This weekend, Denver Pride is set to draw approximately 500,000 attendees, showcasing the vibrant Rocky Mountain LGBTQ+ community. This year’s celebration will introduce a new name and route for the parade.
The parade, now officially named “The Vizzy Denver Pride Parade,” will kick off on Sunday at 9:30 AM. Kim Salvaggio, the recently appointed CEO of the Center on Colfax, noted that the event ranks as one of the largest in the nation, following major cities like New York and San Francisco. Salvaggio assumed her position just a month ago, bringing experience from her previous work at Rocky Mountain Public Media.
The parade will start at 17th Avenue and Franklin Street, diverging from its traditional route due to construction related to the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project. This change, as Salvaggio humorously described, makes walking along parts of Colfax challenging. The new route is designed to benefit local businesses along 17th Avenue and is expected to provide a more enjoyable experience with added shade.
Also involved in this year’s celebrations, the Grand Marshals include the Transcontinental Pipeline, which supports the relocation of trans individuals to safer states, and the Colorado Health Network, which assists over 5,000 people living with HIV.
In addition to the parade, Denver Pride will feature a 5K race on Saturday morning, beginning at 9:30 AM, with about 4,000 participants expected. Denver PrideFest will also take place over the weekend, running from 11 AM on Saturday and 10 AM on Sunday at Civic Center Park. The festival will host over 250 exhibitors, 30 food vendors, and live performances, including artists like Pattie Gonia and CHIKA. This year, Dance World will have a new DJ every hour and expand its “Gayborhood Market” to include 90 queer-owned businesses.
Major sponsors contributing to this weekend’s festivities include Denver 7, Absolut, and Southwest Airlines, although specific financial contributions were not disclosed. The lineup of events not only promotes visibility but also aims to support LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations.
Positive sentiments surround this year’s festivities, indicating a strong community spirit and commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy in Denver. The expansion of events and participant engagement suggests a growing appreciation and celebration of diversity in the area, promising a lively weekend ahead.