Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

Lexington Pride Festival Returns to Outdoor Celebrations

Attendees celebrating during the Lexington Pride Festival 2023.

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News Summary

The 17th annual Lexington Pride Festival is set to take place outdoors on June 28, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., after two years of indoor celebrations. With over 15,000 attendees last year, the festival brings a lively atmosphere featuring drag shows, food vendors, and more, while enhancing visibility and community inclusion. Safety measures, including shade tents and free water, will ensure a comfortable experience for all. Mayor Linda Gorton and other city officials express enthusiasm for the event’s return to outdoor festivities, aiming to celebrate diversity and unity.

Lexington Pride Festival Set for June 28 Return to Outdoor Celebrations

The 17th annual Lexington Pride Festival is returning outdoors on Saturday, June 28, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. After being held inside the Central Bank Center for the previous two years, due to air conditioning issues and accessibility concerns, the festival is moving back outside to enhance visibility and foster community inclusion. The event will take place on Oliver Lewis Way, between South Broadway and High Street.

In 2022, the festival attracted over 15,000 attendees, making it the largest fundraiser for the Lexington Pride Center. The indoor setting, while necessary for certain logistical reasons, left some participants feeling “hidden,” prompting organizers to make the shift back to an outdoor venue. Jason Schubert, the president of the festival, outlined the goal of increasing visibility and community presence through this change.

Event Highlights and Attractions

This year’s festival promises a vibrant lineup of activities, including drag shows, food and beverage vendors, and a myriad of entertainment options. Over 200 vendors are expected to participate, contributing to a lively atmosphere that wasn’t available during the past indoor events. A Pride Parade will kick off the day’s festivities, leading straight into the excitement of the first drag show, encouraging early attendance and community engagement.

Mayor Linda Gorton expressed enthusiasm about the festival’s return to an outdoor setting, praising the dedication of volunteers who help organize the event. City council member Jennifer Reynolds further emphasized that an outdoor festival makes for a more welcoming experience while visibly celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.

Safety and Accessibility Measures

In light of ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees, the festival will incorporate various safety measures. This includes shade tents, offering free water to participants, and designated accessible viewing areas. These features aim to create a more inclusive environment for everyone present at the festival.

A special element titled “Pride After Dark” is set for the later hours of the festival, featuring adult performances within a 21+ space, adding another layer of celebration to the event.

Community Involvement and Fundraising

The Lexington Pride Festival is part of a larger series of events leading up to Lexington’s 250th anniversary, which will take place in June. The festival plays a crucial role in fundraising efforts for the Lexington Pride Center, which provides services to the LGBTQIA+ community year-round. Continued collaboration with local organizations, such as the Lexington Community Land Trust, will enhance community involvement and support.

Community backing is not only encouraged but also essential for the festival’s success. Opportunities for sponsorship and vendor participation are available, further integrating local businesses and entities into the celebration of diversity and inclusion.

As anticipation builds for this year’s event, organizers are optimistic that the outdoor setting will reinvigorate the festival’s spirit, allowing the community to come together in celebration of pride, acceptance, and unity.