Springfield’s Pride celebrations have grown over the years from small gatherings into a vibrant community festival that fills the heart of downtown. The GLO Center, a local lgbtq+Q+ community resource that has been operating since 1998, has hosted the city’s marquee Pride event for decades. When the festival first started it was known as Tolerance Fest, and it provided a safe space for people to connect at a time when visibility was much more limited. Today the center continues to advocate for equality while offering support groups, youth programs, art classes and even a food pantry. That sense of mission carries through to Pride in the Park, turning a day of celebration into a meaningful show of solidarity.
The 2025 edition will take place on Saturday, June 14 at Park Central Square in downtown Springfield. Organisers have adopted the theme “Homecoming” to invite everyone — whether you’re a long‑time resident or visiting for the first time — to gather and celebrate the diverse stories that make up the Ozarks community. Festivities begin with a parade at 11:30 a.m. winding through the streets and spilling into the square by noon. Once the march arrives the square comes alive with music, food and more than 140 vendor booths. The headline concert features R & B singer Paige Alyssa from the St. Louis area along with performances by drag artists who have appeared on Ru Paul’s Drag Race. In keeping with the inclusive spirit the event is free and open to everyone, with family‑friendly programming and spaces for all ages to enjoy.
What sets Springfield’s Pride apart is how deeply it is woven into the community. Volunteers from local organisations host information booths alongside craft vendors and food trucks. Throughout the day there are opportunities to learn about health services, youth groups and advocacy efforts spearheaded by The GLO Center. Pridefest is still a protest as well as a party; organisers remind visitors that the progress made in recent years came about through collective action and that there is still work to be done. Executive director Aaron Schekorra encourages people who may not understand Pride to ask questions in good faith and learn about the event’s goals. The festival is designed to be a safe and welcoming environment, and there are trained peacekeepers on site to handle any disruptions so attendees can focus on celebrating.
If you are planning to attend, consider arriving early to find parking and a good spot along the parade route. June weather in Missouri can be hot and humid, so pack sunscreen and stay hydrated. Because the square is closed to traffic for the day it’s best to explore downtown on foot. Many of the surrounding bars and restaurants decorate their storefronts with rainbow flags and offer specials for Pride visitors, so the celebration spills out beyond the official festival grounds. After dark the party continues at local venues with drag shows and dance parties that raise funds for community programmes.
For locals the event is a reminder of how far Springfield has come in recognising and embracing its lgbtq+Q+ residents. For visitors it’s an opportunity to experience the Ozarks beyond the stereotypes and see the creativity and resilience of the community firsthand. Whether you’re dancing in front of the stage, browsing vendor booths or meeting new friends on the lawn, Pride in the Park is a chance to reconnect with neighbours and to stand up for equality. Proceeds and donations from the festival support the programming of The GLO Center, ensuring that the organisation can continue to provide peer support groups, social services and cultural events throughout the year.
There is no entry fee for the daytime festival, and everyone is welcome to participate in the parade. Anyone wishing to volunteer, become a vendor or march as part of an organisation should register through the event’s website in advance. Accessibility is a priority: the square has ramps and seating options, and organisers have arranged for ASL interpreters during stage programming. Those with concerns about protests should note that the festival has a clear policy encouraging attendees to ignore demonstrators and let security handle any disruptions.
Mark your calendar now for June 14, 2025, and plan to spend the afternoon celebrating Pride in downtown Springfield. The festival offers a blend of activism, entertainment and community building that reflects the spirit of the Ozarks. For more information about the parade route, entertainment schedule and how to support The GLO Center, check the official Pridefest website below.
