What to know about the 2026 Rainbows Festival happening this weekend

Rainbows Festival returns to Heritage Square on March 28 and 29, bringing a massive street fair packed with vendors, performances and tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ locals and allies to downtown Phoenix.

It’s not just a party. It’s a full-on love fest rooted in a sense of community.

This year’s theme, “Love Lights the Way,” doubles as both message and mission. Alongside two stages of entertainment and hundreds of vendor tents, the festival will spotlight the Respect for Marriage Arizona Education Campaign, a 2026 effort led by ONE Community and Equality Arizona aimed at protecting marriage equality.

Here’s everything to know about Rainbows Festival 2026 in Phoenix.

What is the Rainbows Festival?

Rainbows Festival launched in 2002 and has grown into a staple of Phoenix’s LGBTQ+ community. Each spring, the street fair takes over historic Heritage Square, drawing more than 20,000 people and ranking as Arizona’s second-largest LGBTQ+ event.

Produced by the team behind Phoenix Pride, the festival is open to people of any gender identity or sexual orientation and packs more than 150 vendors, two stages of live entertainment and a laidback, block party vibe.

When is Rainbows Festival 2026?

Rainbows Festival returns to downtown Phoenix on Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29.

What time is Rainbows Festival?

The festival runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Entertainment starts at 11 a.m. across multiple stages at Heritage Square.

After-parties take place at Phoenix LGBTQ+ bars each night after the festival.

Where is Rainbows Festival in Phoenix?

The festival takes over Heritage Square, 115 N. Sixth St., and surrounding blocks in downtown Phoenix. It stretches from Fifth to Seventh streets and from Monroe to Adams streets.

Rainbows Festival schedule Saturday

• 11 a.m.: Visionaries X, Main Stage
• 11 a.m.: Junior Pride Pageant, Community Stage
• 12:15 p.m.: Monique Hasbun, Main Stage
• 1 p.m.: Pride Contestant Review Show, Community Stage
• 1:15 p.m.: Ruby Reynolds Latin Hour, Main Stage
• 2:15 p.m.: Devilz Playground, Main Stage
• 2:45 p.m.: ICONS Impersonation Show, Main Stage
• 3 p.m.: Imperial Court of Arizona, Community Stage
• 3:45 p.m.: Pride Royalty Hour, Main Stage
• 4 p.m.: Klark & Zotic present Royal Flush, Community Stage
• 5 p.m.: Femme Shui, Main Stage
• 6 p.m.: Cirque Du So Trey, Community Stage

Rainbows Festival schedule Sunday

• 11 a.m.: Respect for Marriage AZ pledge signing, Main Stage
• 11 a.m.: Hott Kommodity, Community Stage
• Noon: Mariela, Community Stage
• Noon to 6 p.m.: Communi-Tea Dance feat. DJ Danny Verde, Main Stage
• 2 p.m.: Boys Are Back at Rainbows, Community Stage
• 3:15 p.m.: Mandy Slate, Community Stage
• 4 p.m.: Ego Death, Community Stage

Rainbows Festival tickets and admission

Admission to the festival is free. No tickets are required.

Who can attend?

Rainbows Festival is an all-ages event open to everyone. Jeremy Helfgot, a festival spokesperson, told Phoenix New Times in 2023 the event is built on inclusivity, not gatekeeping.

“We welcome people who may have never interacted with the LGBTQ+ community or aren’t familiar with its history or culture,” Helfgot says.

Parking in downtown Phoenix

Street parking near Heritage Square runs $1 to $1.50 per hour, but spots fill quickly on busy weekends. You can use the ParkMobile app to reserve and pay for a spot in advance.

Nearby garages include Heritage Square Garage, 123 N. Fifth St., and Phoenix Convention Center East Garage, 601 E. Washington St. Spaces can be purchased online through the Park PHX website. Prices range from $20 to $50 per vehicle, per day.

Free park-and-ride lots along the Valley Metro Rail are another easy option. Light rail fares are $2 per ride or $4 for an all-day pass.

Rainbows Festival entrances

You can enter Rainbows Festival at Seventh and Adams streets, Seventh and Monroe streets, and Fifth and Monroe streets.

What to bring to Rainbows Festival

Festivalgoers should plan for a full day outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a fully charged phone are recommended. A government-issued ID is also advised.

Bags and backpacks are allowed but will be searched at entry. Pets are permitted but must remain on a leash at all times.

What isn’t allowed at Rainbows Festival

Items prohibited at Rainbows Festival include the following:

• Weapon or item that could be used as a weapon
• Tasers or laser pointers
• Chemicals, poisons or hazardous materials
• Explosive or incendiary devices
• Outside alcoholic beverages
• Glass bottles
• Outside food and drink (except sealed bottles of water)
• Skateboards or rollerblades
• CamelBaks or hydration packs
• Any drugs (except prescriptions or over-the-counter products in their original containers)
• Anything else security determines could adversely affect the event

Is cannabis allowed at Rainbows Festival?

No. Cannabis use isn’t permitted due to Heritage Square being city property.

Vendors at Rainbows Festival

More than 150 vendors will fill Heritage Square and surrounding streets, with tents, booths and food trucks set up across the festival.

Expect a mix of food and drink options, local businesses, national brands, and a strong presence from community organizations and nonprofit groups.