We finally took our kids to the Indy Pride Parade and Festival and we all had a blast! I’ve wanted to attend for a while now and I’ve wanted to bring the kids along to show support and love, and we finally did it! There are tons of events and activities all day long (and all month long) celebrating Central Indiana’s LGBTQ+ community and almost all of them are family-friendly. The kids will love the lively, inclusive atmosphere as well as the decked out parade floats, dressed up visitors, and rainbows galore!
2024 Indy Pride Parade
On Saturday, June 8, 2024, head downtown at 10:00 a.m. for a two-hour parade with over 140 floats and groups. The 2024 Indy Pride Parade starts at 748 Massachusetts Ave., travels southwest along Mass Ave., turns north on Delaware Ave., and finishes on Michigan Street.
The Indy Pride Parade is free to attend. Kids and adults will love the colorful floats and the lively music and entertainment. Be sure to wear sunglasses, sunblock, and other sun protection. Bring chairs and blankets to sit on if you like, but most people are standing and dancing. Don’t forget your water bottles and snacks!
2024 Indy Pride Festival
Every year, all of the best Indianapolis area companies and organizations come together for a day of events and activities that celebrate love, diversity, and unity. The 2024 Indy Pride Festival will take place on June 8th from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Military Park in downtown Indianapolis.
The Indy Pride Festival will be a vibrant and unforgettable experience filled with music, entertainment, and a rainbow of festivities. The Community Zone is specifically designed for families with entertainment and vendors geared towards children and families.
Indy Pride Festival Tickets & Parking
Tickets to the Indy Pride Festival are now on sale for $10 each in advance or $12 at the gate on June 8. Children 5 and under will be admitted for free. Indy Pride is partnering with Gate Ten Events and Parking to offer convenient parking for festival attendees. Purchase a parking pass to park at Gate Ten near Lucas Oil Stadium and you will be shuttled to and from the parade and festival!
What to Bring to the Indy Pride Festival
To provide a safer environment for the public, Indy Pride has implemented a Clear Bag Policy that limits small wallets and clutches to 4.5″ x 6.5″ or clear bags to 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Strollers, wagons, and chairs are permitted. One unopened non-alcoholic beverage is allowed per person as well as refillable water bottles which can be used at hydration stations throughout the event. No outside food is allowed to be brought in.
Other Family-Friendly Pride Events in Indy
Pet Pride
One of the most adorable events on the Pride calendar is Pet Pride presented by ELANCO! On Saturday, June 1 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., pet parents, local vendors, and the community will gather at Riverside Park for an afternoon of play and music centered around our loving animals. It is a highlight for many in our community who celebrate their Pride as both LGBTQ+ identified individuals and as pet parents.
Indiana Youth Group Prom
Youths ages 12-19 are invited to the Indiana Youth Group Prom: Hollywood Glam. The event will be held at The Manor at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on Saturday, May 11 from 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Registration is required for the event.
Indiana Youth Group Golf OUTing
Indiana Youth Group and Indy Pride are proud to partner for the Second Annual IYG Golf OUTing on May 31. Join the fun at Smock Golf Course for a golf scramble followed by an after party you won’t want to miss featuring giveaways, entertainers, and the Pride Court. All proceeds will go directly to supporting queer youth and young adults through IYG’s programs, services, and resources.
Hoosier 250
The Hoosier 250 is a time-honored tradition with a nod to the Indy 500 with Pride style. Teams of two race around a track on tricycles, just off Mass Ave. The team with the fastest time wins! Attendees are welcome to stay after the race to visit with community members and explore vendor booths. The event, which takes place on May 19 at 12:00 p.m., is free to watch and participate in!
AAPI Cirque Du Pride
AAPI Pride of Indiana will be hosting a Pride Celebration on Friday, May 17 from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. All ages are welcome to the event which will feature cirque performers, tarot readings, a dance party, and more.
Indy Pride Rainbow 5K Run/Walk
2024 marks the 13th anniversary of the Rainbow 5k Run/Walk! While the focus of this event is to promote wellness and raise money for the local LGBTQIA+ Community, for many this is an opportunity to publicly show their pride with their community!
The race, which begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, is an event for the entire family with special youth registration fees for kiddos 13 and under! This year’s race course will start at The Fowling Warehouse and move through the Brookside Park area. Stick around after the race for some post-race fun at The Fowling Warehouse.
Find other amazing events to fill your whole summer with at Indy with Kids.
What are your favorite ways to celebrate Pride in Indy? Share your comments and best Indy Pride pictures with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
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