"Oh y'all wanted a twist, ey?" How about Pride in August?
When you think of the top LGBTQ+ travel destinations in the U.S., your mind might jump to the usual icons — San Francisco, New York or Miami. But nestled in the heart of the Midwest between two shimmering lakes is a progressive city that’s flipping the script on what a queer-friendly destination looks like.
That city is Madison, Wisconsin.
Madison does it differently. For starters, we have a quirky love for pink flamingos. So much so that the pink plastic flamingo was declared the city’s official bird in 2009. Rather than distinct gayborhoods, Madison offers a more integrated experience — reflecting its progressive spirit as Wisconsin’s capital, the home of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a beaming cultural oasis in an otherwise more conservative region. From A Room of One’s Own, a trans-owned feminist bookstore on the east side, to drag brunches downtown, LGBTQ+ travelers will find affirming spaces in every corner of the capital city.
Back to that twist: Madison’s big Pride event is in August, making it the perfect second-wave destination for travelers who want to keep the rainbow energy going all summer long.
The 2025 Magic Pride Festival, hosted by OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center, will be held on Sunday, August 17, from 1–6 p.m. at Warner Park in Madison. We can’t wait to welcome you — but even if you can’t make it, Madison is a place where queer culture and community are celebrated year-round. View our curated list of upcoming LGBTQ+ events to help you plan your visit.
Destination Madison’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee member Brandon Rounds (he/him), also known as drag queen Bianca Lynn Breeze (she/her), shares his sample itinerary:
“When I am in Madison, I feel connected. For visitors, I recommend checking out Stage Q at the Bartell Theater for queer community theater and stopping by Delta Beer Lab or Giant Jones Brewery for a beverage. After the show, Shamrock Bar offers a relaxed evening over conversation, while FIVE Nightclub is great for a drag show and dancing. The local drag scene is diverse and full of talent, with events ranging from brunches to bingos to larger scale shows.”
Ready to fall for a place you didn’t see coming? Plan your trip to Madison, WI, the lake-city-lake place where LGBTQ+ travelers are always celebrated. Preview the fun that awaits you — check out top recommendations by Madison’s queer locals on our LGBTQ+ travel in Madison page!