By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Sep 23, 2021 at 2:01 PM

Get ready to celebrate love in all of its forms and flavors with next month's “PridetoberFest."

The two-day, LGBTQ+ event takes place Friday, Oct. 8 from 3 p.m. to midnight and Saturday, Oct. 9 from noon to midnight at the Henry Maier Festival Park. All festival attendees will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test dated within 72 hours of entrance time.

Traditionally, PrideFest takes place in early June, but was canceled the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Organizing an event of this size with a tight time line, scheduling conflicts, everchanging COVID-19 protocols, and increased costs has proven to be quite the challenge,” says Wes Shaver, Milwaukee Pride President. "However, I am so excited to finally announce our line up and festival plans as this event was designed to capture the spirit of Milwaukee while celebrating our LGBTQ+ community."

Most of the weekend’s programming features local performers including Milwaukee Buck’s DJ Shawna, GGOOLLDD and more. Big Freedia and Lardi B will also return to the Miller Mainstage on Friday. Go here for the full entertainment lineup.

PridetoberFest will also celebrate local drag queen Jaida Essence Hall’s victory on the reality show, Rupaul’s Drag Race, and feature a full array of local LGBTQ entertainers.

Saturday is PridetoberFest Family Day and ends with a firework display at 8 p.m. which is an annual tradition for PrideFest since 1996.

Tickets are $12 and $1 from every online ticket order will be donated to the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center to support their recent relocation.  Presenting sponsors of PridetoberFest include Miller Lite, Vivent Health, BMO Harris Bank, SKYY Vodka, Froedtert and The Medical College, and Rockstar Design.

"Pride is for everyone!" said PridetoberFest producer, Luke Olson.

For all festival information, entertainment lineup, online ticket sales accommodations and more go here


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.