PrideFest 2018 Is This Weekend In Saint Louis

ST. LOUIS, MO — The city's annual LBGT pride celebration kicks of Saturday, June 23, at Soldiers' Memorial Park in downtown St. Louis. Last year, more than 300,000 attended the two-day event, according PrideFest organizers, and this year is looking even bigger.

While the event is free, organizers strongly suggest a $5 donation, with proceeds going to outreach, education and scholarships, as well as being used to support the festival itself.

This year's theme is "Remember. Rise. Respect."

A parade is scheduled for Sunday, June 24, at noon along Market Street.

"The Pride Parade has served as a method for legislators and candidates to illustrate their support of the LGBT community and the causes we support," the event's organizers say. "The parade also serves as a means to showcase the creative talents and service [of] hundreds of LGBT-friendly businesses, non-profit organizations, and community groups, as they spread their message to all who attend."

The first PrideFest St. Louis, or as it was known then "Celebration of Lesbian and Gay Pride" took place in June 1980 to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which took place in New York City on the last weekend in June 1969. PrideFest St. Louis has been held on the last weekend in June ever since, moving between Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, the Central West End, and its current location at the Soldiers' Memorial.

If you're heading downtown this weekend, expect a crowd. Your best bet is to park at one of the 21 Metro Park and Ride lots in Missouri or across the river in Illinois, and take the MetroLink into downtown. Or check out getaroundstl.com for a list of downtown parking garages.

Organizers say they have hired security personnel, both marked and unmarked, and are coordinating closely with St. Louis Metropolitan Police to ensure the safety of all attendees, due to high profile attacks against the LGBT community such as the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. The perimeter of the festival area will be fenced off, organizers say, adding: "We encourage each person to remain alert to their surroundings and to report any suspicious behavior to security personnel."

Weapons are strictly prohibited at the event, as are hard coolers, tents and glass containers.

This year's entertainment lineup is impressive, with Mya, Steve Grand, Paige Alyssa, La Bouche and others headlining. View a full schedule of entertainment and events here.

Have fun out there, and be sure to share your photos of this year's parade and festival with Patch. We'll run them next week. Post them in the comments or email them to ryne.danielson@patch.com.

Image via Shutterstock