Overview of St. Louis Gay Pride

The St. Louis Gay Pride takes place the last weekend in June—specifically on June 29 and 30. This vibrant celebration encompasses PrideFest and its hallmark Pride Parade, alongside various other events. Over the weekend, St. Louis, recognized as one of the Midwest’s largest cities, attracts a substantial crowd of LGBTQ individuals and allies from across eastern Missouri, southwestern Illinois, and other neighboring states in the Mississippi River region. While both PrideFest and the Pride Parade are free to attend, a $5 donation is highly encouraged for those able to contribute.

PrideFest unfolds at Soldiers’ Memorial Park, located in the heart of downtown’s stunning Gateway Mall, spanning two days:

• Saturday, June 29
• Sunday, June 30 (Pride Parade begins at noon)

History of St. Louis Gay Pride

The formal celebration of St. Louis Gay Pride commenced in 1980 when hundreds marched in The Lesbians and Gays Walk for Charity, originally organized by what was then known as the Magnolia Committee, now recognized as the St. Louis Lesbian & Gay Pride Celebration Committee. Given the event’s immense popularity, city officials decided to establish an annual PrideFest in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Today, PrideFest attracts over 300,000 attendees, making it one of the largest celebrations during Pride weekend, with this number steadily increasing each year.

Pride Fest Lineup

The festival features an array of attractions, including a food court, a family area, a dance pavilion, and a main stage showcasing an impressive roster of performers. Details will be updated as they become available; previous performers have included notable artists like Jordin Sparks, Laura Bell Bundy, Jessica Sanchez, Kat Deluna, Alisan Porter, Runaground, Blu Cantrell, Zach Noe Towers, Peggy Sinnott, Todd Maseterson, and the Gateway Gay Men’s Chorus, along with many others.

The St. Louis Gay Pride Parade occurs on the last Sunday of June, commencing at noon and lasting approximately two hours. The parade winds along Gateway Mall, beginning at 8th and Market Streets and continuing west along Market Street to 18th Street. The iconic Arch serves as the breathtaking backdrop and focal point of the parade.

How to Get There

PrideFest is hosted in Downtown St. Louis at Soldiers’ Memorial, providing a central location that is easily accessible via public transportation options such as MetroLink and MetroBus. Additionally, a taxi stand is available at the corner of 14th and Market. Street parking can also be located nearby, with meters free of charge on Sundays.

St. Louis LGBTQ Resources

For further information regarding local LGBTQ resources, consider visiting Vital Voice, a gay newspaper, or the St. Louis-centric Boom.LGBT website to explore details about the local scene. Furthermore, the commendable GLBT site, produced by the city’s official tourism body, the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Bureau, provides valuable insights for those interested in the vibrant LGBTQ community in St. Louis.