PrideFest kicks off with larger footprint, carnival and 500 entertainers

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thousands will take to the lakefront this Thursday, Friday and Saturday for Milwaukee's PrideFest. It'll be three days of history, entertainment, food and a lot of dancing. 

PrideFest is bigger than ever with an expanded footprint to the south of the grounds and a new carnival area. 

You will also find an interactive map online to help you navigate food, stages and more. 

For the 37th year, the dance pavilion will have themed lineups every night. Five other stages will have everything from drag to cabaret and comedy. 

"We like to have something for everyone, and I know people say that, but we really mean it here," said Wes Shaver, Milwaukee PrideFest President. "We want to make sure every corner of the community, not just the LGBT community, PrideFest is a Milwaukee Festival We want people to come here and see something that's exciting, that's intriguing to them. We do that by having everything from music to dance, Drag to comedy, we have it all."

The festival gates open at 4 p.m Thursday, June 5, 3 p.m. Friday, June 6 and noon on Saturday, June 7. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or at the gate.