The rest of the world has finally begun to catch up to the fact that Milwaukee is a city of considerable charm, liberal attitudes, and a zero-attitude, vibrant gay and lesbian scene. It's also site of the nation's largest gay pride festival, Pridefest Milwaukee, held in early to mid-June each year (over the weekend of June 12, 13, and 14, in 2009).
Shop for rooms and compare rates at hotels in Milwaukee during Gay Pride
Here's a quick look at what you can expect at Milwaukee Pridefest 2009:
PrideFest takes place over three days at a beautiful and centrally located venue right on Lake Michigan, the Henry Maier Festival Park at 200 N. Harbor Drive, just off I-794 and a few blocks southeast of downtown.
The Pridefest hours are Friday, June 12, 4 pm until midnight; Saturday, June 13, 11 am until midnight; and Sunday, June 14, 11 am until midnight. The headlining performances for each day are pop songstress Cyndi Lauper on Friday, singing sensation Brandy on Saturday, and the legendary Etta James and the Roots Band, along with Deborah Cox and September, on Sunday, but there are dozens of other performers over all three days, including Katie Costello, Josh Duffy, Ferron, Poppy Champlin, and many others. Additionally, there are dance pavilions, a health and wellness stage, an arts & history pavilion, a Stonewall Stage with discussions and lectures, and a wide range of children's and family activities.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Week. Check local gay papers, such as Quest for details.
