Kentuckiana is preparing for one of its largest and celebrations of the year as the Kentuckiana Pride Festival returns on Saturday, June 20. Held at the Great Lawn in Waterfront Park, the daylong event is expected to draw tens of thousands of people in a colorful celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and community.

Senior Chance King is very active in attending festivals.

“I attend several every year. For example Nashville, Southern Indiana, Louisville and Clark County Pride. I love to see all the companies that come and support our community,” King said.

Organized by the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation, the festival has grown into one of the main Pride events in Kentucky and it attracts more than 20,000 participants each year, according to GoToLouisville. This year’s festival marks its 26th year running, continuing a tradition of advocacy and celebration.

Freshman Cass Hartweck explained that the atmosphere is great and it’s a great way to support the LGBTQ+ community.
“Go! Go to the festival, whether you are queer or an ally, go. Go support the LGBTQ, go support others, do you,” Hartweck said. “Don’t listen to what ignorant people have to say. All that matters is that you’re proud of who you are. Fight for your rights. Love yourself and whoever, no matter what gender.”

Festivities will begin at noon with the annual Kentuckiana Pride Parade, which goes through downtown Louisville before ending near the Big Four Lawn. From there, the festival continues until 10 p.m., there will be a full schedule of entertainment and activities for people of all ages.

The festival grounds will host more than 100 vendors, including local artists, nonprofits, and businesses as well as different food trucks and community organizations. Attendees can also enjoy live entertainment from two different stages, with performances from national touring acts to local drag artists and musicians.

Family-friendly programming continues to be a key focus. Organizers have planned dedicated youth activities earlier in the day, which helps keep the atmosphere inclusive among the younger demographic. According to event information, the celebration is open to all ages, with children and seniors getting free admission, teens and adult tickets are $10 each.

The Kentuckiana Pride Festival is about more than entertainment, it’s about promoting social and economic equality for the LGBTQ+ community. The festival not only celebrates identity and culture but it also provides a platform for education and advocacy.

“The young LGBTQ members I’ve seen are so inclusive and will include you almost no matter what,” Hartweck said. “They shape and encourage people to go and love whoever, which is unlike most adults which is crazy to think about. I want to see the affection of each other, I want to see the outfits and the pride! I’m not the type who likes romance and it’s confusing but I don’t necessarily mind seeing it. I also want to see myself being me and supported. My seventh grade self would really be happy. I’m gonna exclude the homophobes from this, but for Queer teens, this influences conversation for support. Some kids don’t get support, but other teens will help and give support.”

These events that raise awareness are also a great way to help begin taking action on making an active change, especially with the younger people going to them, it could help people start taking a look at what they could change within their workplaces, schools, etc.

“Queer history needs to be taught in schools!!” King said. “Queer people were killed in the Holocaust, AMERICAN politicians deliberately legislated HIV/AIDS with the attempt to kill queer men, and Transgender minors lose more rights in the US than any other population.”

Set against the backdrop of the Ohio River, Waterfront Park offers a very scenic venue for the festival. Its location in downtown Louisville makes it easily accessible, it’s recommended you carpool with some friends because parking is going to be extremely limited.