Milwaukee's 2023 PrideFest sets record-breaking attendance numbers

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's 2023 PrideFest marked a historical milestone with an attendance record of 42,603. The event took place from June 1-3 at Henry Maier Festival Park and shattered several other records along the way.

"PrideFest struck a different chord this year," said Wes Shaver, President and CEO of Milwaukee Pride, Inc. in a press release. "Tens of thousands flooded the park to not just support LGBT people and spaces, but to participate in them, embracing the music, dancing, food and fun."

Standout performers at the festival included Canadian musician Peaches, Australian-American artist Betty Who and local sensation DJ Shawna. The event saw a 45% increase in local performers, thanks to an expanded schedule.

This year's PrideFest also set records in community involvement. The festival featured 197 vendors, gathered a whopping 2,500 lbs. of non-perishable items for Vivent Health’s Food Pantry and hosted 150 festival volunteers along with 250 volunteers who served 50 local health, service and social organizations.

The 42,603 was the best attendance record in the three-night PrideFest format, falling just behind the near-46,000 attendance total of the last time the festival operated over four nights in 2019.