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This year, Houstonians will have the option to attend two Pride celebrations.
Pride Houston 365, the legacy organization who hosted Houston’s Pride celebrations for the last 45 years, will be sharing in the celebration with a new group called New Faces of Pride. Both organizations will host a festival and parade this month on back to back weekends.
June 22
New Faces of Pride’s festival and parade
New Faces of Pride will host its inaugural Pride festival from noon to 6 p.m. and the parade celebration from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on June 22 at City Hall. Learn more below.
June 29
Pride Houston 365’s festival and parade
Pride Houston 365 will host its 46th annual festival from noon to 6 p.m. and its parade from 7:20 to 10 p.m. on June 29 at City Hall. Learn more below.
New Faces of Pride launched last summer vowing to restore transparency after Pride Houston 365’s reputation took a hit when former executive director and president Lorin Roberts was accused of stealing more than $100,000 from the organization and misappropriating more than $50,000.
In the months leading up to Pride, the two organizations had been publicly feuding, with city officials calling for them to work on their issues privately and merge the celebrations.
No agreement could be reached between the two groups so the events will be held separately with New Faces of Pride hosting its inaugural Pride festival and parade on June 22, and Pride Houston 365 hosting its 46th annual festival and parade on June 29.
With the two events taking place in the summer, it’s important to know how to prepare to be outdoors during Houston’s heat. Here is what you can expect at each festival and parade, and how to face the heat:
New Faces of Pride’s festival and parade, June 22
When is the celebration?
New Faces of Pride will host its inaugural Pride festival from noon to 6 p.m. and the parade celebration from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on June 22 at City Hall. The celebration’s theme is Revolution Rainbow to celebrate progress, embrace change, ignite unity and reflect the organization’s mission to raise funds for community non-profits, according to the organization’s website.
What does the festival include?
The festival includes a musical lineup with headliners Billy Gilman, Lauren Sanderson and Chris Housman.
It will also include over 300 festival vendors.
How much are tickets to enter?
You can purchase a general admission ticket on Eventbrite for the parade for free, while the festival ticket costs $3 with a $2.04 fee. Those younger than 12 years old can enter free to the festival. You can also purchase VIP tickets.
Bryan Cotton, President and Founder of Houston’s Faces of New Pride, recommends you purchase your tickets prior to Saturday’s event.
What should I wear?
It’s Houston in the summer and it will be hot, so be sure to dress accordingly. Cotton recommends you wear t-shirts and shorts, but also come with as much flare as you’d like. You may want to consider comfortable shoes as well.
To remain cool, experts recommend you wear loose clothing during extreme heat.
What can I bring in?
You are allowed to bring in empty reusable water bottles. The organization will have water tanks where you can refill your water bottle once inside.
What’s not allowed?
You are not allowed to bring in any weapons into the festival or parade. Glitter or stickers are not permitted but you may have glitter on your body such as body glitter or using it as makeup.
Outside food or beverages are not allowed. Skateboards or scooters are not permitted.
Animals are not allowed besides service animals.
What should I carry?
During the summer heat, there are some items you can carry including a portable charger, portable fan, a sun visor or hat.
How can I protect myself and others in the summer heat?
Be sure to keep an eye out for kids or the elderly who are out at the event. If you are an individual with a chronic illness or overweight, you are more likely to be vulnerable during extreme heat and are more susceptible to heat-illnesses.
Be sure to drink water before the event and throughout the day. Take frequent breaks and cool off at the cooling stations throughout the festival grounds.
You can also wear hats and sunscreen to protect yourself.
Is this a cashless event?
No. The event will accept cash and credit cards.
Where can I park?
There is no reserved parking for the event. You can check out the map to find the nearest garage. The map also shows locations for bathrooms, bars, and cooling stations around the grounds.
What route will the parade be taking?
The parade will start on Smith Street and turn on Walker. It will then turn onto Milam Street towards Jefferson. To see the map, click here.
What social media accounts can I follow to stay up to date?
Pride Houston 365’s festival and parade, June 29
When is the celebration?
Pride Houston 365 will host its 46th annual festival from noon to 6 p.m. and its parade from 7:20 to 10 p.m. on June 29 at City Hall. Gates officially open at 11 a.m. and the parade pre-show runs from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
What does the festival include?
The festival will include entertainment, DJs, vendors, and more. The festival will have five performers including host Muffy Vanderbilt, headliner K. Michelle, David Archuleta, Kayla G, and Brooke Eden.
How much are tickets to enter?
The parade is free to all. The festival is free if you are younger than 21 or if you are over 55 years of age. If you are 22-54, festival tickets will cost you $5 for an advance ticket or $10 at the gate. You can also purchase VIP tickets. You can purchase tickets on the organization’s website.
What should I wear?
Tiffany Scales, director of community engagement with Pride Houston 365, says when it comes to clothing less is more. She recommends you wear tank tops, crop tops, swimsuit tops, or bikini tops.
She also recommends bringing an additional t-shirt or outfit to change because you will likely be drenched in sweat by the end of the night. Comfortable shoes are also recommended.
What can I bring in?
Scales recommends you bring in a clear fanny pack to make going through security easy. You can bring in portable chargers.
What’s not allowed?
You cannot bring in water bottles but they will have free water (while supplies last) at hydration stations.
What should I carry?
There are a few items you can carry during the extreme heat, including cooling towels, portable fans, portable chargers, sun visors or hats.
How can I protect myself and others in the summer heat?
When attending the event, be sure to drink water beforehand and frequently during the day. You should take frequent breaks. Be sure to keep an eye on vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, infants, people with chronic illnesses and those who are overweight.
You can also wear hats and sunscreen to protect yourself.
Is this a cashless event?
Yes, this is a cashless event. Only cards will be accepted at this event.
Where can I park?
You can use SpotHero to find parking near City Hall. If you plan to use a rideshare app, Scales recommends you schedule your ride before you come to the event.
What route will the parade be taking?
The parade will start at Bagby Street and go toward Smith Street. It will then turn onto Walker Street and then Milam and down to Pease Street. To see the full map, click here. The map includes bar and bathroom locations around the grounds.
What social media accounts can I follow to stay up to date?
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