Thousands of people gathered in downtown Denver on Sunday as the city’s annual PrideFest and Pride Parade closed out Pride Month with celebrations highlighting the LGBTQ+ community and advocacy.
The events were hosted by The Center on Colfax, which opened in 1976 and has grown into the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Rocky Mountain region. The organization advocates for LGBTQ+ Coloradans and provides programs, resources and services that the group says are aimed at supporting healthy and productive lives.
The Denver Pride Parade returned to 17th Avenue, with local businesses and community organizations marching alongside colorful floats and performers.
Following the parade, festivities moved downtown to 16th Street for Denver PrideFest, an event that has brought together LGBTQ+ community members, allies, families and businesses since 1974. Organizers said the festival featured longtime attractions, including the Latin Stage, the Gayborhood and a youth and family area.
Performers Nini Coco, Pattie Gonia and King Molasses headlined the festival’s Center Stage lineup.
Organizers said Denver PrideFest is one of the largest annual celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado and serves as both a celebration and a platform for visibility and activism.
