Pride in the CLE

Pride in the CLE 2025

Pride in the CLE is set to be one of the most exciting and colorful events of the year in Cleveland (CLE for short from the airport codes). This celebration of diversity and inclusivity will take place in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Ohio, and promises to be a day of joy, laughter, and fun for all of the LGBTQ+ community.

Festival - June 6 - June 8

On Friday, the city is filled with people from all over the city, beginning with celebrations in the bars and clubs around the city, especially in Lakewood, downtown and Cleveland Heights. The mainstay of the festivities will be occurring on Saturday, hosting the festival at the landscaped Mall B & C in Cleveland. The festival is open from 11 am until 6 pm. There will be top notch performances from local DJs and international acts, drag stars and fabulous performers for everyone.

Pride Parade - Saturday, June 7

The pride parade traditionally leaves the staging area from Front Avenue and West 9th Street, turning on West 6th street and St. Claire Avenue then proceeds to The Mall for a festival with an amazing array of vendors, food spots and celebrations! The parade is a testament to the creativity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, and is quite a sight to behold, so come out and show off your celebration of love, diversity and pride.

History

The origins of Cleveland Pride can be traced back to 1989, when a small group of LGBTQ+ activists held the first-ever pride march in the city. Since then, the event has grown in popularity and size, becoming one of the largest and most vibrant pride celebrations in the Midwest United States. Pride is particularly poignant in our world where divisiveness and discrimination continue to be major issues, and serves as a reminder that we are all stronger when we come together.

Event Details

Pride Weekend Cleveland festivities will kick off Friday night with all the bars and clubs in the city filling up with patrons from all over the city and outer suburbs. The highlight of the weekend begins Saturday where thousands of marchers, decked out in rainbow colors, will make their way through the heart of downtown, accompanied by lively music and cheering crowds for the pride parade.

The parade will finish off at the landscaped park at Malls B & C, which is where the pride festivities will be held. The festival is a huge celebration of all things LGBTQ+, with a diverse range of activities, entertainment, and food options. Attendees can browse the stalls of local vendors, catch a performance on one of the stages, or simply relax in the sun with friends and family.

In addition to the festivities, Cleveland Pride will also be a space for education and advocacy. A series of workshops and talks will be held throughout the day, covering topics such as queer history, human rights, and social justice. These sessions will be led by experts in their fields, and provide an opportunity for attendees to learn, engage, and connect with others in the community.

Check Out Some of the Gay Bars Around Cleveland

Leather Stallion Saloon, Happy Dog, ABC the Tavern, Twist Social Club, Cocktails Cleveland, or The Hawk.

Cleveland Bisexual & Gay Sauna

For the more adventurous, the famous gay sauna FLEXSpas is open 24 hours, all weekend long.

Bottom Line

Pride in the CLE promises to be a fantastic day out for all. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or simply want to show your support for a more diverse and inclusive world, this event is not to be missed. So mark your calendars, dust off your rainbow flags, and get ready to celebrate in style around Cleveland!