Mar 13, 2024
Both events will take place on July 20, 2024
March 13, 2024 (Rochester, NY) – Organizers of the Rochester Pride Parade & Festival announced two new locations for the signature events, which will both be held on July 20, 2024. The parade will begin at the intersection of South Avenue and Science Parkway, and it will travel north on South Avenue to the festival. The festival will be held at the portion of Highland Park known as Beikirch Park, with the main entrance located at 1440 South Avenue.
“This is an extremely exciting day,” said Joseph Searles, Vice President and Chief Community Engagement Officer at Trillium Health. “Over the past few years, turnout at the Rochester Pride Parade and Festival has exceeded our expectations. In 2023, more than 200 groups marched in the parade and over 15,000 people attended the festival. It was Rochester’s largest Pride ever. After speaking with LGBTQ+ community leaders and conducting surveys, and we decided that we needed more space to accommodate the crowds. Moving the parade and festival to South Avenue and Highland Park will allow us to hold a bigger and better Pride than ever before!”
The Rochester Pride Parade has traditionally led to the site of the festival. In fact, the location of the parade and festival has changed several times over the years. Highland Park was selected because it will offer more shade, better parking, and improved accessibility, along with more room for performances, food trucks, community organizations and vendors. Rochester has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and many people from other cities travel to Rochester attend the Pride events, which are traditionally held in July.
“Pride is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Susanna Speed, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging at Trillium Health. “It’s a time to come together to honor those who came before us, and celebrate equality, love, diversity, and acceptance. It’s a tribute to the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit. Pride is also a constant reminder that the fight for equality is far from over, and we need to create a world where every person can live authentically without fear.”
The Rochester Pride website is now live at rochesterpride.com and sponsorship opportunities are available. In addition, community members can sign up to march in the parade, volunteer at the events, apply to become a vendor, and apply to perform in the festival. The website will be continuously updated leading up to the events.
Joseph Searles added, “We are so thankful for our partners in the City of Rochester and Monroe County, who have been so supportive of our Pride celebrations over the years. We look forward to celebrating the community with Pride!”