The Las Vegas Pride Parade and Festival is an annual event that brings together members of the LGBTQ+ community, along with LGBTQ+ businesses, and allies in a massive celebration in northern and Downtown Las Vegas. The festival and parade celebrate inclusion, diversity, love, and equality for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The first Las Vegas Pride festival was held in 1983 and at the time only attracted a couple of hundred people. Today the scene is much different, with tens of thousands of attendees each year. The festival offers fun, entertainment, educational experiences, and a Pride Night parade to top it off.
The Las Vegas Pride Festival and Parade is one of the biggest events for the city. Here’s the scoop on the festival, parade, and all the details you need to know.
Las Vegas Pride Events
The Las Vegas Pride Festival is held at the Craig Ranch Regional Park in North Las Vegas. The park is 170 acres, with a 7-acre amphitheater, providing lots of space for Pride Festival activities.
Each year headline musical artists take to the main stage, sharing their music and turning the festival into a party. Past headliners that have played on the main parade stage include Slayyter, Jiggly Caliente, and Mila Jam. There’s also a long list of artists that you can catch on the Rainbow Stage and the Amphitheater Stage.
With a party the size of Vegas Pride, you know there’s gotta be more than just great music. There are also food booths, educational booths, a kids zone (kids must be accompanied by an adult), and an adult-only (18+) area, which is the only area of the event that isn’t family-friendly.
Overall, the vibe at the daytime festival is pretty chill and relaxed. It’s a great environment for family, friends, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
Las Vegas Pride Parade
The Las Vegas Pride Parade, put on by the Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, is a highlight of the Vegas Pride events. Far from your typical parade, you can expect things to be a bit more over the top with lots of glitz and glamor, with Pride flags flying through the breeze.
Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas is closed off for the parade, which isn’t just for your entertainment. The downtown parade is also judged by a panel of expert judges, looking to judge each entry on its creativity, penchant for being over the top, and overall flair and glamor. It’s a tough job but somebody has to do it!
The parade route generally begins at Gass Ave, then heads toward Ogden Avenue. The main parade stage is located at Bridger Ave (at the corner of 4th and Bridger Ave), which is just about two blocks south of the famous Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas.
The After Party
Speaking of the Fremont Street Experience, after the parade is when the unofficial Las Vegas Pride events take place all throughout the downtown area. You don’t want to miss the after-party where the bars, clubs, and nightlife scene along Fremont Street in Las Vegas come to life and the party continues on until the wee hours of the morning.
Las Vegas Pride Dates & Times
Dates for the Pride events change annually, but the festival and parade are usually held in October on a Friday or Saturday. The 2022 Vegas Pride Parade is scheduled for October 7th, beginning at 7 pm. The Pride Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 8th, with the festival lasting all day.
Las Vegas Pride Admission
Admission to the parade is always free…the trick is getting there early enough to find a good spot. For the festival itself, general admission is about $20-$25 depending on whether you purchase your tickets online or at the gate. Discounted tickets for seniors and youths (ages 6-17) are available, and children under the age of 6 are always free.
FAQs
What time is Las Vegas Pride?
The Vegas Pride Festival at the park generally starts around 11 am and continues throughout the day. The Parade that occurs the night before usually begins at 7 pm.
Is Vegas LGBTQ friendly?
Yes, Las Vegas is a very progressive city and is known for celebrating diversity of all types. Las Vegas has won accolades from the Gay Travel Awards, including destination of the year. Las Vegas is also home to LGBTQ+ friendly events, including the annual Pride Festival and Parade.
What is Vegas Pride?
Vegas Pride is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that happens annually in Las Vegas, Nevada. There’s a festival and parade as part of the celebration. u003cbru003e
How many people go to Las Vegas Pride?
What started out as a relatively small festival with just a couple of hundred attendees has turned into one of the most popular events in Sin City. Annually, the festival draws in tens of thousands of attendees and visitors. u003cbru003e
Join the LGBTQ+ Community at Las Vegas Pride
The Pride Parade & Festival put on by the Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE is one of the hottest annual events in Las Vegas. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, a family member, friend, or ally, this is one festival that you don’t want to miss!