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 7, 8, and 9, in 2013).
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Milwaukee during Gay Pride.
More on Milwaukee Gay Pride 2013 will appear here as information becomes available. Here's a look at last year's weekend:
PrideFest takes place over a 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, 3:30 pm until midnight; Saturday, noon until midnight; and Sunday, noon until midnight. The top headlining acts this year are Belinda Carlisle, who opens the festival on Friday night; Taylor Dayne, who performs Saturday night; and famed New Wave band Berlin, with Terri Nunn, who will be performing Sunday night along with God-Des & She and many others. There are dozens of other performers over all three days. 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. Considering the caliber of performers, the cost for the festival is a bargain: just $12 for general admission on any particular day, or $25 for a three-day pass good for the entire festival.
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. I've also included some helpful information about Milwaukee in my blog, TheCountyHunter.com. Also take a look at the excellent GLBT site produced by the city's official tourism organization, the Milwaukee CVB.
