Pride FAQs

The parade will start at 11:00 a.m. on July 18th at the intersection of South Avenue and Science Parkway. It will travel north on South Avenue, turn onto Highland Ave, and end at the Purple Crosswalk — just steps away from the festival in Highland Park!

Yes! 

Please avoid parking on neighborhood streets. We recommend ride-sharing if you are marching in the parade. Additional parking and shuttle information coming soon.

Yes, however, you can't bring alcohol.

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

The festival will take place on July 18th from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. in Highland Park. The main entrance is located at 1440 South Avenue. In addition to the main entrance, there will be one other entrance to the Festival, near the Lilac Adventure Zone (249 Highland Ave.).

Yes. General admission is $5 and VIP tickets are $50. Kids under 12 are free. General admission includes access to entertainment, food trucks, a beer and wine bar, a kid's area, and vendors. VIP tickets include general admission plus a private bar, additional food options, as well as a lounge area and a private restroom trailer. We recommend avoiding the lines and purchasing VIP tickets in advance. General admission tickets will only be available at the gate on the day of the event (cash only).

Yes. Tickets purchased at the gate will be cash only. You will also need cash for parking and to buy drinks at the festival. There were be ATMs available on-site.

VIP tickets are $50 and offer an elevated experience at the Rochester Pride Festival, including access to a private bar, additional food options, as well as a lounge area and a private restroom trailer. Please note that VIP tickets are for individuals 21 and older. General Admission tickets are $5, at the gate only, cash only, and provide access to the Festival, where you can enjoy the music, food, and vendors.

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

You're welcome to bring a water bottle! However, outside food and beverages are not allowed. We will have many vendors!

Sorry, backpacks are not allowed at the Festival.

Folding chairs are OK, but please do not bring tents or other large structures.

Yes, but please be mindful of the crowds.

Bikes are not allowed into the Festival but there are bike racks at the Festival entrances.

In Rochester, Pride is traditionally celebrated in July! Rochester's first Pride was a picnic that took place 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 throughout the parade route. 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 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, organizations may apply for a portion of the funding to support LGBTQ+ events and programming throughout the Rochester area. View the 2026 recipients.

Please send an email to pride@trilliumhealth.org.

YES! You can purchase merchandise here.