Every year, PrideFest marks the unofficial start the Milwaukee summer festival season – and they're really beginning this one with a bang, as the bright and blissful Pride celebration announced its star-studded slate of headlining acts for 2024, hitting the lakefront stages in Henry Maier Festival Park across three days on June 6-8.

"Our goal is to always find ways to incorporate artists that are connected to the LGBTQ+ community," said Milwaukee Pride president and CEO Wes Shaver. "It's striking the right balance of great entertainmnet and world class performers but also engaging artists that are relevant to the community. That doesn't mean everyone is a member of the community, but it means that in some way, they represent and support LGBTQ+ people in positive, uplifting ways. That's crucial to our work and efforts in building a schedule." 

Celebrating its 36th anniversary this summer, PrideFest will get the party started on Thursday, June 6 with a special, exclusive drag showcase, with "RuPaul's Drag Race" stars Alaska, Violet Chachki and Envy Peru as well as Ada Vox of "American Idol" fame all taking the SKYYLine Mainstage.

The PrideFest headliners only get more impressive as the weekend goes along, as Friday night will star famed "American Idol" season seven runner-up David Archuleta and rising country star Dixon Dallas on the Mainstage. Then, to bring the festivities to a fabulous conclusion, Saturday night will feature a star-packed lineup including rapper Cupcakke, a melee of Vegas magicians with Murray's Misfits, "I Love It" dance pop icons Icona Pop and timeless R&B superstar Mya. 

And that's just the headliners for one of PrideFest's five stages this summer. Elsewhere, at the Dance Pavilion, PrideFest will once again throw the party of the season with an impressive collection of both nationally and internationally renowned DJs including Mz Worthy, Kenny Perez of Radio Milwaukee and "the First Lady of Wax" DJ Minx – all accompanied by spell-binding dance groups, drag performances, acrobatics, light shows and more. Meanwhile, attendees can find even more entertainment throughout the weekend at the Intersection Stage, family-friendly offerings at the Children's Stage, and a combination of history, educational info and engagement at the Stonewall Stage & History Exhibit.

"As a team, we've been taking a step back and looking at the schedule, and I speak for the entire team when we say this lineup is SO good," Shaver said. "It's hard to pick just one. But I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm thrilled to see Icona Pop and Mya make the roster, as they've been requested for some time now. Plus, David Archuleta's story is a powerful one, and we're thrilled to welcome him to the city and festival. My good friend Murray is back but with additional Las Vegas acts for a wild and spectucator ensemble showcase that can't be missed – and with getting confirmation of DJ Minx, to have a legend of that stature be at PrideFest, it's an honor. See what I mean? I can't stop talking about how great this lineup is!"

As always, the PrideFest party will extend well beyond its stages with a fireworks show to top off the celebrations on Saturday night as well as light shows on the Hoan Bridge all throughout the festival weekend. The good vibes will keep going going with good deals as well – including senior ticket discounts each day of the event as well as Throwback Thursday and Flashback Friday happy hours, dropping prices on Molson Coors and SKYY vodka products down to 1996-level amounts in honor of the festival's move to Henry Maier Festival Park. And speaking of good, PrideFest attendees can help do some good by contributing to its food drive on Thursday night, helping aid VIVENT Health’s food pantry.

For more information on PrideFest 2024, its headliners and many other acts, food drive details, promos and more, visit the festival's official website. And stay tuned to OnMilwaukee for more summer festival season fun ... if and when summer finally decides to arrive.