Memphis Pride Fest Marks 50 Years of Celebration

Crowd celebrating at Memphis Pride Fest with colorful banners and decorations

News Summary

Memphis is set to celebrate 50 years of Pride with the upcoming Memphis Pride Fest, scheduled for June 5-8. The event, organized by Mid-South Pride, will focus on the LGBTQ+ community’s history and current challenges. Highlights include the Beale Street Pride Parade and a vibrant festival featuring live entertainment, educational sessions, and various activities. Despite funding challenges, organizers are committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for over 50,000 expected attendees, fostering discussions on LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

Memphis is gearing up for a significant celebration as the Memphis Pride Fest 2025 approaches, marking a historic milestone of 50 years of Pride in the city. Scheduled for June 5-8, the event is organized by Mid-South Pride and aims to reflect on the past achievements of the LGBTQ+ community while addressing current challenges it faces.

The theme for this year’s Pride Fest emphasizes honoring history while also amplifying future directions, according to the organizers. The event not only celebrates the efforts of advocates over the last five decades, but it also aims to engage the community in discussions about ongoing issues surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be the annual Beale Street Pride Parade, which is expected to draw significant crowds. The parade will kick off a variety of activities designed to uplift and celebrate the community, culminating in a vibrant festival at Robert R. Church Park on June 7.

During the festival, over 50,000 attendees are anticipated, with nearly 200 vendors and exhibitors set to participate. Activities will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 7, providing attendees with access to two stages of live entertainment, VIP experiences, educational sessions, a family area, and several interactive activities. General admission for the festival is priced at $3, while VIP passes are available for $100.

The festivities will begin on June 5 with a Kink Pride event hosted at Hi Tone Café from 7-10 p.m.. Tickets for this kickoff event are priced at $15 for general admission and $25 for VIP access. Additionally, an after-party featuring a silent disco is scheduled for June 7 at the Overton Square Courtyard, running from 8 p.m. to midnight, with tickets costing $22 for general admission and $40 for VIP.

The event will conclude on June 8 with a Grand Marshal Drag Brunch at Cossitt Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Ticket prices for this brunch will be $34.89 for general admission and $53.65 for VIP, and will include tributes to the 2025 Pride grand marshals.

Despite the high expectations for attendance and participation, funding challenges are looming over this year’s festival. Some sponsors have withdrawn their support, leading to concerns about budgetary issues that may impact planned features such as live streaming and entertainment displays. However, ensuring safety and security remains a top priority for the organizers. Measures such as a clear bag policy, private security, and enclosed event spaces are being implemented. Local law enforcement will also assist in securing the parade route and surrounding areas to ensure a safe festival experience for all.

Pride Month is celebrated each June to commemorate the origins of the LGBTQ+ rights movement that began following the Stonewall Inn riots in 1969. Memphis Pride Fest 2025 will not only serve as a celebration of progress made over the past five decades but will also generate important conversations about the issues still facing the community.