Join our 30th anniversary celebration with FREE ADMISSION to PrideFest Milwaukee on Friday, June 9!
To honor our history and heritage, Milwaukee Pride, Inc. is offering complimentary admission for all visitors from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. so that guests may celebrate 30 years of local LGBTQ triumph.
Opening ceremonies begin at 3:00 p.m. sharp in the PrideFest Milwaukee Dance Pavilion and will end at 4:00 p.m.
We are excited to welcome activist Jim Obergefell as our keynote speaker. In 2015, Obergefell’s landmark Supreme Court case resulted in a national victory for marriage equality.
As a purposeful activist, Obergefell is dedicated to the fight for equality not just for the LGBTQ community, but for civil rights for all. He encourages and empowers audiences to stand by their beliefs — and prove that love always wins.
We are also pleased to welcome Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. County Executive Abele has been a committed supporter of the LGBTQ community throughout his personal and professional life.
In 2014, Abele kept the Milwaukee County Courthouse open over the weekend for same-sex couples to marry, following the landmark ruling that overturned Wisconsin’s ban on marriage equality.
Milwaukee Pride, Inc. is proud to present the 2017 Pride Awards, which will be awarded to three honorees:
- Lois Ratzow, founder of the Old Timers Party
- Linda Wesp, NP, of the Milwaukee Center for Health & Wellness
- Milwaukee Bucks
We will also recognize Keiana James with our Valor Award, which celebrates an individual who has fought to advance a critical community cause despite great resistance, obstacle or adversity.
We will also welcome esteemed guests from the United Ethnic Festivals, Summerfest, our #ProudPartners, sponsors, donors and volunteers, as well as our PrideFest Plus One beneficiary, GSAFE.
“We are honored and humbled to be this year’s PrideFest Plus One recipient,” said Brian Juchems, GSAFE senior director of education and policy. “Proceeds raised will help us continue our work to build the leadership of LGBTQ+ middle and high school students through youth leadership events and camps. It allows us to continue our work with schools and districts to not only pass but implement policy that supports and includes transgender and nonbinary students. We couldn’t be more grateful!” 
The national anthem will be performed by longtime PrideFest supporter Corky Morgan.
Our VIP Weekend Experience winner will also be recognized.
Please join us in celebrating these community heroes — and launching an exciting weekend of friends, family and fun at PrideFest Milwaukee 2017!
*Reentry handstamps will only be offered between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.*