What to know about Pittsburgh Pride 2025
Pride month occurs in June, but Pittsburgh is poised to start the revelry early.
With the long-running parade on June 1, the lead-up events are, naturally, in May. In other words: even more time to highlight Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ community and gather for parties, festivals and performances.
Here’s everything you need to know about how Steel City plans to celebrate.
What is Pittsburgh Pride?
Dating to Pittsburgh’s very first pride-centric parade in 1973 — four years after the Stonewall Uprising at Manhattan’s Stonewall Inn — the now-annual celebration includes days of inclusive events. It all culminates in a bridge-crossing parade that, in 2024, per parade officials, drew more than 10,000 people (including then-first lady Jill Biden).
Pride 2025 is put on by LGBTQ+ groups including Pittsburgh-based trans support nonprofit TransYOUniting, news and events outlet QBurgh, North Side youth shelter Proud Haven and transgender support organization Trans Pride PGH.
When is it?
This year’s parade — the flagship event — will step off at noon on Sunday, June 1. Lineup begins at 10 a.m. Keep reading for details on some of the other events.
What’s the parade route?
This year’s start shifts from Downtown to the Strip District, with step-off on Liberty Avenue between 11th and 16th streets and a big finish via a performance-packed party at Allegheny Commons Park West.
The route will see marchers proceeding west down Liberty before turning right, down 7th Street and crossing the Andy Warhol Bridge, then left onto South Commons, right onto West Commons and left onto Ridge Avenue. An informational booth will be located at Liberty Avenue and Grant Street.
Where are the best places to watch?
According to organizers, the best viewing locations are along Liberty Avenue, Downtown, and the Andy Warhol Bridge as well as West Commons on the North Side, site of the annual Pittsburgh Pride Festival.
Who is the grand marshal?
Community activist and longtime area businessman Jeff Freedman, a cofounder of LGBTQ+ news and community outletQBurgh and a member of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, will lead the trek this year. The Arlington resident’s connection to the parade extends to the early aughts; in 2004, he was named Pride chair.
Can I march?
If you register at pittsburghpride.com, you can march for free. Groups, organizations and vehicles, however, must register and pay a fee in advance.
What are some of the other festivities?
Gay Prom (May 30): Themed “Light the Night,” the event allows those who never got to experience a fulfilling prom to “dance, shine and celebrate in your truth.”
The 18-and-older event (21-plus to drink) will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center, 100 Lytton Ave., starting with a drag show and live entertainment at 6 p.m. Dinner, at 7:30, is followed by the naming of the court. Guests are invited to wear “whatever makes you feel powerful, unstoppable and like the royalty you are.”
Tickets start at $70: pittsburghpride.com.
The Emerald City Kiki Ball (May 30): Hosted by Icon Ronica and Icon Muk Mulan, this event begins at 10 p.m. at TransYOUniting’s Qmnty Center at 525 E. Ohio St. on the North Side. It’s free of charge.
All Out Music Festival (May 30): Not an official Pittsburgh Pride event but still for one and all, Swedish electronic act Galantis headlines a lineup that also includes Dragonette and Hayla, and “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” fans (present!) can groove to the tunes spun by fashionista Meredith Marks. And Greensburg native Lydia B. Kollins, currently part of the “RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars” cast, performs as well.
At Stage AE, 400 North Shore Drive, tickets start at $67.17; alloutmusicfest.com.
May 31 and June 1: Pittsburgh Pride Festival at Allegheny Commons Park West.
Who’s performing at Pittsburgh Pride Festival?
The two-day festival at Allegheny Commons Park West sees performers ripped from reality TV and perhaps even a drag bar near you. Many performers are still to be announced.
Saturday: David Archuleta, now 34 and much more grown up than when he competed on “American Idol” as a 16-year-old, headlines with a free performance on Saturday night at Allegheny Commons Park West.
Sunday: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” controversial favorite Willam performs at 2 p.m. and J Howell at 6:20.
While all the main musical performances are free — if you’re feeling a little extra — meet and greet and VIP experience packages are available at pittsburghpride.com.
Where can I stay?
For out-of-towners making a pilgrimage to the city, organizers recommend nearby hotels including the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pittsburgh, 20 S. 10th St., on the South Side; La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport, 8507 University Boulevard, Moon; and the Westin Pittsburgh, 1000 Penn Ave., Downtown.
How can I help the festival?
You can help by visiting the website transyouniting.networkforgood.com and contributing a monetary donation to help keep the festival free.