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Mid-MO PrideFest is happening this weekend in Columbia. What to know

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Mid-MO PrideFest is happening this weekend in Columbia. What to know

For more than 20 years, Columbia has welcomed the LGBTQ community and their allies as identities are celebrated and issues are discussed at the annual Mid-MO PrideFest.

This year’s fest is from noon to about 10 p.m. Sept. 28-29 along the 1000 to 1100 block of Park Avenue west to east, and south along both Orr and St. James Streets around what eventually will be the North Village Park, which is expected to be finished by Sept. 30, 2026. This is the area near Rose Music Hall. PrideFest is a free, family-friendly event through 8 p.m. each day.

Here’s what else to expect throughout the weekend:

Saturday festivities

While the PrideFest vendor fair starts at noon, opening ceremonies will take place at 1 p.m. at Rose Music Hall. The hourlong ceremony in years past, has included a mayoral proclamation, a blessing offered by a member of the city’s faith community, along with a blessing from the City of Fountains Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The ceremony also will officially raise the PrideFest flag.

The Quorus, Columbia’s LGBTQ choir, will perform “Rally for the Human Spirit” at 2 p.m. from the Rose Music Hall Stage. This choral performance set includes songs that “celebrates resilience, unity and the strength of the human spirit (through) themes of love, equality and hope.”

Entertainment continues at 3 p.m. with Columbia-based band Double Helix. Their set goes until 3:30 p.m. Drag performances by Divas by Design starts 4 p.m. Rochara Knight and the Honey Doves then take the stage at 5 p.m. Music from Pure XTC is the final act available 6 p.m. at Rose Music Hall on Saturday before a special drag showcase.

Saturday night headliner is “Rupaul’s Drag Race” alumni Xunami Muse, who appeared on the most recent season, finishing in 9th place and receiving a joint Miss Congeniality with runner-up Sapphira Cristal. A ticketed meet-and-greet is available at 7 p.m. with Muse taking to the Rose Music Hall stage at 8 p.m.

Sunday festivities

The third annual PrideFest parade downtown starts at noon. Floats in years past have included local churches, businesses, elected officials and candidates for office, student organization representatives from Columbia’s three higher education institutions of the University of Missouri, Columbia College and Stephens College, and much more.

The parade route starts at Armory Sports and Recreation Center, travels east along Ash Street, before turning south at Ninth Street. It then turns west down Broadway for four blocks before heading back north at Fifth street, ending at the Fifth and Walnut parking garage.

Central States Arabian Horse Association is bringing two Arabian horses for a meet-and-greet event from noon to 3 p.m. only on Sunday. Last year, the association was located at the Family Area.

The vendor fair along Park Avenue, Orr and St. James streets also opens at noon. Music acts from the main stage of Rose Music Hall start up at 1 p.m. The first act is a string quartet from the Missouri Symphony. They finish up around 1:45 p.m. An hour later Rose Music Hall doors open again to welcome the Megan Boyer Band, starting at 3 p.m. Their set goes until 3:45 p.m. Following at 4 p.m. are drag performances from Nclusion+. Frankie DoWop takes the stage at 5 p.m., followed by the Bobby Showers Band at 6 p.m. and Andrea Caspari Spears‘ 30-minute stand-up comedy set at 7:15 p.m.

The Sunday drag showcase is from another “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni Jessica Wild, starting at 8 p.m. A ticketed meet-and-greet is available at 7 p.m. Those interested could get tickets for both meet-and-greets Saturday and Sunday for a slightly higher price. Wild was on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” second season, placing sixth, as well as the eighth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” placing third, along with an appearance in the show’s sixth season as a “lip sync assassin” against one of season’s regular contestants.

What’s available all weekend, dos and don’ts and other features

Features of PrideFest available throughout the weekend are 158 vendors, not including food vendors or activities available in the family area.

The family area has various craft activities available, along with Drag Story tellers,, balloon artists, puppy yoga and more.

PrideFest organizers recommend attendees stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothes, support vendors, and to dispose of trash properly, among other requests. Bullying and harassment or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and organizers suggest leaving the marijuana or other illegal substances at home as public use still is prohibited. Emergency exits should remain clear. Weapons are not allowed and will be confiscated at entrance bag checks if found. Organizers also ask that visitors leave their pets at home, while service animals are welcomed.

Already happening this week is the Pride Vibes art exhibit at Orr Street studios, which was available from Tuesday through Sunday. A reception was held Thursday. Find more happenings and information through the PrideFest website and Facebook page.

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on X, formerly Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

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