Idaho Falls Pride 2026 returns to the banks of the Snake River for another weekend-long celebration of diversity and belonging in eastern Idaho. What began more than a decade ago as a small gathering has grown into a cornerstone of the region’s calendar. The volunteer committee behind the event cares deeply about providing space for all lgbtq+Q+ people and allies to be seen and heard, so the atmosphere is warm and welcoming rather than corporate. Each year the organizers add new features and respond to feedback from the community, and the 2026 edition promises to build on that tradition while keeping the focus on unity and resilience. In the days leading up to the big weekend, Idaho Falls Pride hosts smaller gatherings that help people connect. One of the most popular pre‑events is Pride Night with the Idaho Falls Chukars, the local baseball team. Fans gather for a minor league game at Melaleuca Field and show their colors while cheering on the home team. The evening also includes a silent auction featuring jerseys designed in rainbow motifs, and the proceeds support the Pride organization’s outreach. For folks who appreciate nightlife, the official Idaho Falls Pride Drag Show returns on Friday, June 26, at the Westbank Convention Center. This 18+ event sells out quickly every year because it features beloved local performers along with special guests. Doors usually open at 7:00 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m., with wine, beer, and non‑alcoholic beverages available for purchase【13008600454231†L16-L73】. The centerpiece of the celebration is the Pride Parade and festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The parade line‑up begins at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot of the Universal Unitarian Church on E Street; everyone is welcome to march regardless of age, orientation, or attire【13008600454231†L55-L69】. The procession steps off at 10:00 a.m. and winds through downtown Idaho Falls to the Westbank and back to the festival grounds. Because the route is compact, spectators can easily watch the marchers go by and then follow them to the riverside Greenbelt. Participants include floats built by local nonprofits, walking groups from supportive faith communities, cheer squads, and individuals carrying handmade banners. Spectators often line the sidewalks with homemade signs, streamers, and bubbles. Once the parade returns, the 14th Annual Idaho Falls Pride Festival opens at the Greenbelt north of the Farmer’s Market. The festival is free, family friendly, and intentionally accessible【13008600454231†L70-L84】. Organizers set up a large stage where musicians, spoken‑word artists, dance troupes, and drag performers entertain the crowd from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Many attendees bring picnic blankets and spend the entire afternoon lounging under shade trees while listening to local bands. Rows of vendor booths offer everything from handmade crafts and queer literature to savory snacks, while nonprofit organizations distribute information about healthcare, advocacy, and youth services. There is also a designated area for children with face painting, games, and crafts so that parents can relax knowing their kids are engaged. Community partnerships are at the heart of Idaho Falls Pride. In recent years the Pride board has worked closely with the City of Idaho Falls, the Idaho Falls Police Department, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, and regional organizations like the Western States Center and the North East Idaho Pride Alliance to create a safe environment for attendees【13008600454231†L70-L84】. Safety volunteers in bright yellow shirts are present throughout the weekend, and a first aid station staffed by medical professionals is available at the festival grounds. The organizers also publish a Community Code of Conduct that asks everyone to respect one another and to be mindful about sharing photos and videos. This emphasis on safety and respect allows families with young children, older adults, and people with disabilities to participate fully. Idaho Falls Pride is more than a party—it is a chance for people from rural eastern Idaho to connect with a broader lgbtq+Q+ network. The festival helps local youth feel less isolated by giving them role models and resources, and it offers a platform for businesses and civic leaders to demonstrate support for equality. Visitors often travel from across Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana to take part, boosting tourism during a typically quiet weekend. The 2026 festival continues the theme of putting unity in community and invites everyone to stand together against discrimination and hate. Whether you march in the parade, volunteer at a booth, or simply stop by the Greenbelt to listen to music, your presence adds to the tapestry of voices that make Idaho Falls Pride a beacon of hope in the region.

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