My favorite weekend of the summer is here! Pride weekend is by far the happiest day of summer. The parade, the food, the flags, the music, the dances. Last year Columbus’ Pride festival passed Chicago in size and we expect nothing less this year. But there are so many more ways to celebrate Pride this weekend beyond the festival. So here are 13 of the best Pride events going on this weekend!
Columbus Pride Festival
What: The Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival gets bigger every year with tons of amazing musical performances, drag shows, food trucks, vendors and more! The festival goes on Friday and Saturday so come ready to celebrate! On Friday see performers like Liberty Deep Down and Nedra Bell with Stephanie’s Child and more. On Saturday catch The BluJanes, Martha Wash, Honey and Blue, and more.
When: Friday, June 15 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Genoa Park and Bicentennial Park
Big LGBTQ Dance Party
What: Vice President Mike Pence is coming to Columbus and we’re welcoming him with a big LGBTQ dance party! Due to his less than favorable record with the LGBTQ community, Columbus wanted to show him that we are an accepting and loving place. The dance will feature some big-name drag queens like Virginia West and Sable Coate. Grab your rainbows and your dancing shoes for an afternoon full of Pride and smiles.
When: Friday June 15, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Outside the Renaissance Hotel Downtown Columbus
Jaeger Run For Pride 5k 2018
What: The annual Jaeger Run for Pride 5k is this Friday! All proceeds go to benefit local LGBT+ civic groups. Registration is $35.
When: Friady, June 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: Scioto Mile
AAAGIRLS at Axis Nightclub
What: The AAAGIRLS- Courtney, William, and Alaska will be at Axis Nightclub for the TORSO Swimwear Show. Tickets start at $20. This is an epic and enjoyable way to support the LGBT+ entertainment industry.
When: Friday, June 15 at 6 p.m.
Where: Axis Nightclub
Pride Worship Service
What: Broad Street United Methodist Church is hosting it’s annual Pride Worship Service this Friday. Religion and Pride aren’t always a likely combination, but this church shows it’s Pride every year as a welcoming place of worship.
When: Friday, June 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: Broad Street United Methodist Church
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing Company Pride Kick-Off Fundaraiser
What:Wolf’s Ridge Brewing Company is partnering with Kaleidoscope Youth Center for a Pride kick-off. They will be donating part of the proceeds to Kaleidoscope as well as giving discounts to people who are showing their Pride with rainbow attire!
When: Friday, June 15 from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Wolf’s Ridge Brewing Company
Columbus Pride Parade
What: This will be the 37th year of the Columbus Pride Parade! The parade starts at Goodale and High at 10:30 a.m. Click here for the route map!
When: Saturday, June 16 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Starts at Goodale and High and ends at Genoa Park
Pride Party at Land-Grant
What: Land-Grant Brewing Company will be keeping the pride party rolling at their taproom close to the pride festival! After you’ve seen all the festival sights, head down to Land Grant!
When: Saturday, June 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Land-Grant Brewing Taproom and Beer Garden
Kiss My Biscuits Pride Drag Brunch
What: Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet at Union Cafe with drag queens Virginia West, Amanda Sue, Bianca Debonair, Candy Panties, and Roxy Nikole. Kick off Pride morning right and reserve your table here!
When: Saturday, June 16 Seating begins at 8 a.m. Show starts at 9 a.m.
Where: Union Cafe
Pride at Brewdog
What: Brewdog knows Pride is a staple of the Columbus summer experience, so just for us they’re opening their Short North location at 8 a.m. Stop by to celebrate pride with food trucks and drink specials.
When: Saturday, June 16 8 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Where: Brewdog Short North
Pride at the Taproom
What: Sideswipe Brewing is celebrating Pride this Saturday by donating $1 from every beer or six-pack sold to Equality Ohio! So take this opportunity to drink a beer and feel good about it!
When: Saturday, June 16 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Sideswipe Brewing
Bat n’ Rouge
What: Nina West and Virginia West are hosting the 33rd annual Bat n’ Rouge! The Columbus Lesbian and Gay Softball Association puts on this charity game every Pride weekend to support local LGBT+ organizations.
When: Sunday, June 17 Gates open at 12 p.m. First pitch at 3 p.m.
Where: Dodge Park
Pride Sunday Brunch
What: The Pride celebration doesn’t stop at the festival. The Sunday Brunch tradition continues with a buffet at Union Cafe. Reserve your table here!
When: Sunday, June 17 at 10 a.m.
Where: Union Cafe
