Milwaukee Pride announces PridetoberFest 2021 line-up for Oct. 8 and 9

Milwaukee Pride, organizer of the annual PrideFest, has announced the entertainment line-up for its PridetoberFest event taking place on Oct. 8 and 9 at Henry W. Maier Festival Park.

Like many June Pride festivals nationwide, Milwaukee PrideFest was canceled in both 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns. But organizers decided to bring it back this year in a different form.

“We just couldn’t wait until 2022 to see our LGBTQ+ family and allies again," Luke Olson, PrideFest producer and Milwaukee Pride vice president, said in July. “October is LGBTQ+ History Month along with National Coming Out Day (which is Oct. 11). What better moment to gather and reflect on the long journey that got us to this point — and of course, to celebrate!”

The scaled-back fest is scheduled for 3 p.m. to midnight Friday, Oct. 8, and noon to midnight Saturday, Oct. 9.

Friday entertainment includes Jaida Esence Hall, GottMik, Fly Young Red, Big Freedia, Lardi B., and the Doo Wop Daddies. DJs LoLo, Femme Noir, Marcus Angel and Chomper will provide the beats at the popular Dance Pavilion. Comedian Bruce Vilanch will host the Miller Stage throughout the day.

The Sabor Latino Drag Show, Antics, ShayKenn, and Landon Devon round out day one entertainment. 

On Saturday the lineup will feature performances by Revamped Dance Company and the World Dance Showcase, as well as Betsy Ade and the Well-Known Strangers, Ethan Cole, Skratt and FXY, Travvy Trav, GGOOLLDD, and Daniel LeClaire.

DJs Mel-Down and Haunt3Hous3 at the Dance Pavilion, with the DJ Shawna “Closing Dance Party” at 10:30 p.m. Drag performances include Lady Gia’s Drag Show, Montell’s Melanin Extravaganza, Lenda Jo, Bryanna Banx$, and the “Closing Performance” with Jaida Essence Hall at 10:15 p.m.

PridetoberFest visitors are required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test.

Tickets are just $12. Online ticket sales generate a $1 donation per ticket to the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. Active-duty military service members and veterans receive free admission upon presentation of their valid military ID.

For additional PridetoberFest information, visit pridefest.com.

Organizers hope to bring Milwaukee PrideFest in June 2022. 

Related: Chicago Pride Fest is back for the first time since 2019; full entertainment schedule just released