Portland Pride 2026
- July 19, 2025 - July 20, 2025
- Portland, OR
Portland Pride 2025 is set to take over downtown Portland in mid‑July, bringing together tens of thousands of people from around the Pacific Northwest for a weekend of celebration and activism. After decades of evolving from a small march in the 1970s to one of Oregon's largest annual festivals, the event remains true to its roots in community building and visibility for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two‑spirit people. Organised by Pride Northwest, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the diversity of the lgbtq+Q+ community and advocating for inclusion, the 2025 edition promises a packed schedule of activities, performances and gatherings that highlight Portland’s creative energy.
The celebrations kick off on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a scenic park hugging the Willamette River. From noon to 8 p.m. festivalgoers can explore vendor booths, food carts, beverage gardens and a makers’ market showcasing crafts from queer artists and artisans. A main stage will host a wide range of performers, from drag superstars such as Dragula winner Landon Cider and singer‑performer Cookie Couture to local musicians and dance troupes. The atmosphere is convivial and family‑friendly, with a kids’ space offering activities for younger attendees and a sober space for people in recovery. Throughout the park, community groups and non‑profits provide information and resources, reflecting Pride Northwest’s commitment to supporting queer and trans people year round.
Accessibility is a key focus of Portland Pride. The festival grounds include ADA‑compliant viewing areas, accessible flooring and ramps, and an alternate drop‑off location near Naito Parkway with volunteers to assist people with mobility challenges. American Sign Language interpreters are scheduled for main stage performances and volunteers are available to help navigate the festival. Pride Northwest has also implemented free water stations, quiet rest areas and designated zones for wheelchairs along the parade route. These measures aim to ensure that everyone – regardless of age, ability or background – can enjoy the festivities comfortably.
The Portland Pride Parade on Sunday, July 20, is the weekend’s biggest draw. The procession kicks off at 11 a.m. in Old Town and winds through several downtown streets before ending at the waterfront festival. More than 160 community groups, businesses, marching bands and dance crews are expected to take part, each bringing their own flair. While floats are colourful and creative, many participants take the opportunity to raise awareness for issues affecting lgbtq+Q+ communities, from health care access to trans rights and racial justice. In recent years, Pride Northwest has asked law enforcement agencies not to march in uniform in order to make space for those who have historically felt unsafe around police, a decision that has sparked conversation about the role of institutions in Pride. The 2025 parade will continue this policy while inviting officers to participate out of uniform.
Historical context is woven throughout the weekend. Portland’s first officially recognised Pride parade took place in 1976, though marches occurred even earlier, and Pride Northwest has stewarded the event since 1994. In the decades since, the festival has grown from a protest march to a celebration that still centres activism. The move to July a couple of years ago allowed the organisers to avoid clashing with Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples Day events, and the mid‑summer timing has allowed for better weather and bigger crowds. Beyond the weekend itself, Pride Northwest runs year‑round programs supporting queer youth, providing training on inclusion, and advocating at local and state levels. Attending the festival is an opportunity to support these efforts; the suggested donation at the gate is ten dollars, but no one is turned away for lack of funds.
Visitors planning to attend Portland Pride 2025 should consider using public transit or biking, as street parking near the waterfront is scarce. TriMet’s MAX light rail lines stop nearby, and there are bike racks at the festival entrances. Attendees can bring refillable water bottles, but outside alcohol and open flames are prohibited. For those coming from out of town, Portland’s vibrant queer nightlife scene offers a full weekend of after‑parties at venues such as the Embers Avenue and Crush. Hotels in the downtown core fill up quickly, so booking accommodations early is recommended.
Beyond the main festival and parade, the city embraces Pride with dozens of related events throughout July. Queer film screenings, art exhibitions, poetry readings and sports tournaments create a month‑long celebration. Pride Northwest partners with local businesses and community centres to offer workshops and gatherings focused on mental health, youth leadership, trans visibility and family support. These events underscore that Pride is not just a party but a platform for connecting people, sharing resources and strengthening community bonds.
Portland Pride 2025 stands as both a joyous celebration and a reminder of ongoing struggles. Attending the weekend offers a chance to cheer along the parade, dance in the sun at the waterfront, discover queer artists and makers, and support the work of local organisations. It’s an invitation to be part of a living history that has been built over nearly half a century, to honour those who came before and to advocate for those who still face discrimination. Whether you come for the music and drag shows, the speeches and activism or simply to be among chosen family, the festival welcomes you to add your voice to the chorus echoing across the riverfront. As Pride Northwest reminds attendees every year, Pride is for everyone – and everyone’s presence helps make it stronger.
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