As home to one of the largest networks of regional Pride celebrations, St. Louis has a calendar already jam-packed with events, but the party keeps going throughout the summer and fall across the region.
Soulard Pride kicked things off with its golf cart parade, and our extended season wraps up with the beloved Tower Gove Pride in September. This year, it seems Pride celebrations are more crucial than ever. Missouri’s state legislature could barely pass any legislation (which is definitely for the best), but it did manage to pass a ban on minors starting transgender health care and a ban that prevents transgender minors from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identities.
In the face of these regressive laws, what the world needs now is some defiant queer joy as folks dig in to keep fighting for their rights.
Soulard Pride
Soulard Pride took place on June 10 but should be on your radar going forward. Dozens of adorned golf carts parade through the historic district, and the block of Menard between Russell and Allen is filled with festivities.
PrideFest
June 24 & 25
Downtown St. Louis on Tucker Boulevard between Market and Olive streets
Head downtown for PrideFest 2023, where you can see live entertainment including dance club diva CeCe Peniston and Broadway star Idina Menzel, shop vendors and get some tasty food. Entrance to the event is free, but a $5 donation is strongly encouraged. The highlight of the weekend might be the Grand Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25. Starting at noon from Eighth and Market streets, the parade will head down Market to 18th Street with the Arch as a backdrop. PrideFest is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. For more information about the live music schedule, VIP experience, food court and more, visit pridestl.org/pridefest2023.
Pride St. Charles Festival
June 17
The Family Arena
2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles
This family friendly festival is returning to the Family Arena on Saturday, June 17. The parade, which was canceled last year, has also been canceled for this year, but there will still be plenty to celebrate from noon to 7 p.m. at this free event. Check pridestcharles.org/pride-festival for details.
Black Pride STL Weekend
August 3 through August 6
Multiple locations
Black Pride St. Louis centers on the Black LGBTQ+ community, which is often marginalized at other festivals. A night of comedy at Prism STL (4510 Manchester Avenue) kicks off the fest from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 3. Friday will be Friday Night Lights: A Black Pride Nightlife Experience, with a location to be determined, followed by a Unity Walk on Saturday at 10 a.m. Also on Saturday is the highlight of the week, the Black Pride Expo at the Polish Heritage Center (1413 North 20th Street) from noon to 6 p.m. Wrap up the celebration with a non-denominational worship service starting at noon on Sunday at The Sanctuary (3646 Fairview Avenue) or at a brunch, location to be determined, starting at 11 a.m. Check out blackpridestl.org for more information.
Tower Grove Pride
September 23 & 24
Tower Grove Park
The lush Tower Grove Park holds a special place in the community’s heart, and the relaxed Tower Grove Pride has the feel of a family reunion as folks settle in for the day on hammocks and blankets. The 10th edition of the festival will feature 250 booths, two stages and a walking parade open to everyone. For more information on Tower Grove Pride, visit towergrovepride.com and sign up for the newsletter.
Illinois
Many trans folks are migrating to the Illinois side of the region in the wake of Missouri’s draconian legislation. Alton and Belleville have long been the queer epicenters of the area, and both host their own events.
Metro East Pride Block Party
June 17
Shoehorn Brewing – Paderborn Square
225 East Main Street, Belleville, Illinois
The Metro East Pride got started in 2008 when a group of women wanted to host a barbecue in Belleville that would also celebrate the area’s diversity, according to the organization’s website. The block party starts at 7 p.m., and while the lineup hadn’t been announced by press time, past entertainers included Voice finalist Kristen Merlin, the Gateway Men’s Chorus and Super Fun Yeah Yeah Rocketship. So expect a good time and check its website metroeastpride.org for information about the Metro East Pride Royalty Pageant and a full event lineup.
Alton Pride Festival
September 9
Belle Street between Fourth and Seventh streets
Dubbed “The Bi-Muda Triange” for its sexual fluidity, laid-back Alton has a festive and fun community with very little drama. Last year’s Alton Pride Festival was so heavily attended that it ran out of food by 3 p.m. This year, the three-block festival, taking place Saturday, September 9, from noon to 10 p.m., will feature 60 vendors, live music, drag performers, a youth zone, pet adoption and plenty of food. Visit altonpride.com/alton-pride-festival for more information.
Chris Andoe contributed reporting to this article.
