PrideFest is back in Milwaukee this weekend, and this year’s edition promises more music, more space, and more energy than ever. The 37th annual PrideFest is shaping up to be the most ambitious version of the festival yet, and we have 10 reasons you’ll want to join in the party:

1. It’s the biggest LGBTQ+ event in Wisconsin.
PrideFest has been held on the Summerfest grounds annually since 1996. Attendance has hit record highs for three years straight, and 2025 looks to get to another record, with an expanded footprint to accomodate more festival goers than ever before.

2. There's truly something for the whole family.
While you may have an instinct to think "adults only," Pridefest is a celebration that includes a children's area, as well as a history exhibit to educate the family on the history of LGBTQIA+ progress in Milwaukee and beyond.

3. The SKYYLine Mainstage lineup is stacked.
This year’s headliners include singer Jordin Sparks, Brazilian drag superstar Pabllo Vittar, country artist Chris Housman, comedian Jay Jurden, and theatrical rock band The Scarlet Opera, amongst others.

4. Drag royalty will also be in the building.
In addition to Vittar, "RuPaul’s Drag Race" alums Adore Delano, Nina West, Jan Sport, Raja Gemini, and Willow Pill will all hit the stage over the course of the weekend.

5. The Red Light District is back and better.
Okay, this part may be a little less family-friendly. The Red Light District returns with daytime panels and nighttime shows, featuring cabaret, comedy, acoustic music, and more. It's even more fun when the sun goes down.

6. New VIP options bring premium perks.
For the first time, a new tiered ticket system offers VIP guests lounge access, free food and drinks, and extra viewing areas. If you want to be bougie, this is the weekend to do it.

7. There’s an interactive map and guide to help you get around.
You definitely don't want to miss a minute of this party, and thanks to a partnership with Map King, you’ll be able to find vendors, check set times, and get real-time updates using the interactive festival map.

8. The Dance Pavilion is a party on its own.
If you've been, you know. The outdoor dance zone will feature national DJs like Baby Weight and Kaleena Zanders, along with Milwaukee’s DJ Femme Noir keeping the party going. You won't have to look hard to find it, either; the crowd often spills out of the covered pavilion into the main drag of the festival.

9. You’ll find something for everyone.
With six stages and over 500 performers, there's never been more variety than this year's festival. Everything from music to cabaret to comedy will have a home at Pridefest.

10. The festival keeps growing in all the right ways.
“Our Thursday night format proves to be a hit with our audience and we’re thrilled to expand programming,” said Milwaukee Pride CEO Wes Shaver. “2025 is looking to be bigger and even more beautiful than 2024, and I didn’t think it was possible.”

If you want to get your tickets, find the best ways to get to the festival, or take another look at the full lineup, you can do that at the Pridefest website. Get ready to party unapolagetically this weekend, Milwaukee!