Twin Cities Pride Festival set for July 17-18

The 49th annual Twin Cities Pride Festival has been scheduled for mid-July at Loring Park.

Twin Cities Pride said Friday that this year’s festival will be held July 17-18 and will feature local Black, Indigenous and people of color and LGTBQ+ vendors, food courts, a beer garden and music stages.

However, due to time constraints, the organization said it will forgo the Saturday night concert and fireworks this year.

A parade also hasn’t been planned at this time.

The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

"We are thrilled with the governor’s new guidance affecting events," Executive Director Dot Belstler said in a statement. "It means large outdoor events, including our largest fundraiser, the Pride Festival, can happen again! Our primary concern is for the health of the LGBTQ+ community, which is more likely to be affected by COVID and other health concerns, so there will be some modifications to the traditional layout."

Twin Cities Pride said booths will still be spread further apart to allow for social distancing, and attendees are still encouraged to follow COVID-19 guidelines. The Minnesota Department of Health is also planning to host a vaccination event on site.

More information can be found online.