In what promises to be a colorful, energy-infused weekend, Phoenix Pride will kick off its parade Saturday morning, followed by a two-day music festival. With 2014 proving to be an instrumental year in the advancement of civil rights for the LGBTQ community, festivities striving for harmony and inclusion of all people will be enjoyed by its estimated 30,000 attendees.
The floats and decorated vehicles at the parade are expected to be viewed by more than 15,000 spectators. This year’s Grand Marshall is WNBA player Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury's. Griner publicly announced she’s a lesbian in April 2013 and has declared she wishes to help the community: “I want to work with kids and bring recognition to the problem, especially with the LGBT community,” she said to the Associated Press.
Concluding at the location for the Phoenix Pride Festival, the parade kicks off at 10 a.m.
Beginning at noon on Saturday and Sunday, the festival will be held at the Steele Indian School Park. With five stages in use, the lineup includes: Neon Hitch, The Random Hingers, Roar, Beverly McClellan and David and Devine. The event will be co-hosted by the newly crowned Miss Phoenix Gay Pride pageant winner, Barbara Seville.
Closing the festival on Saturday night is A Great Big World. The duo have long been advocates of the LGBTQ community and included the catchy song “Everyone Is Gay” in their debut album released this past January. Sunday night's closing act is Michelle Branch, which is a rare performance for the singer-songwriter who has separated herself from the limelight in recent years. Both closing acts have meet and greet packages available. The $75 tickets includes admission to both days of the festival.
A new health and wellness pavilion along with an expanded YouthZone will be debuting this year. The festival will have an arts expo, erotic world and dance pavilions. Beer and wine tasting is available for the 21 and over crowd. A VIP experience is also being provided by Sway Events which includes tent access, bar service and a viewing lounge for the main stage where A Great Big World and Michelle Branch will perform.
Regular admission tickets range from $15 to $30 for one-day and two-day admission, respectively, and you can purchase your tickets here. Funds raised will go towards the Pride Community Grants and Scholarships Programs. Phoenix Pride will be awarding $30,000 in scholarships to LGBTQ students and dependents this year.
Reach the reporter at jurgiles@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @MrsMathers94
