OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Pride Alliance PrideFest began on Friday, June 28th, at Scissortail Park with performances, vendors, food trucks, and people of all ages gathered to celebrate pride.
Running through Sunday, this year’s theme, “Queer Justice: Colors of Change,” highlights the fight for equality and celebrates LGBTQ+ identity.
See maps of the PrideFest and of the Parade below.
Celebration
“PrideFest is a weekend packed full of celebration,” Pride Parade Co-Chair Reagan Ray told Free Press. “There is truly something for everyone.”
Ray highlighted PrideFest’s significance, noting its timing with the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. The uprising in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn sparked a global movement for LGBTQ+ rights, marking a pivotal moment in history.
“It is not lost on me that, had pride not started as a riot, we wouldn’t have the ability to openly love, openly celebrate, or even have a PrideFest,” Ray said. “So many came before us to make weekends like this possible. Being a part of PrideFest is fulfilling; it’s celebrating with other people who face the same battles you do on a daily basis.”
Ray said she has been impressed by local talent at this year’s festival, hopping between stages like the Love Stage near OKC Boulevard and 3rd and the Pride Stage further south.
The Love Stage features amenities like the Pride Bar, VIP area, Pride Headquarters, security, merch sales, and the Beer Garden.
PrideFest attendee Kylee McManus enjoyed the food trucks, drag performers, and vibrant energy at PrideFest, despite noisy protesters setting up across the street at the Omni hotel with signs and bullhorns.
“It’s been pretty great,” McManus said. “The drag was absolutely amazing, but the protests just kind of suck. Everything else is going great, though.”
The festival’s Community Zone from 12-5 p.m. Saturday offers resources from organizations like SISU Youth Services. Nearby, the OKC Zoo Family Zone has games, while the Youth Zone features poetry readings and a Q&A. Saturday morning kicked off with a YogaSIX class and a sound bath by Sacred Cleansing, and attendees could also join for family-friendly activities like a soccer kick station and rainbow cornhole.
This year’s new addition, Artist Avenue, featured 2SLGBTQIA+ artists selling their creations exclusively on Friday. Artist Ash Davis found the experience welcoming, appreciating the opportunity to connect with fellow community members.
“It helps us realize that we’re not alone, and, especially with everything that’s happening in the world right now, I think what we need more than ever is community and to have each other’s backs,” Davis told Free Press.
Vendors dotted the walkways at PrideFest, including Anastasia Robinson from Queens Cup Design Co. She showcased a variety of items like t-shirts, car charms, tote bags, and more, and praised the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
“The vibe has been fantastic,” Robinson told Free Press. “It’s just so positive, and everybody’s super bubbly.”
PrideFest’s main attractions include vibrant performances by dancers, drag artists, and musicians on two stages.
Opening night performances
The first night of PrideFest was filled with energy as crowds gathered to enjoy drag artists and musical performances.
On opening night, drag icon Naomi Smalls, known from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 8 and All Stars 4, energized PrideFest with a DJ set and runway show.
Big Freedia, the larger-than-life ambassador of New Orleans Bounce music and festival headliner closed the night with her infectious energy, welcoming dancers and guests on stage. She performed hits including her feature on Beyoncé’s Grammy Award-Winning single “Break My Soul,” and ended with a crowd sing-along to “I Will Always Love You.”
Saturday, June 29 Entertainment Schedule:
Love Stage (Located near OKC Boulevard and 3rd):
- 8 a.m. – YogaSix
- 9 a.m. – Sacred Cleansing
- 10 a.m. – Empowerhouse
- 11:30 a.m. – Rumble Boxing
- 1 p.m. – Cheyenne Marie
- 2 p.m. – Pulpy Fleshy
- 2:30 p.m. – Berta B
- 3 p.m. – Big Train & The Loco Motives
- 3:30 p.m. – Storytime with May Lynn
- 4:30 p.m. – Ma’Keelah
- 5 p.m. – The Sultry Femmes
- 6 p.m. – Aeyvo
- 7 p.m. – Poetry and Chill
- 8 p.m. – DJ Bowl (Hosted by Ev DeShawn Stylz, featuring DJs Pedro & Litebrite)
- 9 p.m. – Drag Hour (Hosted by Topatio & La’Porshe Renee Ali, sounds by DJ Robin Rhoades, with performers Luna Deluna, Saturn, Paprika Cherry, Absinthe, Liv N Lene, Karma Eclectic, Mulan Rouge, and Lola Laroux Halliwell)
- 10 p.m. – DJ Shaun Ross
Pride Stage:
- 8:30 a.m. – CycleBar Classes (8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 10:30 a.m.)
- 12 p.m. – OKC Tigerettes
- 1 p.m. – Pineapple Willows
- 2 p.m. – Ken Dow
- 3 p.m. – Meredith Everitt
- 4 p.m. – Jo James
- 5 p.m. – Levi Jack Taylor
- 6 p.m. – Outlawz Dance Group
- 7 p.m. – Oklahoma Latin Pride Union (performers: King Iconic, Jil, Rosaliaa, and Xochipilli-OKC)
Event Pavilion:
- 8 a.m. – YMCA
- 12 p.m. – Poetry and Chill
- 1 p.m. – Ballroom
- 3 p.m. – 2024 Pageant
The afterparty at Ponyboy at 10:30 p.m. features a DJ set from AEYVO and free entry.
Sunday Parade
The 2024 Pride Parade on June 30th at 11:00 a.m. will feature Lance McDaniel and James Cooper as Grand Marshals, symbolizing “legend” and “rebel” respectively. Parade Award Judges will present awards for categories like most spirited, best advocacy, and best float.
The parade will proceed down Walker Ave to OKC Blvd, passing in front of Scissortail Park.
The parade will also be live-streamed for the first time on OKPA’s Facebook and Instagram Live, providing access to queer people across Oklahoma. Committee member Stephen Fitzsimmons developed an app to assist with the lineup, and Rachael Leonhart and local drag artist Tape will serve as MCs.
“Live-streaming provides access to queer people all over Oklahoma who may not be able to attend in person,” Parade Co-Chair Blake Barrett said to Free Press. “Accessibility to the parade and queer representation are the bedrock of this organization’s mission.”
More Events Follow the Parade:
Love Stage:
- 12:30 p.m. – Beyoncé Brunch
- 2:30 p.m. – OKC Ballet Studio Company
- 3 p.m. – Closing
Street parking around the staging area will be free the morning of the parade, with additional options at the Arts District Public Parking and Scissortail Lot. Attendees may also park closer to Scissortail Park or ride the streetcar to the staging area.
Zoe Elrod covers events and happenings around Oklahoma City for Free Press bringing her skill as a reporter and photographer. Zoe has spent her career covering local musicians, artists, politicians, and everyday folks.