Get ready to celebrate authenticity, community, and joy as Utah Pride Festival 2025 is taking over Washington Square Park at the Salt Lake City and County Building on June 7 and 8. This year’s festival invites Utah’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies to show up in full force under the bold and affirming theme of “Radical Love.”

Utah Pride organizers described the theme as “a powerful reminder that love, in its purest form, is unconditional. It challenges us to show up for one another with compassion, courage, and authenticity — and to build a community where everyone belongs, no exceptions.”

Hosted at the historic Washington Square Park around the Salt Lake City and County Building (450 S. State Street), the festival is promising two days of vibrant performances, meaningful connections, and unapologetic celebration.

And that spirit of inclusivity and defiance is especially timely this year.

Pride in the Face of HB77

The backdrop to this year’s celebration includes the passage of HB 77, a controversial Utah law that bans the display of altered or non-government flags, including Pride flags, on public property such as schools and government buildings. Critics argue the bill is a direct attack on LGBTQIA+ visibility in public life.

Chad Call, executive director of the Utah Pride Center, didn’t mince words in a public statement:
“This is more than just a policy decision — it is a deliberate attempt to erase LGBTQIA+ visibility from the public sphere. It is government overreach at its worst… But let’s be clear: this law cannot and will not erase the spirit of Pride.”

While HB 77 may limit municipal displays of support, it does not impact individuals, businesses, or private properties from flying the Pride flag or showing visible support in other ways. Organizers are urging supporters across the state to raise their flags high on porches, in windows, at businesses, and everywhere in between.

Festival and Parade Details

Despite legislative headwinds, the Utah Pride Festival and Parade are moving forward as planned. The festival will once again bring music, food, community resources, entertainment, and celebration to the heart of Salt Lake City.

Thursday, June 5

Pride Interfaith Worship Service
The Pride Interfaith Worship Service will be on Thursday, June 5, at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 777 S 1300 East, Salt Lake City

The Service has kicked off the Pride Festival for more than two decades. It is a time of celebration, reflection, prayer, memorial, music and love as the many faith traditions that are expressly welcoming to and fully inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community come together to “queer faith” in the hope that our arms might open wider still.

Friday, June 6

Pride Youth Dance
A celebration of Radical Love for youth aged 14 to 20 will take place at the Salt Lake City Main Library atrium from 8 to 11 p.m. on Friday, June 6. Get ready for a night of what festival organizers are calling groovy fun.

The evening of dancing will have a “Radical ’60s and ’70s vibe” with a far-out photo booth, light refreshments, and mocktails that’ll have you feelin’ the love.

Dress to impress in your “casual with a touch of Rad” in 60s and 70s style and bring your groovy moves.

The event is open to ages 14-20 years old and tickets are $8 before the night, and $10 at the door.

Saturday, June 7

Utah Pride Rally
Utah Pride will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, with a rally at the Utah State Capitol Building co-hosted with Equality Utah. The free, inspiring, empowering, and inclusive event will feature music, entertainment, speeches, and more, as the community comes together to celebrate love, equality, and diversity in the LGBTQ+ community.

Following the rally, participants will participate in a march down State Street to Washington Square Park, where the Utah Pride Festival 2024 kicks off for the day.

Festival Day 1
The Festival will take over Washington Square Park and a block of Second East from Fourth to Fifth South on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Two stages will run throughout the festival opening, along with vendor and organizational booths, food trucks, drink vendors, and a festival atmosphere of joy and fun.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

Utah Pride Parade
The Utah Pride Parade steps off Sunday morning, June 7, at 10 a.m. with a shorter route than the past few years: beginning at First South and West Temple, heading east to 4th East, and turning south to 300 South. Organizers explain that the route was lengthened during the pandemic to encourage social distancing. The route now returns to its pre-COVID length, much to the delight of those who walk it.

Festival Day 2
The Festival will run Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. A full schedule of stage performers is here.

Tickets:
1-Day Admission: $20 for adults (18+), $18 for seniors/military, $5 for youth under 17
2-Day Admission: $35 for adults
Unicorn Ticket Donation: For $20, you can donate a ticket to someone who cannot afford entry

Tickets can be purchased at utahpride.org/tickets

For full details, ticket purchases, volunteer opportunities, and parade information, visit utahpride.org.