Milwaukee PrideFest Announces Headliners for 30th Edition
- Has announced the entertainment lineup for the 2026 PrideFest, which will take place from June 4 to June 6.
- The 2026 festival is designed to honor the legacy of the past three decades of music, culture and nightlife.
- The entertainment for the anniversary celebration will be spread across six stages.
Milwaukee PrideFest, Inc. Has announced the entertainment lineup for the 2026 PrideFest, which will take place from June 4 to June 6. The event marks the 30th anniversary of the celebration held at Henry Maier Festival Park, a location the festival has occupied since 1996.
The 2026 festival is designed to honor the legacy of the past three decades of music, culture and nightlife. To commemorate this milestone, the event will feature a 30-minute fireworks display, which is the longest in the festival’s history. The fireworks show is underwritten by J&M Displays and Heller Law Offices.
Headliners and Entertainment
The entertainment for the anniversary celebration will be spread across six stages. The headliner lineup includes 90s pop singer and songwriter Sophie Hawkins and internationally known comedian Dulcé Sloan.
Opening night on June 4 will feature a lineup of RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni, including Olivia Lux, Suzie Toot, Kori King, and Lydia B. Collins. The evening’s top act in the Dance Pavilion will be local talent DJ MEL-DOWN.
In addition to the headliners, the festival will include the Intersection Stage, which is dedicated to showcasing 100% local talent. The event is presented in partnership with Vivent Health.
Festival Attractions and Activities
Visitors to the 2026 PrideFest will have access to over 120 vendors offering community resources, art, and food. The festival will also feature carnival rides, a feature that was first introduced to the event in 2025.
Signature attractions returning for the 30th anniversary include the Red Light District and the LGBTQ+ History Exhibit.
Wes Shaver, President & CEO of Milwaukee Pride, Inc.
As we celebrate 30 years at Henry Maier Festival Park, we’re honoring not just a milestone, but the moments, music and memories that have shaped PrideFest into what it is today.
Shaver stated that the 2026 celebration is intended to bring the community together through activations that pay tribute to the previous three decades of the event’s history.
Event Schedule and Format
The festival maintains a three-day format during the first weekend of June. The 2026 dates are as follows:
- Thursday, June 4: Opening Night
- Friday, June 5: Festival Programming
- Saturday, June 6: Festival Conclusion
The programming is intended to be a comprehensive mix of comedy and culture, reflecting the various styles of entertainment that have been part of the festival since its move to Henry Maier Festival Park in 1996.