It's Pride month, y'all! 🏳️🌈 Madison has a long history of Pride celebrations, with the earliest parades and community efforts starting in the 1970s. And just last week, Wisconsin lawmakers introduced a package of bills designed to improve safety for LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites. The Wisconsin Legislative LGBTQ Caucus also released a resolution to formally recognize June as Pride Month. But just how queer friendly is Madison?
On today's episode of City Cast Madison, host Bianca Martin tackles this question with producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and program coordinator with the Gender and Sexuality Center at UW–Madison Sanders Weinberg.
Let's dive into local Pride celebrations! While the Magic Pride Festival isn't until August, there's a lot going on this month that should be on your radar.
Come celebrate A Room Of One's Own's 50th anniversary with a queer music showcase — and raise money for a good cause! Wilma's Fund provides housing assistance to local LGBTQ+ adults.
😆 Make America Gay Again Comedy Show | June 5
Best of Madison winner Cheshire Cat Comedy is bringing back its hit comedy and drag show! Check out this top tier lineup of queer standup and drag performers at Crucible Madison.
🎪 Circus Pride Show | June 6-7
Don't miss Madison Circus Space's first-ever Pride Show, which features acrobatics, dance, clowning, and other circus arts celebrating queer identities and experiences.
📸 Pride Family Portraits | June 8
Get your photo taken professionally in front of the Rainbow Wall at the Hilldale Shopping Center. All proceeds go to support OutReach Madison.
🛍️ Big Gay Market | June 13-15
This LGBTQ-organized market has quickly become a Madison staple! With more than 200 vendors, comedy and drag shows, adults-only and kids activities, and a speaker series, there's something for everyone here.
🤩 Pride-Day the 13th | June 13
Celebrate Pride at the Orpheum Theatre with music, dance, drag performances, a photobooth, and more. This all-ages event will be hosted by drag queen Bianca Lynn Breeze.
🏳️🌈 Middleton Pride 2025 | June 14
Live music, drag story time, and performances from local school groups are just a few of the things you can enjoy at Middleton's second Pride Festival.
🐐 Pride Night at Henry Vilas Zoo | June 14
Come for your favorite animals, stay for the drag performances at this adults-only event. You can also ride the carousel and the train, try your hand at queer ecology trivia, browse feeding at the goat yard, and grab a bite or a drink.
🎶 Hot Summer Gays | June 20
This queer event series kicks off with Spectaculous, and DJs Sarah Akawa and Fuzzy Duck at the High Noon Saloon. Grab your tickets now!
🍴 Pride Drag Brunch | June 22
Head down to the newly renovated Atwood Music Hall for a drag brunch hosted by Bianca Lynn Breeze, and featuring several special guests.
🎉 Sun Prairie Pride Fest | June 28
Venture a little farther afield for Sun Prairie's family-friendly Pride celebration featuring face painting, a parade, and live entertainment.
WOOF’S is a popular gay bar in Madison. (Ken Fager / Flickr)
June isn't the only time to celebrate Madison's queer community! There are more than 30 LGBTQ-owned businesses in the city, from Dyke Dive pop-ups and WOOF's bar to the Fromagination cheese shop, Fair Trade Coffee House, and Earthwise Pet. Check out this full list from Visit Madison, and our recs from last year.
