Milwaukee Pride, also known as PrideFest Milwaukee stands as the lgbtq+Q gathering in the city and one of the most significant lgbtq+Q festivals nationwide. Every year it takes place at the picturesque Henry W. Maier Festival Park nestled alongside the shores of Lake Michigan. Typically scheduled for June this remarkable event marks the commencement of Pride Month.

Over days attendees can immerse themselves in a rich assortment of entertainment offerings spread across various stages—live music performances, captivating drag shows and lively dance parties are just a few highlights. Notably PrideFest Milwaukee boasts a Health & Wellness area that provides valuable resources and support to the lgbtq+Q community.

Beyond its entertainment scene the festival features an enticing marketplace where vendors showcase an array of goods ranging from pride themed merchandise to locally crafted treasures. Additionally food vendors tantalize attendees with a selection of culinary delights.

PrideFest Milwaukee transcends celebration; it serves as a platform, for advocacy work education initiatives and fostering community bonds. Workshops, panel discussions and exhibits often center around issues that affect the lgbtq+Q community.

Official Website

 

Gay-friendly Hotels in Milwaukee, WI:

1. Saint Kate, The Arts Hotel☆☆☆☆☆ – The latest Milwaukee hotel to open with a dedication to celebrating the arts. Set in the stimulating, artsy East Town neighborhood, Saint Kate is a different, boutique art hotel designed by artists for artists. From business travelers looking for a coworking space to local creatives seeking a source of revelation for their next project – the Saint Kate is ideal. The rooms feature unique artwork, comfortable beds, and off-beat offers like a record player, butcher-block paper, and ukeleles. There is also a trendy pizzeria, modern cafe and multiple bars, gym, and (naturally) an art gallery onside. Check Availability and Prices
2. Hotel Metro ☆☆☆☆ – An Art Deco-inspired hotel centrally located in the heart of Downtown Milwaukee within walking distance to museums, restaurants, Bradford Beach, and all the 2nd street gay bars. There are 63 luxurious suites, several with fireplaces, fully stocked minibars, and a 42in flat-screen T.V. should you feel more like binge-watching gay rom coms then heading out one night. However, with a buzzing rooftop patio, modern cocktail lounge, sauna, fitness center, and free bike rental – there is plenty of reasons to leave your room, should you wish. Check Availability and Prices
3. The Pfister Hotel ☆☆☆☆ – Located just a few blocks from the shores of Lake Michigan, guests of The Pfister Hotel enjoy a four star luxury experience in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. The Pfister is moments away from the Milwaukee Art Museum, Summerfest Grounds, multiple museums, theaters, shopping, nightlife and dining destinations within walking distance. The Pfister is in the center of it all. To complete the appeal, there is a popular steakhouse, martini bar, fitness center, and an indoor pool with views of Lake Michigan on the 23rd floor. Check Availability and Prices
4. Kimpton Journeyman Hotel☆☆☆☆ – Experience the extravagant style and exceptional amenities at this new downtown Milwaukee hotel in the Historic Third Ward district. We always find the Kimpton brand to be exceptionally queer-friendly, and their Milwaukee is no exception. There is a lot to love with warm, sophisticated decor, loaner bikes, evening wine hours, and a luxe rooftop bar with views and fire pits. A welcome getaway for weary, and not so weary, travelers, with this Midwestern delight, you are always in good hands. Check Availability and Prices
5. The Iron Horse Hotel ☆☆☆☆ – This Milwaukee hotel has won awards for its conversion of a 100-year-old downtown warehouse into contemporary luxury boutique accommodation. With a surprisingly tactful motorcycle theme, The Iron Horse Hotel meets the different needs of both corporate and leisure guests with a 24-hour fitness center, onsite spa, business center and, several dining options and a patio bar. The oversized guest rooms are suite-sized by industry standards and uniquely configured to take full advantage of the architectural features of the building. You’ll find plenty of wow-factor amenities and exclusive “extras”. Lovers of masculine design will feel right at home. Check Availability and Prices
6. Brumder Mansion B&B ☆☆☆ – A romantic Victorian mansion stay, filled with historical elegance. There are six guest suites, each with their own individual character and featuring a blend of old and new. Each offers private baths, working fireplaces, and free breakfast included. Wonderfully gay-friendly, well located, and uniquely memorable. Check Availability and Prices

A List of Gay Bars and Hotspots in Milwaukee, WI:

1. Kruz – A cute little gay bar with no signage opened in 2006 for those ‘in the know’. While we were told it was a “leather bar,” we saw no real evidence of this and found Kruz drew a wonderfully diverse queer crowd of bears, Levi lovers, lesbians, and more. A few minutes from the main Milwaukee gay scene, Tucked away in gentrifying Harbor View, Kruz is hidden in warehouses, old industrial buildings, and a few boatyards. Though this is all very much part of the charm. Kruz is not a dance bar by any means, but a fabulous place to socialize and meet new friends. We especially enjoyed their patio with table-top fire pits and sturdy furniture – and the little touches, like the purple milky way interior lighting and innovative drinks. Upscale without trying too hard.
2. Fluid – A straight-friendly gay bar with great bartenders, fashionable decor, and comfortable love seats for canoodling at the back. There is relaxed outdoor seating for socializing on those long summer nights – and plenty of events to draw in the crowds with everything from packers games to drag shows and bing. The martini menu is extensive, and somewhat of a house-specialty. Fluid is right in the heart of the Walker’s Point gayborhood, so why not stop in and say hello…
3. Woody’s – Milwaukee’s only gay sports bar where everyone is family, and those who love love are welcomed. On the southern edge of the Walker’s Point gay area, this is a classic gay dive bar with decor that hasn’t been updated in half a century. And that’s why customers love it. There is an expanded selection of beers on tap, updated T.V.s, more vodka – but that’s about all that has changed here over the year. A living piece of local queer history. There is dependable daily happy hour special, including a popular 2-4-1 Thursdays. If there is a Packers game on you want to watch – Woody’s is the place to be. And it’s of no relation to the Woody’s gay bar in Philly or Toronto – we asked!
4. D.I.X. – A gay cornerstone bar that packs something extra – and the best place to experience the Milwaukee’s drag scene. After the shows, dance the night away with D.J.s spinning tuns to make it impossible not to werk (or twerk). Duck into the photo booth, snatch a selfie in the monster mirror in the unisex bathrooms or take advantage of the regular drink specials. If you’re looking to unwind without judgment, D.I.X. is the place for you.
5. This Is It! – The name says it all, and if you want just one gay bar to dance the night away in Milwaukee…this is it! One of the original queer venues in the city dating back to 1968, they recently renovated and had a bit of a glow up. There are now multiple bars, high ceilings, carpeted walls, extravagant projectors, fabulous vintage lighting, and bassy sounds – plus additional bathrooms. This is a safe space that draws in a diverse crowd of young and old thanks to its decades-old reputation. It is also the only lgbtq++ bar in Milwaukee to host 18+ nights ( a result of a collaboration with The Wisconsin lgbtq+Q History Project, which saw historical panels installed chronicling the history of the Milwaukee gay bar scene. It is rare to find a historic gay bar that remains so fresh, but This Is It! refuses to trade purely off its past and has a fun weekly line up, including Gayme nights, bingo, drag shows, bottomless mimosas brunches, and more. Not to mention a diverse range of dance events. Fondly known to locals as “TITS”…
6. Walker's Pint– Located on 2nd Street in the gaybourhood, Walker’s Pint is Milwaukee’s oldest lesbian bar. Yes, ladies, you read this right – there is a lesbian spot just for you. There is no need for those lesbian dating sites – you can meet people in real life, just like the boys. Walker’s Pint is a vintage-style tavern where the conversation is easy going and service is welcoming to all. Being Milwaukee, the beer selection is excellent, as is the outdoor beer garden to enjoy them in. The wooden cues of the pool table are the straightest things in the place, and we hope it stays this way. There are thought to be less than 20 lesbian bars left in the U.S.A. Like we recommended for Gossip Grill in San Diego or Wildrose in Seattle, you girls need to support these spots to keep them in business. We would hate for it to be the last call…
7. LaCage NiteClub – A three-level queer club in Milwaukee that made its grand debut back in 1984 – has stood the test of time, albeit with a brief flirtation with a rebrand as LVL Dance. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, LaCage Niteclub re-re-opened in 2017 – but kept LVL Bistro serving food on the sub-level of the complex. LVL Events also still take place here with bi-weekly drag shows on the third floor. LaCage today submits several dance floors for you to explore on a hedonistic night out, as well as plenty of happy hour specials and strong cocktails. If you want to boogie, twerk, bar-hop, or socialize until the early hours with fabulous queer people, LaCage NiteClub is for you.
8. Hamburger Marys – The Milwaukee location of this fabulously gay American burger, bar and grill chain. We loved the old-school diner vibes, the nightly queer entertainment, the iconic drag, and the cute arcade bar attached. The drag brunch shows are particularly worthwhile and always come with a hefty side of sass.

Gay Nightlife in Milwaukee Wisconsin

With Milwaukee being one of the most gay-friendly cities in the U.S.A., you would expect an incredible gay nightlife scene – and luckily, Milwaukee does not disappoint. From sports fans and leather daddies to dance floor freak and lovers of fierce drag queens – there is something for everyone.

Depending on your mood, you can find anything in Milwaukee from a relaxed cocktail in an upscale bar to an all-night dance party surrounded by your queer family. There is also plenty of old-school dive bars, bingo events, mimosa brunch spots, and even a lesbian bar.

Almost every lgbtq+Q-centric space in the city is either on or within walking distance of 2nd Street in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood – the heart of gay life here. There is a certain amount of truth to the statement that the gay scene in Milwaukee has gone straight, however, and it can be tough to distinguish gay bars from gay-friendly spaces at times.

For the following gay venues, however, we were looking for rainbow events, exceptional recommendations, and spots specifically marketed towards gays. That’s not to say there are not other fabulous spots to check out; we just had our hands full with these Milwaukee gay bars.

We were anything but disappointed, and are confident you’ll love them too…

 

• Prev
• Next