Lincoln’s annual Pride festivities return this weekend with the theme, “We’ve Always Been Here.â€
Andrew Farias, board president of Star City Pride, said the theme touches on the attacks experienced by the LGBTQ+ community in Nebraska.
“What we’re trying to tell folks with that message, is that as LGBTQ+ Nebraskans, we have always been present here,†Farias said. “We’re here to show that we are resilient, that we show up, and we are grateful to have a parade and festival.â€
The two-day Pride Festival, located in the parking lot at 605 N. Eighth St., kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday and runs through midnight Saturday. Â
The event, founded in 2007, will include dozens of vendors, local entertainers and musical acts.
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“There’s pretty much anything that you can imagine of what people might be interested in,†Farias said.
Guest host and emcee Chevelle Brookes will be at the festival all weekend. Among the Friday night performers is Beane, who competed in season 19 of "American Idol."
Saturday morning, the fourth annual Star City Pride Parade will begin at 10 a.m. with a parade around the Capitol. Farias said dozens of parade participants have signed up, including local organizations, Star City Chorus, Omaha Pride Guard and No Coast Roller Derby.
Parade marshals will include state Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln and All-American former Husker gymnast Samuel Phillips. Parade emcees include drag entertainer Tia Pet and Phil Kessler from the Lavender Hill radio show.
The festival will continue Saturday following the parade from noon until midnight at 605 N. Eighth St. Headliners include A’keria Chanel Davenport, a drag queen from season six of RuPaul’s "Drag Race All Stars," and Jazell Barbie Royale from season two of "Queen of the Universe."
Festival tickets range from $10 to $20 for single-day and weekend admission. Children 10 and under are free. Tickets are available at .
Events will continue rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted on the Star City Pride’s social media pages.
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V.J. Nelson (left) and Nancy Busch attend the Star City Pride Parade on June 10, 2023, at the Nebraska Capitol. The annual Pride festival returns to Lincoln this weekend to celebrate the city's LGBTQ+ community.Â