Fort Wayne Pride

Fort Wayne Pride is Indiana’s second-largest LGBTQ Pride Festival, celebrating its 27th year in 2024. It takes place over two days, July 26-27, at Headwaters Park in downtown Fort Wayne. The event features two stages of entertainment, nearly 200 vendor booths including retail, businesses, and nonprofits, a beer tent, food concessions, and a dedicated KidSpace for children with games, crafts, and a moonwalk. It is family-friendly, with age restrictions after 8 p.m. to maintain a suitable atmosphere. Admission charges apply, with children under 5 admitted free.

The festival atmosphere is vibrant and inclusive, designed to celebrate and promote visibility for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, with a lively mix of music, performances, and interactive activities in a scenic downtown park setting. It has a festive and supportive vibe, suitable for all ages during most daytime hours.

A rough schedule for the typical 2024 event includes:

• Friday evening (starting 5 p.m.): Festival kickoff with local entertainment on two stages, ongoing until late at night (restrictions for children under 5 after 8 p.m.).
• Saturday (starting noon): Festival activities resume with vendor market, food, and KidSpace open.
• 2 p.m. Saturday: Pride March begins, starting just north of the pavilion at Headwaters Park, proceeding through downtown Fort Wayne, then returning to the park. This march symbolizes community solidarity and visibility.
• Saturday evening (after 5 p.m.): Ticket prices increase; the Saturday night drag show is the largest single event, featuring three hours of nonstop performances, not suitable for young children after 8 p.m.
• Festival activities continue until midnight on Saturday.

The event’s history spans over 27 years, marking it as a long-standing cultural and heritage celebration in Allen County, originating as a community-driven effort to foster LGBTQ+ inclusivity, awareness, and pride locally. It has grown to be one of Indiana’s most significant Pride events, reflecting the evolving presence and contributions of LGBTQ people in the region.

Key activities at Fort Wayne Pride include:

• Live entertainment on main and community stages featuring music, drag performances, and other acts
• The Pride March through downtown Fort Wayne
• Vendor market with nearly 200 booths offering products, services, and nonprofit outreach
• Food and beverage options including a beer tent
• KidSpace area with free activities—games, crafts, and a moonwalk for children
• Drag shows and special performances as headline events, especially on Saturday night

Accessibility is a priority, with the festival being handicapped accessible. The event also emphasizes safety and inclusivity throughout its duration.

Overall, Fort Wayne Pride is a multi-faceted, family-friendly cultural event that combines celebration, community engagement, and advocacy within a lively and supportive downtown urban setting.