Denver 2018 PrideFest Parade And Schedule

DENVER, CO – Wedding cake will be on the minds of marchers in the 43rd Annual Denver PrideFest Parade this year, with Grand Marshals Charlie Craig and David Mullins taking the lead. Craig and Mullins were embroiled in a six-year legal battle after they took a case against a Lakewood baker who refused to make their nuptial cake all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

This year's theme Say It Loud, Say It Proud celebrates "a year of activism," said Craig. “Our community is strongest when we’re the loudest, when we come together and speak with many voices. We all deserve equal access to businesses, bathrooms, housing, and jobs. Say it loud say it proud.”

The festival is hosted by the GLBT Community Center of Colorado (The Center) and as well as a weekend of music, food and marching, it serves as the Center's biggest yearly fundraiser. More than 385,000 people attended last year's parade and fest, which featured 185 floats, according to organizers.

Here is the schedule for this year's events:

Family Activities June 16-17:

• The Smarty Pants Vitamins Family area will be located on the corner of 14th Avenue and Broadway and features two days worth of dancing, games, educational activities from the Denver Museum of Natural Science and a free concert by the Mile High Freedom Band.
• Walmart Youth Alley. Youth ages 11-21, can check out performances on the Youth Alley stage and learn more about Rainbow Alley, The Center’s youth program.

Saturday, June 16

Pride 5K race

Events begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with a timed Pride 5K race from Civic Center to Cheesman Park and back. About 750 participants ran in the 2017 race, a press release from the Center said. the race is open to walkers, runners and kids. You can register here.

Live Entertainment

3 p.m. Center Stage: Kameron Michaels from Ru Paul’s Drag Race

Sunday, June 17

Coors Light PrideFest Parade

• Steps off from Cheesman Park: 9:30 am
• Route: Cheesman Park to Civic Center via Colfax Avenue
• Denver Pride Rally for Equality. Hosted by One Colorado, the rally will take place on the weststeps of the Capitol immediately following the parade. The Colorado LGBT Legislative Caucus, state leaders as well as activists and groups from throughout the Denver community will speak out for LGBTQ civil rights.

Live Entertainment:

3 p.m. Center Stage Dance Music Legend Crystal Waters

5 p.m. Smirnoff Dance World: DJ Barry Harris

• Don't forget to cool off with a free lavender popsicle from FirstBank and Aikopops.

Find out more at Denverpride.org

Image via Denver Pride