Woodstock PrideFest Returns, Adds Events

WOODSTOCK, IL — Woodstock PrideFest will be held this weekend.

The event, which started in 2018, has grown each year since. This year there will be a "Rainbow Run," pub crawl and parade held over the weekend in Woodstock. Crystal Squires, a Woodstock mom, helped launch the annual event after starting the Facebook group Woodstock Pride.

At the time, Squires wanted to provide a safe and loving community for her daughter, who came out to her mom in 2018. The following year, the Facebook group launched their first Woodstock Pridefest.

“I’m so proud to see how our town has evolved through the work of our Facebook group and the support of our community,” Squires said. “Last year, we had more than 4,000 people attend our PrideFest and this year, we’re expecting an even bigger turnout. No matter your gender, orientation, age, race or ability, we hope everyone comes out to show their support for our LGBTQ community.”

This year's parade will be grand marshaled by two couples who were so impressed by Woodstock's inclusivity while visiting last year's PrideFest they decided to make the city their permanent home. Details on the events put on by the Woodstock Pride Facebook group this year include:

Woodstock PrideFest Rainbow Run, 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Emricson Park

This year marks Woodstock Pride’s first Rainbow Run. All participants will receive a white Woodstock Pride shirt and will meet at Emricson Park where they will take off on a one-mile walk/run through three color stations. All ages and abilities are encouraged to join.

Woodstock PrideFest Pub Crawl, 6 p.m. Saturday at the bandstand in the park

Participants should meet at bandstand in the park before visiting Chop Suey Hut, Napoli's Pizza, Ortmann's Red Iron, D.C. Cobb's, The Cabin, Benton Street Tap and Public House of Woodstock. Tickets are $20 and include drink tokens, Woodstock Pride sunglasses and more.

Woodstock Pride Promenade, 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday throughout Woodstock

Each day, the Woodstock Pride Promenade will post a suggested route for people to walk, bike or drive throughout the town and witness the inspiring camaraderie and pride of their neighbors as they decorate, design, glitter and glam up their living spaces to unify in self-celebration and pride.

Woodstock PrideFest, 11 a.m. 5 p.m. Saturday at Woodstock Square Historic District

Woodstock Pride’s annual PrideFest is back for the fourth year, kicking off with a parade, followed by music, entertainment, food and drinks, drag performances, face painting and more.