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In the words of jerry seinfeld: "I'm not gay!...Not that there's anything wrong with that! But I'm not." :)...well, I'm not, but I do wind up at pridefest often enough. It's one of the few festivals at the Henry maier grounds I really enjoy. It's less crowded than sumerfest, so u can relax and enjoy urself more. They generally have pretty good headliners performing for free. This year they had belinda carlisle, Taylor dayne and Dave aude. The dj area is always a really fun dance party - great music, and unlike summerfest- everyone here is dancing! They have a lot of different food and drink vendors and a good selection of shopping too. Those protesters at the front gates telling everyone they are going to hell need to consider a second job (or two). read more

A fun colorful celebration, I'm happy to live in the century that Gay-Americans have joined parity with other ethnic groups festing on the Lakefront. I was a little disappointed in the food situation. If I'm given to understand correctly, gay men have a significant role in putting on this party, how come it's not catered better? Still, the music is great, the venue is Summerfest (one of the best things about Milwaukee really), and mood is appropriately over the top. read more

P R I D E ! ! ! ! ! Milwaukee definitely knows how to show it!! When first entering, it was a little disturbing to see people handing out flyers and asking me if I really knew where I was going after I die (meaning, I guess I'm supposed to go to Hell), but directly after them were people peacefully holding trashbags and signs requesting that any hate literature can be thrown away there and that we are all loved. Thank you [graciously smiling]!! The venue itself is a wonderful size (much better than the cramped space we have here in Chicago). There's multiple stages that show various shows, performances, and anything else you can think of. The main stage for the main performances has so much room that no matter where you you stand/sit, not only do you feel like you can stretch your armpits (yes, I need to do that every once in awhile), but you always have a great view of the stage! The main con (not directly related to Pridefest) is the cab drivers. Do not trust them!!! I think they thought we were from a small town. Little do they know me [insert angry face]. It's okay though, take advantage of the free trolley, city shuttle, or hotel shuttles that come that way to avoid the scheming cab drivers. With tons of shopping, different types of eateries, places to buy all kinds of drinks, there was a plethora of love, pride, and a feeling of home contained within the grounds. Thanks Milwaukee for a fabulous time! I'll be seeing you next year!! read more

My first time at PrideFest was *gulp* 18 years ago. I was a 16 year old, fairly sheltered, suburban girl and the outpouring of love and support blew me away. It makes me smile to see that same level of positive energy year after year. First off, Pride is all volunteer run and they should get extra stars for that. The fact that they can pull of a huge festival and get the acts they get without any paid staff is amazing. It's amazing seeing how Pride has evolved into an event that caters to families with young kids, the bar/club scene, teenagers/young adults w/alternative styles looking to be accepted, festival crowd, etc. Here are my favorite things about Pride: 1. Great energy 2. Great acts 3. Free water 4. You can get cocktails as well as beer 5. It's the first festival of the season so it marks the beginning of summer for me 6. Good food options Why can't Summerfest and other festivals embrace 3&4. (Note: the "martinis" don't count) read more

This year marked the second time that I have been to Pride Fest. My husband and I attended with a group of our friends after the parade and had a really nice time. Sure, the admission can be a bit pricey (we paid $17 per person), but it's worth it to show support for our LGBT friends. Pride Fest generally attracts a nice crowd of people. Everybody is in good spirits and very kind. We have never encountered any issues at all. You also don't get the cluster of people that you get with Summerfest, which is also nice. One can walk the grounds without having someone who's had a bit too much to drink knock into you, possibly spilling their beer on you in the process. There is a variety of food vendors here to choose from. While I did not partake in the food this year, I was impressed by some of the names that I saw, including Screaming Tuna. There are also several places to grab a drink throughout the grounds. Pride Fest always has an impressive musical lineup throughout the 3 days. A big headliner at this year's fest was Blondie. They also have a pavilion that features a DJ, as well as other acts. The music is always bumping in there! I will definitely attend Pride again in the future. read more

To me, Pridefest is much like the other festivals at the Summerfest grounds: loud music, ridiculously priced tickets, smoking all around, and outrageously priced bad food. Of course, I am an ally of the LGBTQ community and have no problem seeing two men make out ferociously during fireworks. I didn't stare. I usually have an aversion to excessive PDA, but I have to admit that it was fantastic to see two people who felt safe in public to express themselves without fear of judgement or harassment. Pridefest during the day and at night are very different scenes. While some crazy (and not in the fun way) parents brought their kids to evening Pridefest, I really wouldn't recommend it. All ludity and partial nudity aside, it is just a really loud and really boring place for kids after sundown. Pridefest daytime is actually pretty cool - a tent on the history of the LGBTQ movement and struggles in the US and Milwaukee specifically, bouncy castles, kid's entertainment, etc. Very very family oriented. Pridefest night time is like any other festival with the drinking and partying. But more people wear outrageous clothes (or very little clothing). I'm not a huge nightime fan because I'm just not into loud music, $9 beer, or smoking. There is one thing that really sets Pridefest apart from other festivals. Sure, the music and food are the same as any generic festival. What sets Pridefest apart is that for three days in June, a lot of people who are members or allies of the LGBTQ community get together and express their acceptance of one another. I really felt the community there and the sense of unity, and there's nothing else quite like it in Milwaukee. So in sum, if you have kids go during the day. If you are a party animal, go at night without kids. And only go if you are an ally, Pridefest is a safe place for people to be themselves, no bullies should be allowed. Why 4 stars then? Because the prices are ridiculous. $16 admission. Greasy fries. Give me a break. read more

Lots of things to do! However the edible pickings are sparse and overpriced. There's one live stage featuring some big names like Jussie Smollett (from TV show 'Empire') and '80s famous B-52s. The other is live DJs and hosting competitions w/ drag shows and strippers! We saw it all in about a half an hour then just circled the park, left and are elsewhere. Overall a little disappointing! But the admission came down to $13. No regrets! read more

Pridefest Milwaukee is the place to be June 6-8. It brings every type of person to one place to be exactly who they want to be, themselves. From youth to seniors, white to black, straight, to of course the obvious LGBTQ folks. With great music this year, from local artists, to well known celebrities, you would be greatly disappointed to miss such a great event. The dance pavilion always attracts everyone with a great DJ and endless amounts of people, to move and groove however they please. Another thing people look forward to are the Pride fireworks on Saturday night! While some of the food and drinks may be more expensive then we are used to, there are so many things to do that are free. If you aren't from the area, checking out local sponsors is always appreciated. A big supporter and part of Pridefest each year is The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. They have an area at the park strictly for youth ages 7-24, which is considered safe and substance free. They also have a booth for a population that goes sometimes unnoticed, that's right, our elders. We wouldn't be where we are at today without the experiences that older adults had to grow up with, in their coming out process. They also offer a section called The Loft for those non beer drinkers to sit down and enjoy a good stiff one. These are only a few of the great opportunities you have to experience during Pridefest Milwaukee. I'd love to tell you everything that truly happens, but where would the surprise be in that? Trust me when I say, you would definitely not regret coming this weekend! So get down to Pride and support your LGBT community!!! read more

the best pride fest experience of my life!

This was my first year at Pridefest and I wasn't disappointed. When I went the last day, I liked the fact that it wasn't as crowded as drunkfest, people watching is far better than Summerfet, food was much better than Summfest, plus I got to see Blondie! It was great to let loose, especially after the tragedy in Orlando. read more

If you want to go somewhere with no awkward stares or gasps of disgust, this is the place. For one weekend you can be free. Free to hold you partners hand or be the loving family you are. You will get uplifted and empowered from seeing and feeling the acceptance. read more

I love the feeling at Pride Fest...no one judges you: it's a very free feeling place to be. As a straight ally, it's my favorite festival. Food options are great....entertainment is awesome. And the feeling of friendship and Community is awesome! read more

If you want to get roofied, this is the place to be! I, along with several others, were drugged while at Pridefest. I called Pridefest and spoke to an "official" who informed me that they think it was one of the hired bartenders that had slipped a drug into multiple drinks the Saturday night I was there. I became violently ill and unable to stand or walk and fell twice causing injuries. Pridefest said they along with the police were investigating and reviewing hidden camera footage but I have heard nothing since....this was weeks ago. I doubt I will ever hear anything from them and doubt I will ever go back. If you can't trust the bartenders then what do you do? This could be a great event but my perception is now tainted to the point it is beyond repair. Please do a better job of background checks on your staff. read more

Pridefest is so generic. It really doesn't feture much that is gay related. The five top acts happen to be all women and to my knowledge straight. The gay history tent is a joke and very amateurish. Equality? Yeah if you have the 75-100 bucks to get reserved seating for the acts. The rest of us have to fight to get a decent seat at the concerts. Power to the rich. read more