Kentucky Black Pride Festival 2025 returns to Lexington's Woodland Park for four days of celebration, solidarity and community. Since its founding in 2016, the Kentucky Black Pride organization has worked to raise visibility and pride for queer and transgender people of colour across the Bluegrass State. Rather than hosting a single parade, the organisation curates a schedule of cultural and educational events throughout the year and brings them together in September for a festival that feels like a family reunion. 2025's edition will run from Thursday 11 September through Sunday 14 September. Each afternoon from midday until around 7 p.m., Woodland Park will be filled with live entertainment, community resource booths, food and craft vendors, drag performances and more. The festival is free and open to everyone, and families are encouraged to attend.
A key part of Kentucky Black Pride's mission is empowerment through knowledge and access. At the festival you can participate in discussions on health, identity and activism, connect with local groups that offer legal and social services, and enjoy screenings or workshops that honour the history and culture of Black lgbtq+Q+ people. There are also opportunities for local artists and performers to take the stage and share their talents. The organisers work closely with the Lexington community and city leaders to ensure the festival is both safe and welcoming. They also run outreach programmes throughout the year, so the momentum of the festival continues long after the last song is played.
Visitors travelling to Lexington will find that the Woodland Park venue is centrally located with easy access to downtown hotels, restaurants and nightlife. With its shady trees and open lawns, the park provides a relaxed setting for a weekend of celebration and connection. If you would like to volunteer, host a booth or become a sponsor, you can find sign‑up forms and more information on the official Kentucky Black Pride
Official website: https://www.kentuckyblackpride.com