Kansas City PrideFest

Kansas City PrideFest is a joyous and colorful celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and community held annually in Missouri's largest city, Kansas City. This event is a fun-filled weekend of parades, parties, and performances that attract thousands of revelers from all over the nation.

History

PrideFest has a courageous history dating back to the mid-1970s when a group of fearless activists staged the first gay pride parade in Kansas City. This bold statement of pride and unity has blossomed into the largest LGBTQ+ celebration in the state that caters to all ages and interests.

Pride Details

The Pride weekend Kansas City festivities kick off with a vibrant parade, featuring floats, music, and performers snaking through downtown Kansas City, cheered on by thousands of spectators. The parade is followed by an energetic block party featuring live music, scrumptious food, and thirst-quenching drinks.

The vibrant pulse of Kansas City PrideFest is fueled by a range of electrifying live performances showcasing diverse musical genres, from local talent to national stars. Partygoers can groove to the beats of pop, rock, hip hop, and electronic music, or bask in the spectacle of drag shows, comedy acts, and spoken word performances.

Popular Gay Bars & Clubs

Local hot spots around Kansas City - Hamburger Mary's, Missie B's, Sidestreet Bar, Bistro 303, Sidekicks Saloon, and Woody’s KC.

Why Pride Is Important

Kansas City PrideFest is not all about revelry and frivolity. It is also a vital platform for highlighting the challenges that confront the LGBTQ+ community, especially with the current legislation being passed across the country limiting civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

All in all, Kansas City PrideFest is an exuberant and lively celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you're seeking to dance the night away, discover something new, or immerse yourself in the atmosphere, there's something for everyone at this vibrant and marvelous event. Don your rainbow hues, rally your posse, and head to Kansas City to savor the magic of Kansas City PrideFest for yourself!

Festival - June 7 - 9

The festival is located at Theis Park, 47th & Oak St., across from the Nelson-Atkins Museum. You may enter the park from the West entrance located on Oak Street close to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. or by the East entrance located at the roundabout inside the Kauffman Memorial Garden parking lot. After the festival, the bars and clubs near downtown and KC's Midtown-Westport District (just south of the city center) will have late night events for you party animals!

Pride Parade - Saturday, June 8

The pride parade kicks off from Westport Rd. & Broadway Blvd. The parade will march south on Broadway, continue onto Mill Creek Parkway, where it will turn left onto Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. and continue to the endpoint at Theis Park. There is no charge to view the parade, just find your favorite location along the route to cheer on your favorite floats, organizations and marchers!