Pride is back. Denver is holding its annual PrideFest this weekend, culminating with the Coors Light PrideFest Parade on Sunday. As the big weekend approaches, here’s everything you need to know:
IT’S GOING TO BE REALLY BIG
With about 375,000 annual attendees , Denver PrideFest is the third biggest pride festival in the U.S., according to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of Colorado.
Taking place primarily in Civic Center Park, PrideFest will feature more than 250 vendors, according to The Center’s website.
THE PARADE
PrideFestap biggest activity will be the Coors Light PrideFest Parade. Starting at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, the parade will begin at Cheesman Park and process down Colfax Avenue to finish at Civic Center Park.
THERE’S GOING TO BE LOTS OF TRAFFIC
Between the parade and all the other festivities, there will be commuter traffic and street closures.
Starting at 7 a.m. on Friday, Bannock Street will be closed from Colfax to 13th Avenue, and 14th Avenue will be closed from Cherokee Street. to Broadway. At 6 p.m. Colfax eastbound will be shut down from Cherokee to Lincoln Street, and westbound from Lincoln to Cherokee. Broadway will close from 16th Street Mall to 13th Avenue, at 7 p.m. All of these streets will remain closed until 12 a.m. Monday.
If you’re going to PrideFest and want to avoid driving, Lyft will be offering a 25 percent discount to and from the festival. Use the code DENPRIDE to get the discount. For each ride taken with the code, Lyft will also donate $1 to The Center.
THERE’S WILL BE A 5K (A BIG, GAY ONE)
Along with Sunday’s parade, PrideFest is holding the Big Gay 5K on Saturday at 10 a.m. The 5K starts at the west side of the Capitol building. And while the 5K is a timed race, walkers and children are welcome to participate. Anyone who wants to run can sign up in advance at . Registration is a $40.
ENTERTAINERS WILL BE PERFORMING THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND
DJ’s, musicians and other entertainers will be performing on three stages scattered across Civic Center Park. Performers include Tony award-winning actress Jennifer Holliday and “Rupaul’s Drag Race: All Stars” winner Chad Michaels .
KIDS ARE WELCOME
With the Walmart Family Area, there will be many family-friendly activities including cheerleading lessons and other types of games.
For more information on PrideFest and all of this weekend’s events, visit The Center’s website at .
