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Ann Arbor Pride has grown from a modest community fair into one of Michigan’s most beloved lgbtq+Q+ celebrations. Organised each summer by the Jim Toy Community Center, the festival has roots stretching back almost three decades when it was known as OUTFest. Back then, a small coalition of activists and friends set up tables and a stage in a downtown parking lot to protest homophobic policies and to show that queer people were part of the Ann Arbor fabric. Those early gatherings eventually morphed into a daylong festival that now closes off Main Street and Liberty Street for a vibrant block party. In 2025 the celebration will take place on Saturday, 2 August from noon to 9 p.m., returning to the intersection of Main and Liberty at the heart of the city—an address often listed as 560 S. Main St. The date is intentionally set after Pride Month so that locals don’t have to choose between events and to maximise attendance.

The Jim Toy Community Center, named after the pioneering gay rights activist who fought for Ann Arbor’s non-discrimination ordinance, continues to run the festival as a fundraiser for its year-round programs. Money raised through sponsorships, donations and vendor fees supports everything from youth mentoring to trans support groups and helps keep the centre’s doors open. Volunteers spend months planning the event, coordinating permits, assembling stage crews and recruiting entertainers. Their goal isn’t to create a slick corporate expo but to build a street fair that feels welcoming and grounded in local culture. The organisers rely heavily on Ann Arbor’s tight‑knit network of artists, drag performers, musicians and community groups to keep that human touch. In recent years they have experimented with different layouts and programming, adding a kids’ area and expanding from a single stage to a two‑stage format so that there is always something happening.

If you attended the 2024 edition you might remember that RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Sasha Colby headlined one of the stages and that more than two hundred vendors lined the closed streets with everything from rainbow candles and handmade jewellery to hot dogs and vegan ice cream. Families milled between booths while teens ducked into the Kids Zone to watch a drag story hour or make crafts, and older visitors relaxed in the beverage garden catching local bands. Expect a similarly eclectic scene in 2025: the festival consistently books a mix of national drag talent, regional musicians and dance troupes alongside community choirs and spoken‑word poets. There will be a Pride stage with marquee acts and a community stage that gives youth groups and grassroots performers a chance to shine. Around the perimeter, non‑profit organisations offer free STI testing, information on mental health services and voter registration, underscoring the festival’s activist heritage.

While the line‑up is still being finalised, the general rhythm of the day stays fairly consistent. The vendor marketplace and community fair open at noon, and the early afternoon tends to be the most family‑friendly part of the day. Parents pushing strollers wander between rows of tents, there are usually hula hoops and lawn games set up in the middle of Main Street and local food trucks start serving lunch. As the sun begins to dip the energy shifts; DJs take over the sound systems, drag queens in elaborate costumes strut onto the stages and the streets fill with people dancing. The festival officially wraps up around 9 p.m., but attendees often spill into nearby bars, cafés and restaurants to keep the party going. Ann Arbor’s downtown hospitality industry embraces Pride wholeheartedly, decorating storefronts with rainbow flags and offering themed cocktails or menu specials.

Because the festival takes over several city blocks, parking and transportation require a bit of forethought. The organisers recommend arriving early and using public transportation if possible. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) offers bus routes that stop near downtown, and there are bike racks set up along adjacent streets. If you do drive, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority operates several parking structures within a few blocks, including structures on Maynard Street, Washington Street and Liberty Square. Metered street parking is free on Sundays, but on Saturday you’ll need to pay until 6 p.m. or use one of the structures. Remember that Main Street and parts of Liberty and William streets will be closed to traffic, so consult detour maps posted on the official site.

Out-of-town visitors will find plenty of lodging options ranging from boutique hotels on Main Street to budget motels along nearby highways. Staying downtown means you can walk to the festival, explore Ann Arbor’s eclectic shops and restaurants and duck back to your room when you need a break. If you prefer a quieter base, consider booking in neighbouring Ypsilanti or on the western side of town and taking a ride share into the festival. Since the schedule runs through dinner, it’s worth scoping out nearby eateries in advance; favourites include the vegetarian‑friendly Seva, artisan pizza at Mani Osteria and classic diner fare at the Fleetwood. Many restaurants set up outdoor patios for Pride so you won’t have to miss any of the action.

Beyond the entertainment, what makes Ann Arbor Pride stand out is its sense of community. The festival maintains an accessible, pay‑what‑you‑can ethos—there is no admission charge, though donations are encouraged—and there are gender‑neutral restrooms, sign‑language interpreters for stage shows and designated quiet areas for people who need a sensory break. Attendees are just as likely to encounter long-time activists collecting signatures for policy campaigns as they are to bump into a group of university students celebrating their first Pride. Local leaders and elected officials often stop by to make brief remarks, reminding everyone of the hard fought victories for non‑discrimination and the work still to be done. By the time the sun sets on 2 August, it tends to feel less like a party thrown by an organisation and more like a reunion of friends and chosen family.

To get the most current information on performers, vendor registration and volunteer opportunities, check the official website at annarborpride.com and follow the festival’s social media pages. Organisers update those channels regularly in the run‑up to the event with announcements about headliners, schedule changes and road closures. They also share calls for volunteers, because it takes hundreds of people to set up stages, run information booths and keep the grounds clean. Whether you attend for an hour or stay all day, your presence helps sustain a celebration that has been bringing colour, music and joy to the streets of Ann Arbor for nearly thirty years. Just remember to pack sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a generous spirit — this homegrown Pride is less about glossy spectacle and more about the simple power of people coming together.

<a href="/https://www.annarborpride.com" target="_blank">Official Website</a>

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