LANCASTER, Pa. — Note: The video is from June 2023.
The 16th Annual Pride Festival will be held on June 15, 2024 at the Lancaster County Convention Center and in adjacent areas on Queen and Vine streets, Lancaster Pride announced Monday.
This year’s theme, “Our Streets Are Open to All,” celebrates the diverse and resilient spirit of the LGBTQ+ community, with expanded outdoor activities to enhance the festive atmosphere, Lancaster Pride said in a press release.
This year's festival will be the first time that the celebration has extended outdoors, Lancaster Pride said. Portions of Vine Street around the convention center will be closed to traffic, "creating a safe, inclusive, and expansive environment for attendees," Lancaster Pride said.
"The decision to enlarge the festival grounds reflects our community's growth and our commitment to creating a welcoming space for all to celebrate diversity and freedom," organizers said in the release.
"We’re here, we’re loud, and we’re proud!" said Craig Kazda, Festival Director for Lancaster Pride. "We are incredibly excited for this year's festival as we bring together our community like never before. Expanding into Vine Street is a literal and figurative opening of our arms wider to embrace more attendees, more activities, and more celebrations. We’re ready to make this Pride the most memorable and impactful yet!"
Headlining this year’s festival will be Aquaria, winner of “Rupaul’s Drag Race” Season 10. Renowned for her boundary-pushing drag performances and her fierce dedication to LGBTQ+ activism, Aquaria will bring her glamorous and electrifying energy to Lancaster Pride, organizers said.
Her performance is expected to be a highlight of the festival, celebrating diversity, acceptance, and the artistic expressions of the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition to her headlining performance, Aquaria will also be involved in a meet-and-greet session, providing fans with the opportunity to connect with her up close.
Tickets for the meet-and-greet are limited.
"Pride is a time of joy, reflection, and community," said Lancaster Pride president Tiffany Shirley. "Each year, Lancaster Pride aims to create a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for everyone. Our 2024 festival, with its theme 'Our Streets Are Open to All,' invites individuals from all walks of life to join in the celebration. We believe in the power of community and are proud to host an event that promotes such strong messages of inclusivity and love."
The Lancaster Pride Festival will feature a variety of activities including live performances, food vendors, interactive workshops, and vendor booths, all celebrating the rich diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
The festival will be held from noon to 7 p.m. There is also an "All Is Love: Pride/High Fever After Party" scheduled from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. for attendees 18 years of age or older scheduled for the Lancaster County Convention Center's Freedom Hall.
For tickets and more information, go here.