PHOENIX – The 2024 Phoenix Pride Festival returns this weekend, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with an exciting lineup of events, performances, and a parade that will light up the streets of downtown Phoenix. While many Pride festivals across the nation are held in June, Phoenix celebrates in the fall due to the city’s scorching summer heat.
The 43rd annual Phoenix Pride Festival will kick off on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Steele Indian School Park, located near Central Avenue and Indian School Road. On Sunday, the festival continues with the Phoenix Pride Parade, which will begin at 10 a.m. on Third Street, stretching between Thomas and Indian School Roads.
This year’s parade is set to be a colorful and lively event, featuring over 3,000 participants and an expected 10,000 spectators. Community Grand Marshals, including Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza of Barrio Queen, American Idol star David Hernandez, and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, will lead the parade. The event is free and open to all ages, offering a fun and inclusive experience for the whole family.
Who’s Performing at Phoenix Pride 2024?
The theme for this year’s festival is Born This Way, paying tribute to the iconic Lady Gaga song. All of the headlining performers are members of the LGBTQ+ community, making this year’s lineup particularly special.
Here’s the schedule for the Circle K Main Stage on Saturday:
- Wendy Guevara at 6 p.m.
- Slayyyter at 7 p.m.
- Saucy Santana at 8 p.m.
On Sunday, the Circle K Main Stage will feature:
- The Scarlet Opera at 6 p.m.
- Vassy at 7 p.m.
- David Archuleta at 8 p.m.
Phoenix Pride Executive Director Mike Fornelli emphasized the significance of the lineup, stating, “This year’s headlining acts reflect how far our community has come. We now have a wealth of talent who feel safe to live openly and authentically, which was unimaginable when Phoenix Pride began 43 years ago.”
What Else Can You Expect?
In addition to the main stage performances, the festival will feature six other stages spread across more than 60 acres of festival grounds. The ¡Club Papi! Fiesta Caliente Latin Stage will showcase top-tier performers, including Drag Race Mexico Season 1 winner Christian Peralta and contestant Gala Varo, who will perform on both Saturday and Sunday. Fans of Miss Vanjie can also catch her on the Latin stage on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
More than 300 exhibitors will also be present, offering a variety of foods, arts, crafts, and merchandise.
Organizers expect this year’s festival to attract over 55,000 attendees, making it one of the largest Pride events in Arizona.
Ticket Information
Admission is free for children under 12 and active military members. Discounted tickets at $15 are available at the gate for teens aged 13-17, seniors 55+, and former military members. For adults 18 and over, several ticket packages are available:
- General Admission (2-day with express entry): $50
- General Admission (1-day with express entry): $35
- General Admission (1-day): $30
- VIP (2-day): $160
- VIP (1-day): $110
For those looking to keep the party going, Walter Studios will host the official AfterParty, with general admission priced at $45 and a VIP upgrade available for an additional $10.
Volunteers who contribute at least four hours of work at the festival will receive free admission. Those interested in volunteering can contact [email protected] for details.
A Celebration with Purpose
While the Phoenix Pride Festival is a joyful celebration, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality. “We live in a state that still doesn’t grant equal protections to our community in housing, employment, and public accommodations,” said Fornelli. “This year’s festival and parade will also serve as a strong and undeniable reminder that we still have a lot of work to do, to ensure that everyone in our community can live openly and freely in their true identity.”
For more information on the Phoenix Pride Festival, including the full schedule and tickets, visit the Phoenix Pride website.
