Denver Pride weekend is almost here, and it’s a big one — year 50! As you gear up for the city’s annual Pride parade and accompanying festivities, I’ve got the need-to-know info to make sure you’re properly hydrated, sunscreened, and fully prepped for a fun, safe, rainbow-filled weekend.
When, Where, and How
The parade kicks off Sunday at 9:30 a.m. from the corner of Colfax Avenue and Franklin Street. It will proceed along Colfax to Civic Center Park, where PrideFest will take place from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (and again on Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.). Both the parade and the festival are free.
Show Up Early and Prepare for Crowds
With a turnout of more than 100,000 people anticipated for the parade, viewers are encouraged to nab their spot early. (There will be areas reserved for accessible seating that will include space for wheelchair users and ASL interpreters.) Parking downtown is hard to come by even when it’s not Pride weekend, so I’d recommend utilizing a rideshare option. Here are some suggested bicycle parking spots and other parking tips.
- Pro-tip: The festival gets packed, too. PrideFest vets suggest eating before you go (to avoid long lines) and bringing your own water.
A PrideFest grounds map. (via Denver Pride)
Check the Forecast
Currently, the weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday is mostly sunny with temps in the upper-80s and a chance for afternoon thunderstorms, so plan to pack your hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a rain jacket or umbrella. I’d recommend double checking the forecast before heading out the door, though — we all know how fickle Colorado weather can be!
The Dos and Don’ts
You can find an exhaustive list of festival rules here, but two big ones worth noting: 1) Pets are not allowed; 2) bags are allowed, but are subject to search.
Bookmark This!
- It’s the 50th anniversary of Denver Pride — get a T-shirt to commemorate it.
- Plan your day around the drag lineup and DJ schedule.
- Need info on the go? Download the new Denver Pride mobile app.
- Orient yourself with the PrideFest map (pictured above).
- Keep the party going with official Denver Pride events, as well as some lowkey community celebrations.
