LGBTQ+ Events
In Madison, there's no shortage of events on any given day or night of the week, including many that celebrate and provide safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. From sporting events, to live music, to drag bingo and more, Madison's wide variety of LGBTQ+ events provide something for all interests and identities.
Whether you're a local resident seeking LGBTQ+ events happening this weekend or a visitor in the midst of planning your trip, this list of events is guaranteed to highlight Madison's vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
For a full list of all events happening in Madison, check out our event calendar.
June
Make America Gay Again: A Comedy Show | June 5
Cheshire Cat Comedy brings back its hit show with a lineup of queer stand-up and drag performers as they unite to MAKE AMERICA GAY AGAIN at Crucible Madison. This event is hosted by Chicago-based drag star and stand-up comedian, Derry Queen.
Madison Circus Space Pride Show | June 6 & 7
Put on your best rainbow attire and celebrate Pride at Madison Circus Space’s first-ever Pride Show! Shows will be Friday, June 6 at 7pm and Saturday, June 7 at 3pm & 7pm. This show celebrates queer identities and experiences through circus arts and all proceeds will go to support Madison Circus Space and OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center.
Forward Madison FC—Pride Night | June 7
Join the Mingo's for Pride Night! Forward Madison FC's themed nights are matches you won't want to miss! Grab your Pride Pack tickets and get a ticket to the match against Union Omaha plus a Forward Madison FC pride scarf.
Drag Bingo and Brunch | June 8
Enjoy brunch at the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. in Fitchburg at Drag Bingo & Brunch featuring Akasha Voyer, Ellah Maeaux, and hosted by Bianca Lynn Breeze.
Delta Pride Celebration | June 13
Celebrate Pride at Delta Beer Lab with live music, local food vendors and specialty cocktails. Queer-friendly local vendors, nonprofits and community organizations will be present with booths to visit and learn more. Mark your calendars and bring your friends!
Pride-Day the 13th | June 13
Live on Queen presents Pride-Day the 13th at the Orpheum Theater, hosted by Bianca Lynn Breeze. Celebrate the beauty of diversity through drag, dance and more!
The Big Gay Pride Market | June 13–15
Celebrate Pride at the Alliant Energy Center with three days of activities including queer comedy shows, queer and ally vendors, a drag show, drag bingo and more!
CapitalQ Theater Festival | June 13–15 & 19–21
For the 4th year, StageQ is taking over Drury Stage at the Bartell Theatre for two weekends in a row. Join in the annual Pride month celebration with brand new play readings, 10-minute shorts and one-act plays by up-and-coming queer playwrights from around the country.
Middleton Pride 2025 | June 14
Join The Good Neighbor City for its second Middleton Pride Festival. This family-friendly festival will include two Drag Story Hours, performances from local school ensembles and home-grown DJ Stu as well as featuring nearly 30 vendors, area organizations and Queer-affirming businesses.
Pride Night at Henry Vilas Zoo | June 14
Celebrate Pride at Henry Vilas Zoo during this 18+ event featuring pop-up drag performances, queer ecology trivia, exclusive access to animal buildings, free carousel and train rides, pride themed enrichment demonstrations and more!
Drag Queen Bingo! | June 17
On the third Tuesday of every month, head to Delta Beer Lab for Drag Queen Bingo nights, hosted by local queen, Kendra Banx$. This is a first-come, first-served event, so arrive early to secure your spot.
Hot Summer Gays with Spectaculous | June 20
The big queer dance party of the summer that you won't want to miss! This event is hosted at the High Noon Saloon, featuring DJs Sarah Akawa & Fuzzy Duck.
Pride Drag Brunch | June 22
Get your tickets to Atwood Music Hall's drag brunch hosted by Bianca Lynn Breeze and featuring Setareh Ouellet-Sodi, Bambii Banx$, Krystal Kuttabish and Iiman K Trinidad.
Pride on the Trollway | June 25
Join PFLAG Mount Horeb in their annual Pride walk led by the Forward Marching Band. Stick around after the walk to enjoy live music from a local band, food trucks and more family-friendly fun.
Queer & Trans Open Mic Night | June 25
On the last Wednesday of each month from 7–9 p.m., A Room of One's Own Bookstore hosts an open mic night for queer and transgender authors and artists to share their work. Arrive early if you're hoping to perform as there are only 15 slots available! Allies are welcome to attend in the audience—performance time is held for LGBTQIA2S+.
Sun Prairie Pride Fest | June 28
Celebrate in Sun Prairie at their annual Pride fest with food and drink, a parade, family-friendly activities and live entertainment. New in 2025, don't miss a special concert event with Grammy-nominated artists, Jennifer Knapp and Mary Lambert.
July
Hot Summer Gays at Fête de Marquette | July 12
Hot Summer Gays is playing at Madison's 19th annual Fête de Marquette festival. You won't want to miss this big queer dance party!
Drag Queen Bingo! | July 15
On the third Tuesday of every month, head to Delta Beer Lab for Drag Queen Bingo nights, hosted by local queen, Kendra Banx$. This is a first-come, first-served event, so arrive early to secure your spot.
Fish & Fabulous at The Forward Club | July 18
Indulge in a Wisconsin fish fry buffet in the Forward Club at Breese Stevens Field while enjoying fabulous drag performances. This event is hosted by Bianca Lynn Breeze, and features performances by Loretta Love, Beverly Bee and Jasper Madison.
Hot Summer Gays | July 18
The big queer dance party of the summer that you won't want to miss! This event is hosted at Atwood Music Hall and features DJs Sarah Akawa, Fuzzy Duck & Millbot.
August
OutReach Magic Festival: A Pride Celebration | August 17
OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center is hosting it's 6th Annual Magic Pride Festival at Warner Park. With stage shows by local LGBTQ+ identified performers, various local vendors, food, beverages and activities for youth, families and more, this Pride festival is one of a kind.
Drag Queen Bingo! | August 19
On the third Tuesday of every month, head to Delta Beer Lab for Drag Queen Bingo nights, hosted by local queen, Kendra Banx$. This is a first-come, first-served event, so arrive early to secure your spot.
Hot Summer Gays—Picture Day | August 23
The big queer dance party of the summer that you won't want to miss! This event is hosted at the High Noon Saloon and features DJ Sarah Akawa, DJ Femme Noir, & DJ All The Way Kay.
Madtown Scrumdown Rugby 15s Tournament | August 30
This International Gay Rugby tournament, hosted by the Madison Minotaurs, is back for its 6th edition at the Wisconsin Rugby Complex. Register your team to play in the tournament, or mark your calendars and come cheer on your favorite team!
September
Drag Queen Bingo! | September 16
On the third Tuesday of every month, head to Delta Beer Lab for Drag Queen Bingo nights, hosted by local queen, Kendra Banx$. This is a first-come, first-served event, so arrive early to secure your spot.
October
Drag Queen Bingo! | October 21
On the third Tuesday of every month, head to Delta Beer Lab for Drag Queen Bingo nights, hosted by local queen, Kendra Banx$. This is a first-come, first-served event, so arrive early to secure your spot.
The Big Gay Spooky Market | October 26
The mission of The Big Gay Market is to host inclusive, welcoming, and fun maker/local business markets for the Madison community and beyond. Check back for more information on the 2025 spooky-themed market.
November
Drag Queen Bingo! | November 18
On the third Tuesday of every month, head to Delta Beer Lab for Drag Queen Bingo nights, hosted by local queen, Kendra Banx$. This is a first-come, first-served event, so arrive early to secure your spot.
December
Drag Queen Bingo! | December 16
On the third Tuesday of every month, head to Delta Beer Lab for Drag Queen Bingo nights, hosted by local queen, Kendra Banx$. This is a first-come, first-served event, so arrive early to secure your spot.
The Big Gay Holiday Market | December 19–20
The mission of The Big Gay Market is to host inclusive, welcoming, and fun maker/local business markets for the Madison community and beyond. Check back for more information on the 2025 holiday-themed market.
January
Wisconsin Drag Awards | January 18, 2026
The Wisconsin Drag Awards will be returning to The Sylvee. The 2026 theme is black & white, so get those dazzling, monochromatic looks ready to celebrate the incredible talent in the drag community.
March
Trans Day of Visibility Market | March 31, 2026
Each year on March 31 the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people. Giant Jones Brewing Company presents the Trans Day of Visibility Market & Resource Fair at A Room of One's Own Bookstore.
April
Madison Queer & Trans Potluck | April 2026
The Madison Trans Resistance Action Committee is hosting a community potluck at Brittingham Park. Meet your neighbors and organizations working to build community power and resilience in Madison and Dane County and celebrate queer and trans joy with food, friends, games and more! Stay tuned for more information on the 2026 potluck.
