LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington PrideFest returns this weekend and it’s expected to be bigger than ever. The celebration returned last year after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic with increased popularity.

What You Need To Know

  • Lexington PrideFest will take place at the Central Bank Center Saturday 

  • 25,000-30,000 are expected to attend  

  • It's the 15th year and because of growing popularity, organizers needed a bigger venue 

  • Tickets are $10 and events will last from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

With crowds of around 30,000 people at last year’s PrideFest, organizers are opting for a bigger venue this year, the Central Bank Center. Jeremy Ellis, organizer of PrideFest said he’s preparing for the biggest crowd to date in the event’s 15th year.

“We just get bigger and bigger every year,” Ellis said.

Ellis says PrideFest has grown in popularity each year and it attracts LGBTQ Kentuckians from all over Central Kentucky.

“Lexington is pretty central as far as the state goes so for a lot of people that may not have access to a queer community that grow up in more rural counties, it’s really nice and I think that’s why the volume of our attendance is so great,” Ellis said.

The festival used to be held at the courthouse plaza but has outgrown the space as of late.

“So if you look around about 200 vendors, which is what we normally had down there, stages, food trucks, all of that, it’s kind of unmanageable at that space,” Ellis said.

Emanating from the Central Bank Center, the festival will feature 200 booths, live entertainment and panel discussions on queer culture.

“I hope that we have something for everybody, so come down and check it out,” Ellis said.

Ellis said they considered other outdoor venues, but opted to stay in downtown because of vicinity of queer-owned businesses.

“We’re encouraging people to still go downtown and support those queer-owned businesses; we’ve got a free shuttle service running from the plaza to Central Bank (Center) all day,” Ellis said.

No matter when or where, Ellis says Pride is more than the space.

“Pride isn’t a venue, it’s not a location, it’s a community, so as long as we’re together,” Ellis said.

PrideFest will take place from 11 to 10 Tickets are available online or at the door. Tickets are $10, but will be waived for anyone unable to pay.

PrideFest is the largest fundraiser for the Lexington Pride Center; which provides various services to the LGBTQ+ community.

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