MILWAUKEE — PrideFest is coming back to Milwaukee this June to kick off the city’s festival season. The festival will take place at Henry Maier Festival Park.

Milwaukee Pride Inc., the parent organization of PrideFest, made the announcement on Tuesday. The festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

“I couldn’t be happier to make this announcement,” said Wes Shaver, president of Milwaukee Pride, Inc. “It’s time to push forward and bring back the events and community functions that make Milwaukee so special; celebrating people is something this city does better than anywhere else…and it’s an honor to once again kick off festival season. Let’s get back to strengthening our social fabric and raising a glass together.”

PrideFest will feature new stages, food vendor buildings, a larger health and wellness area plus children’s and family programing. The staple fireworks show is set to return.

This is the 25th year PrideFest will be held in June; organizers said they are planning “Throwback Thursday” themed acts for the event, citing the festival’s past and 1996 venue change. On Thursday, festival-goers can get free admission if they bring four canned, non-perishable food items between 4 to 6 p.m. Organizers said the four cans pay homage to the $4 admission price in 1996. Also on Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. those 21 and older will get “1996 pricing” on beer, wine, cocktails and soda while the enjoy 90s themed music, drag shows, entertainers and DJs.

PrideFest runs from Thursday, June 2 through Saturday, June 4.

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