Jacob Tyler Dunn
Audio By Carbonatix
As temperatures become slightly more hospitable in the Valley, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies get ready for the 44th anniversary of the Phoenix Pride festival and parade. Held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 19, the weekend-long celebration is centered around pride, resilience and the power that comes from differences.
“Pride events and festivals just in their existence, just by taking place, sends a message,” says Jeremy Helfgot, a spokesperson for Phoenix Pride. The large-scale event is “for the community to be seen and the rest of the community to be reminded that the LGBTQ+ community is here and not going away.”
Between last year’s parade bomb threat, the increased hostility towards diversity facilitated by the Trump administration and anxieties over ICE enforcement, a moment of safe communal celebration is in order.
“It is, you know, the one time of year where our entire community and all our allies can come together and just forget about all the troubles of the world and just celebrate and have fun,” says Mike Fornelli, executive director of Phoenix Pride. “We want people to find their power and be able to stand up for themselves as opposed to being scared, which I think is some of the intention of the current administration.”
Event coordinators worked diligently to ensure the highest levels of security for attendees, preparing for all circumstances, including having systems in place if ICE makes an unwelcome appearance.
This year’s Pride includes 150 entertainment performances across five stages and over 300 exhibitors showcasing a huge variety of food, shopping and community resources.
The event welcomes any and all people attending with positive participation intentions. Considered to be Arizona’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration of the year, hosting around 55,000 attendees during the two-day celebration, guests are assured an energetic, fun-filled experience.
“The community is widely spread out and having a place that everybody can come, even if it’s just over the weekend, to hopefully shed the fear and concern, is important,” Helfgot says. “It’s an experience of freedom and authenticity.”
Leakedglass Photography/Phoenix Pride
When and where is the Phoenix Pride festival?
Phoenix Pride takes place from 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road.
When is the Phoenix Pride parade?
The 2025 Phoenix Pride Parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, departing from Third Street and Thomas Road and ending at Steele Indian School Park. An ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter will be next to the announcer stage on Third Street and Osborn Road. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Rep. Greg Stanton will speak after the parade on the festival mainstage.
On Sunday, October 19th, Indian School Road will be closed for the Phoenix Pride Parade from Central Avenue to Seventh Street, beginning at 9 a.m. and reopening at 2 p.m.
Are there age restrictions?
The 2025 Phoenix Pride festival welcomes all ages and encourages families to attend. Certain areas of the festival, such as Erotic World, are restricted to those 18 and over with ID. You also must be 21 to purchase VIP tickets and consume alcohol.
What does it cost to attend Phoenix Pride?
Tickets are available at phoenixpride.seetickets.com. Admission options include the following:
General admission face value: $30 per day
General admission with express entry face value: $35 per day
Weekend general admission with express entry face value: $50
Discounted admission is available for teenagers ages 13 to 17 and former military personnel. Children 12 and under and active military personnel can get in for free. There is no re-entry with festival tickets.
VIP passes are $110 per day or $160 for the weekend.
Perks include access to the VIP area with an air-conditioned venue and front-of-mainstage access, fast pass line, rotating hourly themes with exclusive entertainment, a food buffet, two complimentary drinks per day and complimentary massages. VIP ticketholders also get discounted admission to the official after-party. VIP passes are only available for people 21 and over.
Michelle Sasonov
Parking, Lightrail and Taxi
The largest parking structure is located on the southeast corner of Central Avenue and Indian School Road. There will be limited parking in nearby neighborhoods and parking structures. Other close parking garages are:
- Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Midtown, 4000 N. Central Ave.
- 3200 Tower, 3200 N. Central Ave.
For $2 a ride or $4 for a day pass, the lightrail station at Central Avenue and Indian School Road drops you off three blocks from the parade and festival. Valley Metro also offers 10 free park-and-ride lots along the light rail route.
Organizers also suggest ride-sharing transportation and will have a dedicated pickup and drop-off area for attendees.
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as are adequate sun protection, a fully-charged cell phone and a government-issued ID.
What not to bring:
- Any weapon, or item that could be used as a weapon, (excluding umbrellas)
- Any chemicals, poisons, and/or hazardous materials
- Any alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, food and drink
- Any hydration backpacks or packs or coolers
- Pets or animals, other than service animals
- Any drugs, other than prescription or consumer products in their original containers. You may not smoke cannabis in a public place even with a medical marijuana card per state law.
- Skateboards or roller blades
- Any tasers, explosive devices pr incendiary devices
- Any other items that security determines will or could have an adverse effect on the event
Phoenix Pride Official Celebrations
Official Phoenix Pride After-Party: With Barbara Tucker and DJ Quinta Young. Oct. 18, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Walter Studios, 747 W. Roosevelt St. Discounted with VIP tickets or purchased separately as an add-on.
Official Post-Pride Parade Tea Dance: With Jamie J. Sanchez. Oct 19, noon to 4 p.m. at the festival dance pavilion.
Hunter Holder
Phoenix Pride 2025 Main Stage headliners
Saturday: Snow Tha Product at 7:15 p.m. and Big Freedia 8:30 p.m.
Sunday: Debby Holiday 6:30 p.m. and Todrick Hall 7:45 p.m.
The full list of performances across all five stages can be found here.
What else is at Phoenix Pride?
Other attractions at the 2025 Phoenix Pride festival will include the following:
Lakeside Silent Disco: Guests will pop on a pair of headphones and curate their listening experience from 17 different DJs.
KidSpace: A children’s play area for ages 4 to 12 with a bouncy house, music, free facepaint, creative activities and a drag story hour is available for children accompanied by a parent or guardian. Hours are Saturday 2 to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Arts Expo: A showcase for local artisans from all mediums.
Dance Pavilion: Local DJs will play high-energy dance music. On Sunday, the daytime dance party will feature DJ Jamie J Sanchez from noon to 4 p.m.
Community Spotlight Stage: Local drag artists, bands and comedians
Erotic World: An 18-and-over area with adult retailers, fetish demonstrations, exotic dancers and more.
Health and Wellness Marketplace: A quiet and more private section of the festival hosts booths from health organizations offering educational materials and resources such as HIV testing.
Water
There will be four water stations for folks to refill. Guests are permitted to bring empty reusable bottles or one unopened bottle of water of any size. Hydration backpacks, packs or coolers are not permitted.
Food and Drink
Vendors offer inclusive options for all dietary needs with various vegan, vegetarian and gluten-fee selections for purchase. Vendors will also sell soft drinks and water.
Payments
Credit Cards and ApplePay are accepted for onsite admission and beverage sales. ATMs will also be available for your convenience.
