Did you know Columbus is home to the second largest Pride march in the Midwest?
It’s safe to say LGBTQ+ pride is important in the Capital City, and Stonewall Pride is hosting a wide range of must-try events all June. From educational workshops to all-day fun festivals, this is what you can expect for Columbus Pride 2024.
On theme
This year’s Pride theme is “Live Out Loud.” It pays homage to the original Stonewall that was hosted in 1982 with just 200 community members. Now, it’s grown into the organization’s largest fundraising event each year, which helps support future programming and efforts.
Shine bright
Stonewall officially kicked off the Pride Month fun with a grand illumination of City Hall in LGBTQ+ colors at the start of June. The building will remain like this all month, so check it out before the colors change.
Learn something
Before the march and festival, Stonewall will host educational classes. They are:
- Gay Black Boy: A Conversation | Tuesday, June 11 | 5 p.m. | Stonewall Columbus | Free | Join Stonewall Columbus Executive Director Densil Porteous in conversation with author of “Letters to a GAY BLACK BOY” Terry Dyer.
- Interfaith Pride Service | Tuesday, June 11 | 7 p.m. | Stonewall Columbus | Free | Join LGBTQ+ community members and allies for a secular service that is respectful of all religions.
- Pride in Politics: “MILK” | Wednesday, June 12 | 7-10 a.m. | The Drexel | Free | Watch this critically acclaimed film “MILK” about an openly gay elected official and his battle to get there.
Stonwall Pride has been in Columbus for 40+ years. | Photo via Stonewall Columbus
Parade and festival
With more than 700,000 people coming to Columbus just for this two-day event, there’s no time to waste.
- Stonewall Pride Festival | Friday, June 14-Saturday, June 15 | Times vary | Goodale Park | Free | Shop from 200+ vendors, meet local business owners, listen to music from DJs, and enjoy a range of fun activities. Visit Stonewall on Instagram for a full look at this year’s lineup, which includes local artists like Angela Perley.
- Stonewall Pride March | Saturday, June 15 | 10:30 a.m. | Step off at Broad Street + High Street | Free | Watch one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride marches as it strolls down the main streets of the city.
Batter up
The 2024 Bat-N-Rogue is a lively charity softball event where participants play in drag attire, and it takes place at Dodge Park on Sunday, June 16. Gates open at noon, and the game begins around 3 p.m. There will be three food trucks on-site for the game + a beer truck, music, and cheerleaders for both teams. General admission is $10 and can be purchased online.
It’s showtime
Celebrate 50+ years of Pride in Columbus with Pride Anthems at Southern Theatre. This show is suited for all ages, and it features performances from Grammy-nominated artists like Marty Thomas. From Queen to Lady Gaga, the show spans generations and multiple genres of music.
Want more events and fun in Columbus? Check out our editor curated guide to June events.
