For decades, Madison has been considered a spearhead for LGBTQ+ activism. This June, a variety of pride month festivities in Madison are celebrating that continued effort — on and around the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus.
For students staying in Madison this summer, Pride Month has a full calendar of events including drag bingo, art markets, brunches and festivals. The events are great ways to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride, support queer artists and connect with the broader Madison community.
One of the month’s marquee events, Live on Queen, will take place on June 26 at the Orpheum Theater. Beginning at 5 p.m., the free drag variety show will feature performances and activities for all ages, including magicians and face painting to spirit tastings and, of course, live drag performances. Events like Volun-Queer day, Sun Prairie Pride Fest and the Pride Ride will take place throughout June and showcase the diversity of Pride celebrations around Madison, featuring music, nightlife, family-friendly festivals and community gatherings.
The gold star of Pride events in Madison will be The Big Gay PRIDE Market, taking place June 19-21 at the Alliant Energy Center. The Big Gay PRIDE market is a key celebration during Pride Month and a great way to connect with artists, vendors and local businesses in the local queer community. With over 200 participants, community members are invited to explore vendors’ booths, learn about Pride Month’s history, participate in clothing swaps and watch local comedy and drag shows.
This year, the market includes a new event — The Big Gay Pageant on Friday, June 19 from 7-9 p.m. The event aims to give the community a way to “support up-and-coming performers from all over Wisconsin,” according to their website.
On the same weekend, students and community members 21 and older can attend the Pride Drag Brunch hosted by Bianca Lynn Breeze at the Bur Oak on June 21. This event will be a high-energy, joy-filled celebration of love, self-expression and fierce drag entertainment,’’ according to Bur Oak.
The brunch will include drag performances, music, food and drinks, giving students and community members another way to celebrate Pride with their loved ones, all while enjoying local entertainment.
Just outside of Madison, Stone Horse Green will host Middleton Pride 2026 on June 13 with free admission. The family-friendly festival includes music, performances and activities, and a variety of local vendors, organizations and Queer-affirming businesses.
The diverse offering of events during Pride Month offer students and Madison locals endless opportunities to explore the city, connect with and learn from local LGBTQ+ organizations and support queer-owned and queer-centered spaces.
