FAQs

Pride 2023 FAQs

Have a question? See below!

Pride Parade FAQs:

  • Due to an unprecedented number of parade applications, we are now at capacity, and we need to close the application form at this time. The parade is run in partnership with the City of Rochester, and with nearly 200 groups signed up to march, it can impact road closures, police presence, and other logistics. We apologize for any inconvenience that it may cause. We’ve been thrilled by the enthusiastic response from the community, and we’re looking forward to a full day of celebration!

  • The parade will start at 1:00 PM at the intersection of Alexander Street and Park Avenue. It will go down Park Avenue, turn right on Culver Road, and end at Cobbs Hill.

  • Yes! 

  • We recommend ride-sharing or parking on side streets. Street parking in the city is free on the weekends. The East End garage is only a few blocks away.

  • Yes, however, you can't bring alcohol.

  • No, pets may not march in the parade. However, service animals are welcome.

Pride Festival FAQs:

  • The festival will take place at Cobbs Hill Park from 1:00-8:00 p.m.

  • Yes, but kids under 12 are free! General admission tickets are $5 and VIP tickets are $50. General admission tickets include access to all entertainment, food trucks, a beer and wine bar, a kid's area, and 40+ vendors. VIP tickets include general admission plus a bar that sells beer, wine, and canned cocktails, as well as a lounge area and a private restroom trailer. You can avoid the lines and purchase tickets in advance: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roc-pride-fest-tickets-583785818097. Tickets will also be available at the gate on the day of the event, but only cash will be accepted.

  • We recommend bringing cash because wifi will be spotty. All vendors will be accepting cash. In addition, if you buy your tickets at the gate, only cash will be accepted. ATMs will be available on-site.

  • Sorry, vendor applications closed on May 15.

  • Sorry, dogs are not allowed at the Festival, except for service dogs.

  • You're welcome to bring a water bottle! However, other food and beverages will not be allowed. We'll have many vendors!

  • Sorry, backpacks are not allowed at the Festival.

  • We're expanding our footprint to include more shaded areas! We're also going to have more food vendors, more water, and more space between the vendor aisles!

General FAQs:

  • In Rochester, Pride is traditionally celebrated in July! We also celebrate Pride Month in June, which honors the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City. There are many other Pride events held across New York State in June, and scheduling the Pride Parade and Festival in July allows people to travel to many different cities and attend many different celebrations. We also like to say that one Pride month isn't enough for us - we need two!

  • We take safety very seriously. At the Parade, the Rochester Police Department will have a presence at each cross street along Park Avenue between Alexander and Culver. At the Festival, RPD will be present outside the entrance. There will also be additional private security at both events. As for all large events across our county, the Monroe County Crime Analysis Team will monitor any chatter about the events, and they will adjust their safety plans if needed. For all attendees, we urge you to stay vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and call 911 or tell a Pride volunteer in a pink t-shirt if you see something suspicious. We look forward to celebrating our community with Pride!

  • The money raised at Pride goes into a restricted fund to pay for the two largest events – the Parade and the Festival. If there is a balance in the fund after all expenditures are met (including an administrative fee for Trillium Health) organizations may apply for a portion of the funding to support LGBTQ+ events and programming throughout the Rochester area. If there is a balance in the fund this year, applications will be accepted from September 1, 2023 – November 1, 2023. A committee will review the applications and the funds will be distributed on February 1, 2024. The application will be posted on Trillium Health’s website and notices will be posted on Trillium Health’s social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.) If you have any questions, please contact pride@trilliumhealth.org.

  • Please send an email to pride@trilliumhealth.org.