TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo Pride is celebrating 15 years of unity and community with three days of events starting Friday.
It's the largest festival of its kind in northwest Ohio, drawing thousands of people each year to downtown Toledo for a parade, live entertainment and activities. Toledo Pride celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, but everyone is invited — and encouraged — to attend.
Admission is free for the main event at Promenade Park, which features drag and musical performances, food trucks and shopping, while also offering local resources all in one place.
Here are a few highlights for Toledo Pride 2024 and other ways to celebrate:
FRIDAY, AUG. 23
Toledo Pride
- Kick-off: 5-10 p.m. at Promenade Park (400 Water St.)
- Free admission
- Family friendly
STEM Marshmallow Tower Challenge at Toledo Pride
- 5-8 p.m. during Toledo Pride at Promenade Park
- Join SSOE PRIDE in using geometry and engineering skills to build a tower using only marshmallows (vegan available) and spaghetti noodles
- Free activity with all materials provided
- All ages
- 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church (316 Adams St.)
- Food, crafts, music, face painting, story time for kids and more
- Potluck-style picnic (bring a side dish to share if you are able)
- Hot dogs and condiments, lemonade and water provided
- Family friendly
Toledo Pride Nite Glo 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run
- 7 p.m. start and finish at Promenade Park
- 5K registration is $45 and includes Toledo Pride 5K shirt (while available)
- 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk registration is $25
- All participants receive Toledo Pride 5K race bib and Toledo Pride 5K finisher medal
- Family friendly
- To register or for more info, click this link
SATURDAY, AUG. 24
Toledo Pride Parade
- Noon starting on Adams Street at 17th Street
- Route goes down Adams Street and ends at the intersection of Adams and Summit streets
- Hosted by Deja D. Dellataro, Santana and Stevie Phoenix
- Enjoy floats, entertainment and community organizations while collecting plenty of candy
- Register to participate in the Toledo Pride parade at this link
- Family friendly
Toledo Pride Parade Watch Party
- 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Toledo Tech Loft (409 Adams St.)
- Tickets are $25 plus fees with all proceeds going to Toledo Pride
- Alcohol-free event with music, snacks and candy
- Hosted by Gina Arnez
- Purchase tickets online at this link
Toledo Pride
- 1-10 p.m. at Promenade Park
- Free admission
- Live music on two stages
- Family friendly
- 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church
- Cool off, grab water and find some Pride goodies at the church
- Everyone is welcome
- Outside Hamburger Mary's at 329 N. Huron St.
- 8 p.m. with show beginning at 10:30 p.m.
- $10 cover for entry to Hamburger Mary's, The Hideout and the After Party on the street
- Featuring RuPaul's Drag Race contestants Trinity K. Bonet and Megami, along with over 15 local entertainers
- Benefitting Equality Toledo
- Ages 18 and older
SUNDAY, AUG. 25
Big Rainbow Bar Crawl
- 1-5 p.m. at several downtown Toledo locations
- $5 donation for Big Rainbow Shuttle ride from stop to stop
Accessibility at Toledo Pride
Like in years past, accommodations for accessibility will be available throughout the festival, according to the Toledo Pride website.
ASL interpreters will be available for most entertainment on the main stage from 3-9:30 p.m. The team will also be available to assist in case of emergencies from parade time to 9:30 p.m.
Accessible entry is at the top of the hill under the Promenade Park sign.
ADA-accessible porta-potties are prioritized on site. ADA seating for the stage is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The area is also reserved for access to ASL interpreters.
Free water stations are located at First Aid and along the parade route. First Aid will be staffed with medical personnel able to handle minor issues. Supplies like earplugs, noise-canceling headphones and self-hygiene products will also be available at First Aid.
A "Chill Zone" on the opposite side of Festival Park will offer a quiet environment for anyone with sensory sensitivities.
A LOOK BACK AT TOLEDO'S FIRST PRIDE DAY ON JUNE 25, 1995:
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