Although they’ve taken on varying forms over the decades, Milwaukee has hosted celebrations of the gay community since 1974, when 350 people attended the Gay People's Union Ball.

Other dances and parties followed in the years to come, but it wasn’t until 1988 that the first official events were hosted by the Milwaukee Lesbian/Gay Pride Committee. Several hundred people participated in the week-long celebration, which included a softball tournament at Mitchell Park, picnic, formal ball, and film festival.

In June 1989, the MLGPC organized a march from Walker's Point to a rally in Cathedral Square.

Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist addressed the crowd of 1000, affirming, “We are proud of who you are.” By the end of the day, religious organizations threatened Norquist with a recall effort, and the MLGPC rally led the local news. Milwaukee’s LGBT community would no longer allow themselves to be ignored.

In the early 90s, the rally moved to Juneau Park along the lakefront to accommodate the growing crowds. Entertainment and food were added, creating a festival atmosphere.

In 1994, the original MLGPC was dissolved and the new PrideFest was incorporated. The festival moved to Veterans Park for two days of activities featuring exhibits, three stages, and dozens of craftspeople and vendors. “Light Up the Sky with Pride” was added to the line-up in 1995, making PrideFest the first Pride event in the nation to host its own fireworks display.

PrideFest’s biggest and most exciting move occurred in 1996, this time to the home of SummerFest – the Henry W. Maier Festival Park.

With permanent stages, food buildings, vendor pavilions and full support from Milwaukee World Festivals, PrideFest had the honor of kicking off Milwaukee’s festival season.

By 1997, PrideFest was hosting entertainment on four stages, a dance tent, presentations and lectures, the Miller Lite Volleyball Tournament, a parade, vendors, a religious ceremony, a mass wedding/commitment ceremony and the fireworks show. That year, the crowd of 12,278 attendees danced to the music of ABBA tribute band "Bjorn Again," leaving the festival with a sense of fulfillment.

In 2003, the PrideFest Task Force was formed to make the festival financially viable and guarantee future celebrations. The Task Force ensured that nearly 15,807 people attended and enjoyed an entertainment lineup that included national music sensations Kristine W. and Amber.

Over the past several years, PrideFest’s headliners have read like a who’s-who of the entertainment world.

Kathy Griffin, Pat Benatar, Chaka Kahn, Wanda Sykes, Patti LaBelle, Joan Rivers, Indigo Girls, t.A.T.u.’s Lena Katina, Margaret Cho, Joan Jett, En Vogue, Taylor Dane, and RuPaul have all graced the main stage.

The Dance Pavilion, managed by PUMP! Milwaukee, has become a destination in its own right. National and local DJs spin for rapt audiences while roving performance artists hype up the crowd.

In 2007, the Health & Wellness Area debuted, increasing PrideFest’s commitment to the community. Currently, over 30 organizations take part in the area, which includes HIV & AIDS testing, interactive performances on a dedicated stage, and prize opportunities for those who visit.

Last year, the festival set a new record of 30,829 proud attendees. This year and beyond, PrideFest continues to celebrate the diversity of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) culture and community.