Phoenix Pride 2023: Ultimate guide to the parade and entertainment

Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic
·4 min read
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Get ready, queens: Phoenix Pride is set to celebrate the Valley's LGBTQ+ community.

The 2023 Phoenix Pride festival and parade will take place Oct. 21-22 at Steele Indian School Park. There will be music, entertainment and hundreds of local vendors, businesses and organizations each day.

The parade will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and the progress made in Arizona over the last four decades. “But it's also a celebration of community as a whole,” said Jeremy Helfgot, spokesperson for Phoenix Pride. “This is an event that is open and welcoming to anyone who wants to come and participate positively.”

Want to experience it? Here's everything to know about the 2023 Phoenix Pride Festival and parade.

When is Phoenix Pride 2023?

Phoenix Pride takes place noon-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21-22, at Steele Indian School Park.

Why is Phoenix Pride in October?

June is Pride Month, but the weather in Phoenix then is not conducive to large all-day outdoor events. Thus, Phoenix Pride is celebrated in October.

“We hold off until things cool down in the fall,” Helfgot said. “The safety of everyone who participates in Pride is always paramount to us. And obviously, there would be an immediate danger to health and safety if we were to do it in the triple-degree temperatures of mid-June.”

What are Phoenix Pride and the Phoenix Pride Parade?

Phoenix Pride is one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in the Valley.

The pride parade is a festive procession through the streets of downtown. It features diverse participants, including LGBTQ+ people, allies, organizations, businesses and community groups. The parade showcases floats, marchers, vehicles, artists and performance elements that reflect the community's spirit, culture and activism.

The parade raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, promotes inclusivity and equality and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in Phoenix.

“We always welcome guests still to this day who might not identify as allies or as part of the community, but who are curious who want to learn who maybe haven't had exposure to the LGBTQ+ community and want to know about the culture,” Helfgot said.

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What to expect at Phoenix Pride 2023

An array of booths, vendors and activities will be available. Here's a sampling:

  • Main stage and Latin stage performances.

  • Dance pavilion.

  • Family-friendly drag performances.

  • Food vendors.

  • Kids space with bounce house, photo booth, music and crafts for ages 12 and younger.

  • Exhibitor marketplace.

  • VIP experience with complimentary drinks and food.

Phoenix Pride 2023 concerts

Main stage:

  • Saturday: Zee Machine at 7 p.m., Paulina Rubio at 8 p.m.

  • Sunday: Niki Harris & Donna De Lory at 7 p.m., Ashanti at 8 p.m.

Latin stage:

Saturday: Mar Solis, Jessica Esoterica, Jessica Wild from 5-7 p.m.Sunday: Mar Solis, Jessica Esoterica, Naysha Lopez at 5 p.m., Mariana Seoane at 6 p.m.

VIP ticketholders can enjoy exclusive entertainment by Jessica Wild and Naysha Lopez from "RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.”

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Phoenix Pride 2023 tickets

Phoenix Pride is keeping the tradition of holding down ticket prices.

"Phoenix pride has continued to freeze the cost of admission at all levels and all categories," Helfgot said. "We are not raising prices this year, we did not raise prices last year. That is due in part to the incredible generosity of our sponsor partners who continue to be very generous with their support."

Tickets start at $30. Taxes and fees are extra. Admission is free for children 12 and younger and active-duty military members who present ID.

There are discounts at the gate for people aged 55 and older, ages 13-17, and military veterans.

"We're working to continue to make things as affordable as possible and as accessible as possible," Helfgot said.

Ticket prices are as follows:

  • One-day general admission: $30.

  • One-day general admission with express entry: $35.

  • Two-day general admission with express entry: $50.

  • VIP Experience, for ages 18 and older, includes exclusive entertainment, a spot in front of the main stage, a buffet, two complimentary drinks per day, and an air-conditioned space. Passes are $100 for one day and $150 for both days.

Go to phoenixpride.org to purchase tickets in advance.

What time does the Phoenix Pride parade start?

The parade starts at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. It begins at the intersection of Thomas Road and Third Street in downtown Phoenix and moves north up Third Street to Indian School Road.

Is the Phoenix Pride parade free?

The Phoenix Pride parade is free to attend. Spectators are encouraged to line Third Street's east and west sides for the best views.

Phoenix Pride 2023 Festival and Parade

When: Noon-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21-22.

Where: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.

Admission: Starting at $30; free for age 12 and younger and active military with ID.

Details: phoenixpride.org.

Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Pride 2023: Ultimate guide to the parade and festival