Harrisburg is once again gearing up to celebrate Pride in a big way! On Saturday, July 26, the Pride Festival of Central Pennsylvania will bring thousands together for one of the Commonwealth’s largest and longest-running LGBTQ+ celebrations. From the return of the Pride Parade to a full day of festivities downtown, it’s a time to honor love, identity, and community in the heart of the capital city.
Parade
The pride parade kicks off on Saturday, July 26 at 10:00 a.m., starting at City Island and following a vibrant downtown route.
Parade Route:
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Begins on City Island
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Crosses the Market Street Bridge and heads up Market Street
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Turns left on N. 2nd Street
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Turns right on North Street
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Heads south on N. Front Street back to City Island
Expect colorful floats, inspiring speakers, and powerful community pride throughout the morning celebration.
Parade Prizes:
Two cash prizes will be awarded:
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Best float representing “Pride”
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Best float representing this year’s theme: “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now!”
Interested in participating? Parade registration is open through July 7th at centralpapride.org/pride-parade. There is also a need for volunteers!
Festival & After-Party
Following the parade, the Pride Festival takes place from 12:00–6:00 PM at Soldier’s Grove, located behind the PA State Capitol.
Festival highlights include, drag & live entertainment, Family Fun Zone, LGBTQIA+ vendors & local organizations, Food trucks & refreshments.
Later that night, don’t miss the official Pride After-Party at HMAC (1110 N. Third St.), featuring headliner Sam Star. The party runs from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Tickets are $10–$30 and expected to go fast!
Other Events Leading up to the Parade
Pride Night at The Millworks
Wednesday, July 10 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Millworks, 340 Verbeke St.
Dine, drink, and support a cause! A portion of all proceeds benefit the 2025 Pride Festival of Central PA.
Pre-Pride Party at Karma
Friday, July 19 | 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM
$15–$50 | Featuring Elliott with 2 T’s and local queens
Retro Wardrobe Contest!
Noctorunal Gayme Night
Saturday, July 20 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Nocturnal, 236 N. 2nd Street
Let’s play a gayme! The first 50 attendees get unlimited arcade play cards. Admission: $10
Candlelight Vigil at Italian Lake
Thursday, July 24 | 7:00 PM
A reflective, free community gathering to honor the lives and memories of those lost in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Get details on all these events plus more at centralpapride.org/events
All Photos by: Emmitt Dwight McKell
