Celebrating love & inclusivity: 35th annual Milwaukee PrideFest hosts hundreds of performers

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Saturday's beautiful weather brought thousands of people to Milwaukee's lakefront for the last day of PrideFest 2023.

PrideFest began Thursday, June 1. This year marked the festival's 35th year in Milwaukee, and the 26th year held at Henry Maier Festival Park.

"Our mantra is come as you are, just be here to share space with people, and have fun," said Wes Shaver, president and CEO of Milwaukee Pride Inc.

This year's event hosted more than 400 performers, like drag shows, live music, DJs, magicians and more.

"We have more local representation on all of our five stages than ever before," Shaver said.

For many attendees, joining the gathering year after year feels like home.

"I have not missed a PrideFest ever," said attendee, Kim Kaszuba. "The smiles have not changed in all that time."

With a recent rise in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric nationwide, PrideFest serves as a safe, familiar and welcoming space.

"We really want the programming and the festival experience to support that these people are valued, their lives are important, and that they as individuals are worth celebrating," Shaver said.

PrideFest ends Saturday with a firework show at 9:15 p.m. The festival wraps up at midnight.

"It's encouraging to see so much acceptance here in our city," said PrideFest attendee, Bryan McGuire.

Pride celebrations continue Sunday, June 4, with the Milwaukee Pride Parade.

The annual parade steps off at 2 p.m. Sunday on 2nd Street in Walker's Point.

CBS 58 is a proud media sponsor of the Milwaukee Pride Parade.