2026 LGBTQ Pride Guide

Pride Journeys is proud to present the 2026 LGBTQ Pride Guide, a comprehensive and ongoing list of events celebrating the LGBTQ community. This list contains not only Pride events, but also fundraisers, circuit parties and other large-scale events targeting LGBTQ individuals. To submit content for consideration, please email joey@pridejourneys.com

2026

February 5 - March 1: Cape Town, South Africa - Cape Town Pride 2026, taking place from February 5 to March 1, bursts with color, music, and celebration, honoring love, culture, and identity across the city. Standout experiences include the iconic Pride Parade, the lively Mardi Gras, themed parties, literary gatherings, and community outreach events, making this one of Africa’s most dynamic LGBTQ+ festivals. Amid this joyful energy, Ellerman House, situated on the residential side of Cape Town, offers an intimate, luxurious retreat where guests can continue to celebrate and cherish love and culture at a slower, restorative pace.

February 17 – New Orleans, Louisiana: Bourbon Street Awards: Held annually on Mardi Gras Day, it’s the biggest costume competition of the year! Head to the French Quarter to watch as drag queens delight in elaborate attire. Free to attend, you just need to arrive early for a good spot. The contest kicks off around noon on the corner of St. Ann and Dauphine streets. 

February 21 - Tucson Pride – Arizona’s oldest pride event, Tucson Pride, is hosting its 48th pride event this fall. The 2025 event will fall later in the year than the usual September dates in the hopes of skipping out on the Arizona heat. This three-day event features a parade and festival complete with concerts, performances, pageants, food trucks, and more. 

February 26 – March 3, 2026 – Miami Beach, Florida: Winter Party Festival – Produced by the National LGBTQ+ Task Force, Winter Party Festival is an iconic celebration of music, community, and advocacy set against the backdrop of Miami Beach. Now in its 33rd year, the festival features world-class DJs, high-energy dance events, beachfront gatherings, and cultural programming, all while raising funds to support the LGBTQ+ community. From the legendary Beach Party to late-night raves, Winter Party brings thousands together from around the globe. Tickets & Info

March 1-June 30 - Greater Miami & Miami Beach: Rainbow Spring — Back for its 4th year, and Greater Miami shines even brighter from March through June with a vibrant LGBTQ welcome. While Greater Miami & Miami Beach is inclusive year-round, Rainbow Spring turns up the volume with special offers, LGBTQ-welcoming hotels, and a packed calendar of events — from the Winter Party Festival and Miami Beach Pride to the OUTshine Film Festival and SweetHeat Miami. No matter when you visit, Rainbow Spring makes it easy to plan an unforgettable getaway filled with music, culture, community, and celebration.

March 7 - Cleveland, Ohio: The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland provides programming throughout the year, including the March 7 Queer Clothing Swap, a community-building event that doubles as a sustainable celebration of queer style and self-expression.

March 14 – Charleston, SC: AFFA Gala: South Carolina’s premier celebration of progress and unity from AFFA (Alliance for Full Acceptance). This annual gathering at Festival Hall in Charleston brings the LGBTQ+ community and allies across South Carolina to honor the shared achievements contributing to AFFA’s mission and to raise vital funds to support advocacy, education, and community initiatives that uplift the entire region. The evening starts off with a sparkling cocktail reception and open bar, where guests can mix, mingle, and bid on exclusive items during the silent auction. A beautifully curated three-course dinner invites connection and reflection before the excitement builds to a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind experiences. The celebration finishes with music and dancing that keeps the energy high well into the night.

March 27-29 – New Orleans, Louisiana: Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival: A program of the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, SASFest has grown into an internationally-recognized event that brings together a who’s who of LGBTQ+ publishers, writers, and readers from throughout the United States and beyond. The festival, held over three days each spring at the Hotel Monteleone in the New Orleans French Quarter, features panel discussions and masterclasses around literary topics that provide a forum for authors, editors, and publishers to talk about their work for the benefit of emerging writers and the enjoyment of fans of LGBTQ+ literature. 

March 29 - Providence, RI: Food Truck Drag Brunch Block Party - Back by popular demand, food trucks return to The Dark Lady and The Alley Cat for a Food Truck Drag Brunch Block Party as part of the Providence Culinary Collective food & wine festival. Indulge in delicious offerings from a variety of food trucks featuring their full menus alongside brunch specials, while enjoying brunch cocktails from The Dark Lady and The Alley Cat. Drag queens will mix, mingle, and perform throughout the afternoon. Presented by PVD Food Truck Events.

April 2 – 12, 2026 – Miami Beach, Florida: Miami Beach Pride – Miami Beach Pride transforms the destination into a vibrant, multi-day celebration of visibility, inclusion, and unity. Anchored by its colorful Pride Parade along Ocean Drive and Pride Festival in Lummus Park, the event features live entertainment, community activations, and social events. Each year brings a creative theme and an exciting lineup of performers, drawing tens of thousands to celebrate Pride in paradise. Tickets & Info

April 3 - Lexington, Kentucky: AVOL Kentucky Inc. Presents Drag Bingo: Join AVOL for an evening with fierce queens, great prizes, and big laughs. This high-energy event blends classic bingo with show-stopping drag performances. Grab your friends and get ready for an unforgettable night out. A portion of the proceeds will go to AVOL Kentucky to support their mission. 

April 10 - 13 –  Malta: GLTA World Tour Championships – The GLTA World Tour Championships 2026 will bring the world’s top LGBTQ+ tennis talent to compete in an exclusive invitation-only tournament in Malta from April 10–13, showcasing elite competition against the backdrop of the island’s historic and vibrant Mediterranean setting.

April 23 – 30, 2026 – Miami & Miami Beach, Florida: OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival – OUTshine Film Festival is one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural arts events in South Florida, showcasing compelling, thought-provoking, and entertaining queer cinema from around the world. Held each spring across premier venues in Miami and Miami Beach, the festival features film premieres, filmmaker Q&As, red carpet moments, and memorable afterparties, celebrating diverse stories that reflect the global LGBTQ+ experience. Tickets & Info

May 12 – 18 – Miami, Florida: SweetHeat Miami – SweetHeat Miami is one of the largest celebrations in the country for LGBTQ+ women, femmes, and nonbinary communities. This high-energy, multi-day experience brings together thousands for curated pool parties, nightlife events, beach gatherings, wellness activations, and cultural programming across the destination. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and empowering spirit, SweetHeat creates space for connection, celebration, and unforgettable Miami moments. Tickets & Info

May 16 - Springfield, Illinois - Come show and share your Pride with us in Springfield, IL!  This family friendly street festival celebrates the LGBT community and equality in our community. The event features a kid's area, teen area, over 50 vendors, live music, food and drinks, not to mention the Pride Parade that kicks off the event.  Imagine celebrating all things Pride in the shadow of the Illinois State Capitol! It's the gayest day of the year in Central Illinois!

May 22–24 – Paris, France: International Tournament of Paris (TIP) 2026 – One of Europe’s largest inclusive multi-sport events, the International Tournament of Paris returns for its 19th edition with more than 3,000 athletes representing 28 countries and competing across 32 disciplines. Founded in 2004 and officially recognized by the French Ministry of Sports, TIP promotes sport as a universal space of respect, equality, and diversity. The 2026 edition introduces rowing and quadball for the first time, further expanding its inclusive reach. Beyond competitions hosted across major Paris venues, highlights include the TIP Village at Paris City Hall and a large-scale closing celebration at the Dôme de Paris.More information & registration: https://www.paris-tournament.com 

May 22 - June 7 - Charleston, SC: Spoleto Festival USA: Spoleto Festival continues to support LGBTQ+ representation in its programming, particularly through partnerships with local advocacy groups and the inclusion of queer artists, stories, and performers. At Tell Your Story on May 26th, Festival Fellows collaborate with We Are Family and Charleston Jewish Federation to create original works drawn from six months of oral-history interviews with Charleston community members, uplifting LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented voices. Rounding out the season, 11-time Grammy winner and OUT Magazine Icon of the Year Brandi Carlile brings her acclaimed new album and signature, deeply personal songwriting to the Spoleto stage on June 7th, reflecting her life as a queer artist, advocate, and founder of the Looking Out Foundation.

May 23–June 2 Toronto, Ontario: Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival, Canada’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival, Inside Out showcases innovative and diverse 2SLGBTQ+ films from Canada and around the world. The festival features premieres, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and special events, offering both in-theatre and digital programming that attracts international audiences.

https://insideout.ca 

May 30: Pride in the Sky (Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.): For the third straight year, “The World’s Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge” will be illuminated in rainbow light for Big Gay Hudson Valley’s “Pride in the Sky” festival! Show your pride with your most “illuminated” attire. Enjoy music and dancing on the Walkway, some 212 feet above the Hudson River, and meet featured guests from the LGBTQ+ community. This annual extravaganza attracted thousands of participants to this iconic Hudson Valley landmark in its first two years, and this year’s festival is sure to be another unforgettable experience! While you’re in town, be sure to use The Queer Map and Guide to the Big Gay Hudson Valley for information on LGBTQ-welcoming events and attractions.

May 30 - Lexington, Kentucky: 2026 Lexington Pride Festival: The Lexington Pride Festival is Central Kentucky's premier festival for the LGBTQIA+ community. Entering its 18th year in 2026, the festival continues to grow, welcoming over 15,000 individuals from across Kentucky in 2025. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, a diverse array of vendors, food and drink, informational resources, and exciting activities throughout the day. 

May 31 – June 6 – Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan: PRIDE Week in the Art Coast® of Michigan: This beloved lakeshore celebration brings together community, creativity, and joy in one of the Midwest’s most welcoming LGBTQ+ destinations. Held across the walkable towns of Saugatuck and Douglas, PRIDE Week features a weeklong mix of cultural programming and signature events. Highlights include a festive parade, a community festival with live entertainment and vendors, and special guest speakers. Join us for a colorful, engaging experience centered on love, inclusivity, and celebration. 

June TBD – Wichita, Kansas: Wichita Pride Festival returns in June 2026 as one of the region’s most vibrant celebrations of LGBTQ+ community, culture and inclusion. This multi-day event brings together a colorful parade and festival atmosphere with live music, drag performances, local vendors, food trucks and community programming. Wichita Pride is known for its welcoming spirit and energetic crowds, making it a standout summer celebration in the Heart of the Country.

June 2026 – Miami, Florida: Wynwood Pride – Wynwood Pride lights up Miami’s iconic arts district throughout the month of June with dynamic Pride activations featuring live music, jaw-dropping performances, and community celebrations. From immersive stage productions and drag showcases to live DJs and cultural experiences across multiple venues, this Pride Month celebration blends nightlife and the arts in true Wynwood fashion while delivering an electric start to summer and a brilliant conclusion to Rainbow Spring. Tickets & Info

June 1 – 30 – Galena, IL, Pride Bridge Installation: Galena Country has a strong history of inclusivity, with many residents and businesses championing equality and diversity. To celebrate Pride Month in June, rainbow flags and rainbow stairs will once again take over the Galena Pedestrian Bridge linking downtown Galena to Grant Park. This warm-hearted community welcomes everyone to visit with Pride and to experience the places and people that make it amazing for all!

June 5 – Ann Arbor, Michigan: Necto Pride Presents: Alaska

Kick off Pride Month in Ann Arbor! Necto Nightclub is excited to welcome back Alaska, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5 runner-up and All Stars 2 winner. Local queens Chanel Hunter and Perry Dox will join the show. Purchase tickets.

June 6, 2026 – Cleveland, Ohio: Pride in the CLE® – Cleveland’s premier Pride celebration, Pride in the CLE returns downtown this summer for its 2026 edition. Hosted by the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, this annual festival brings together more than 40,000 attendees to celebrate LGBTQ+ identity, community and resilience with a march, live entertainment, drag performers, food vendors, community resources and more along the Lake Erie waterfront. Local activists, organizers, poets and artists will have their own platform on The Speak Out Stage at this year's Pride celebration. The event also serves as a fundraiser supporting the Center’s year-round programs, such as youth services, transgender support and elder initiatives, making it both a joyful and important highlight of Cleveland’s summer event calendar. 

June 6-7: Railbird Festival - Railbird Festival transforms Lexington’s Red Mile into a high-energy, multi-day celebration of live music, bourbon culture and Kentucky hospitality. Featuring a national lineup of top touring artists across rock, indie, Americana and country genres, Railbird pairs big-name performances with bourbon tastings, local food vendors and immersive brand experiences. While not exclusively LGBTQ+-focused, Railbird is known for its inclusive, welcoming atmosphere and draws a diverse, fun-loving crowd—making it a perfect weekend anchor for visitors planning a summer trip to Lexington.

June 7 – Salem, Oregon: Salem Pride Parade & Block Party – A lively Pride event downtown with free entertainment, family-friendly activities, a community parade, and local food booths celebrating inclusivity.

June 7 – Ypsilanti, Michigan: 6th Annual Yoga for Pride

Join Zion Well founders, Art and Aubrey for a heartfelt, all-levels yoga class at Riverside Park. This class celebrates pride and benefits local nonprofits prioritizing the LGBTQIA+ resources and support. Purchase tickets.

June 10: Pride Night with the Hudson Valley Renegades (Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls, N.Y.): The Hudson Valley Renegades baseball team, a Class-A affiliate of the world-famous New York Yankees, host their annual Pride Game when they play the rival Jersey Shore Blue Claws in a South Atlantic League game. The theme of the night is "Baseball is for everyone." The Renegades have been a Hudson Valley mainstay for more than 30 years and have helped more than 130 emerging stars reach the Major Leagues since 1994. Heritage Financial Park is on the cutting edge of the modern ballpark experience and offers a variety of ways to enjoy the action, including the WMCHealth Club Lounge, multiple luxury suites and several picnic and party areas.

June 10 – Chicago, Illinois: Pride Night at Wrigley FieldAn annual Pride celebration hosted by the Chicago Cubs at historic Wrigley Field, featuring Pride-themed programming, community recognition, and a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ fans and allies. Typically held during Pride Week in mid-June. More info: https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/festivals-special-events/lgbtq-chicago-events-through-the-year/

June 12–15 – Astoria, Oregon: Astoria Pride – A multi-day coastal Pride celebration featuring a parade, art exhibitions, community gatherings, dance parties, and family events along the scenic Columbia River waterfront.

June 13 - Galena, Illinois: Galena Pride Picnic, a family-friendly event that takes place in the picturesque Grant Park and offers an array of activities, performances, and vendors for all ages. Enjoy live music, engaging performances, and a variety of food and drink options as you join the community in celebrating Pride. Keep an eye out for more information and a detailed schedule of events as the picnic approaches. Don't miss this opportunity to show your support and create lasting memories with family and friends at this inclusive and joyous gathering.

June 13: Poughkeepsie Pride March & Festival (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.): The Dutchess County Pride Center hosted the inaugural Poughkeepsie Pride Parade and Festival in 2019, and the event has grown into one of the largest annual Pride celebrations in the region. On the second Saturday in June each year, the parade marches down Main Street to the family-friendly festival in Victor C. Waryas Park on the banks of the Hudson River. While their extraordinary efforts may be in the spotlight during Pride Month, the Dutchess County Pride Center offers valuable resources, programs and support networks all year long and is a trusted safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

June 13 – Galena, IL,  Galena Pride Picnic: Celebrate diversity, love, and unity at Galena's annual Pride Picnic, organized by the Galena Public Library! This family-friendly event takes place in the picturesque Grant Park and offers an array of activities, performances, and vendors for all ages. Enjoy live music, engaging performances, and a variety of food and drink options as you join the community in celebrating Pride. Keep an eye out for more information and a detailed schedule of events as the picnic approaches. Don't miss this opportunity to show your support and create lasting memories with family and friends at this inclusive and joyous gathering.

June 13 - Binghamton, New York: Binghamton Pride - SAVE THE DATE FOR PRIDE PALOOZA 2026

June 20 - Iowa City, Iowa: Iowa City Pride Festival - Most would not associate one of the longest running Pride Festivals in the world to occur in the middle of the Midwest. The Iowa City Pride Festival is in its 56th year and looking marvelous. All are invited to dress in their queerest, proudest, and most fabulous thing they own as they watch or participate in the parade, enjoy live music, drag shows, and fantastic dining. Noon to 10:00 pm in Downtown Iowa City.

June 20–21 – Chicago, Illinois: Chicago Pride FestHeld annually in the heart of Northalsted (Boystown), Chicago Pride Fest® is a two-day street festival featuring multiple music stages, drag performances, Youth Pride Space, the Proud Pet Parade, food and beverage vendors, and community showcases celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and pride. More info: https://northalsted.com/main-events/chicago-pride-fest/

June 20–29 Toronto, Ontario: Pride Toronto Festival. One of the largest Pride celebrations in North America, Pride Toronto is a multi-day festival celebrating the diversity, resilience, and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community. The city-wide celebration includes marches and parades, concerts, cultural programming, community events, and vibrant street festivals across downtown Toronto, drawing millions of visitors each year.

https://www.pridetoronto.com 

June 27 – Nashville, Tennessee: Nashville Pride Parade & Festival – Nashville's Pride Festival is one of the oldest in the Southeast (started in 1988) and the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ people and allies in Tennessee, kicking off with the Pride Parade on Broadway followed by the all-day festival at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The festival will feature live music, of course, along with over 250 businesses, local vendors, organizations, and food trucks! 

June 27 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Cedar Rapids Pride - Join us at the NewBo City Market for our annual Pride Fest packed with joy, community, high energy, and unforgettable moments. Learn more at crprideia.com.

June 28 – Chicago, Illinois: Chicago Pride ParadeOne of the largest Pride parades in the U.S., drawing more than one million spectators annually. The parade features vibrant floats, marching bands, community organizations, and allies celebrating visibility, love, and equality throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods. More info: https://pridechicago.org/pride-parade/

July 18: Pride in July (Barton Orchards, Poughquag, N.Y.): Pride isn’t something that should be confined to a single month but should be celebrated all year! That’s what the folks at Barton Orchards had in mind when they created this popular event five years ago. Festivities in Barton Orchards’ 14,000-square-foot event venue, “The Monster,” will once again include drag performances, lots of fun activities and entertainment and more. Barton Orchards is one of the Hudson Valley’s premier locations to pick your own fruits and vegetables. Harvest festivals are held most weekends from late August through early November featuring hayrides, a corn maze, live music, a dog park and so much more.

July 18–19– Portland, Oregon: Portland Pride Waterfront Festival & Parade – Oregon’s largest Pride weekend with a two-day waterfront festival at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, live music, vendors, community booths, and the Grand Pride Parade through downtown on July 19.

July 18 – Ypsilanti, Michigan: Ypsi Pride

Visit the historic Depot Town in Ypsilanti, and reflect with community during a full day of LGBTQIA+ focused events, performances, vendors, and more! Ypsi Pride celebrates the diverse and powerful narratives that make up our community. Free.  

August 1 – Ann Arbor, Michigan: Ann Arbor Pride

Downtown Ann Arbor’s beloved Pride event is set for August 1!  Don’t miss this exceptional event with headliners and fun things to do all day. Arbor Pride embraces diversity and highlights a legacy of inclusion. Join friends, family, and community in Ann Arbor for this special event. Free.

August 7–9 – Chicago, Illinois: Northalsted Market DaysOne of the largest outdoor LGBTQ+ street festivals in the Midwest, held in Chicago’s historic Northalsted neighborhood and featuring multiple music stages, headline performers, dance parties, and hundreds of vendors. More info: https://northalsted.com/main-events/northalsted-market-days/

September 4-13 – Malta: Malta Pride –  Against the beautiful Mediterranean backdrop, Malta Pride is an annual week-long celebration of love and inclusivity, featuring vibrant parades, live concerts, high-energy parties, thought-provoking workshops, and meaningful community-building events. 

October 2026: Lexington, Kentucky – Bourbon & Belonging is Lexington’s signature LGBTQ+ cultural festival, blending Kentucky’s legendary bourbon heritage with a powerful celebration of community, inclusion and queer joy. Launched as the world’s first LGBTQ+ bourbon festival, the multi-day event features tastings from top distilleries, live music, drag performances, queer-owned vendors, panel discussions and immersive experiences designed to spotlight LGBTQ+ voices in Kentucky. More than a festival, Bourbon & Belonging has quickly become a meaningful gathering space for allies and community members alike, offering visitors a uniquely Bluegrass-flavored way to connect, celebrate and belong.

Other:

Gay Polo League – Date TBD - The Gay Polo League brings high-glamour equestrian sport to Lexington with a fabulous, inclusive twist. Blending competitive polo matches with fashion-forward social events, tailgating, champagne picnics and stylish spectators, this unique experience offers visitors a taste of Kentucky horse country through an LGBTQ+-friendly lens. Whether you’re a polo enthusiast or simply in it for the vibes, the Gay Polo League delivers a one-of-a-kind social scene that merges sport, spectacle and community in an unforgettable setting.

Kentucky Black Pride Festival – Date TBD - Kentucky Black Pride Festival is a vital celebration honoring Black LGBTQ+ culture, creativity and community across the Commonwealth. The multi-day festival typically includes parties, performances, educational programming, health and wellness initiatives and social events designed to uplift Black queer voices and create meaningful connections. Rooted in empowerment and visibility, Kentucky Black Pride offers visitors a powerful opportunity to engage with the intersection of race, culture and LGBTQ+ identity in a way that is both celebratory and deeply community-driven.