The Main Event of Toledo Pride kicks off at noon with the Pride Parade on Sat., Aug. 19. The parade begins as participants line up in support of Toledo's vibrant LGBTQIA+ community! Bring your flags, wear your rainbows, and bask in the pure self expression up and down Adams Street and around the city.

Over 50 local businesses, community organizations and religious organizations participate in the Toledo Pride Parade with thousands of excited, supportive spectators lining the streets of Downtown Toledo.

Once the parade concludes the festivities continue in Promenade Park where the festival keeps vibing till 11 p.m. with live music, entertainers, food truck and merchandise vendors. Saturday admission is free and family friendly!

On Sun., Aug, 20, the event concludes with the Big Rainbow Brunch Crawl along Adams Street from 2 to 6 p.m. There is a one-time fee of $5 for a wristband, which gets you food at each of the participating bars. Each bar/restaurant has a special drinks and dish with a rainbow color theme. Follow Toledo Pride on Facebook for updates! Wristbands for this moving feast can be purchased at any of the participating restaurants.

For all the event details, visit ToledoPride.com.

Want to become a member of EqualityToledo and become more involved in the fight for equality? Contact the Executive Director, at director@equalitytoledo.org or visit www.equalitytoledo.org

All images are courtesy of Toledo Pride.

Toledo Pride, a vibrant and inclusive celebration of love, diversity, and equality, captivates the heart of Toledo, Ohio each year. Embracing the city's rich LGBTQ+ community and its allies, Toledo Pride stands as a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity that define this dynamic city. From its spirited parade down Adams Street, to the joyous festivities that follow, Toledo Pride radiates with a profound sense of acceptance and belonging, creating a safe space where individuals from all walks of life can come together to honor and celebrate the beautiful spectrum of human identity.

The Toledo Pride Festival is a large-scale, outdoor event showcasing the best local entertainment. The festival also boasts a parade, food, merchandise vendors, and networking with numerous community organizations, including local businesses, social groups, churches, and health and wellness groups.

The Pride of Toledo Foundation was established in 2011 as a registered non-profit as the primary host of Toledo Pride. Every year, the Pride of Toledo Foundation along with many other area sponsors welcomes thousands of participants who take part in Toledo Pride.

In the coming years, as the Pride of Toledo Foundation continues to grow, they aim to financially aid area events, organizations, programs and businesses that support the LGBTQIA+ community. With its unwavering commitment to fostering understanding and  positive change, Toledo Pride stands tall as a shining beacon of love and equality in the heart of the Midwest.

This year’s events will be held Friday, August 18, through Sunday, August 20. On Friday the festivities will begin with the Toledo Pride Kick-Off from 6 to 10 p.m. at Promenade Park in downtown Toledo with live music and drag shows.

Here is the full schedule of Toledo Pride events for the community, including:

• Toledo Pride – Kick-Off on Friday, August 18, 2023.
• Saturday Pride Parade at noon on Saturday, August 19, 2023.
• All-day Toledo Pride Main Festival after the parade on Saturday, August 19, 2023.
• Big Rainbow Brunch Crawl on Adams Street on Sunday, August 20, 2023. 

Toledo Pride, by the numbers:

• Nearly 20,000 people gather over the weekend to celebrate one of Toledo’s largest festival.

• About 1,000 people attended Pride Kick-Off on Friday night, the money raised supports many local area non-profits.

• 100+ organizations gain exposure in the Toledo Pride Parade, which had thousands of spectators.

• Over 100 vendors and organizations set up at the festival, including nonprofit organizations, LGBTQIA+ friendly businesses and LGBTQIA+ affirming faith based groups.

• During the festival, sponsors have provided free mammograms and provide free, confidential HIV/AIDS tests.