Anyone who has tried to plan events during or re-emerging from the COVID19 pandemic knows things can be a little—OK a lot—tricky. That has been the case for the Colorado Springs Pridefest committee, but rather than its traditional in-person festival, the organizers are bringing a whole week of pop-up Pridefest events throughout the city, July 13-18.
“Showing our Pride and celebrating with our city is so very important to our LGBTQIA+ community. Many have fought for acceptance, marriage equality for decades and we need to celebrate their hard work that has brought us closer to equality,” says Nic Grzecka, festival director, in a press release.
Grzecka says it’s important that Colorado’s second-largest city has a Pride Presence as it becomes more accepting of the LGBT community. “It’s events like Colorado Springs Pride that allow people to gather, meet and network with other like-minded people, and its during times like this our straight allies can come and show their support,” Grzecka says.
From workshops and parades to burlesque shows and all-night Pride parties, this year’s Pridefest includes a wide variety of celebrations. Here’s where and when you can find Pridefest events around town.
July 13
Equality and Inclusion Workshop
Stargazers Theatre, 6 p.m.
Southern Colorado’s oldest LGBT organization, the United Court of the Pikes Peak Empire, (UCPPE) teams up with UCHealth and UCCS to host a free equality and inclusion workshop at Stargazers Theatre. The workshop will touch on critical issues facing the community, including mental health, relationship building, consent and intimate partner violence, and suicide prevention.
July 14
Progressive Jackpot Bingo
Club Q, 7 p.m.
The UCPPE hosts a Drag Queen Bingo event that’s fun with friends or family. All proceeds from the event will benefit local LGBT nonprofits.
Wednesday Concert Series
Icons, 8 p.m.
After Progressive Jackpot Bingo, head over to Colorado Springs’ popular, new, gay piano bar, Icons, to keep the party going with live music and drinks.
July 15
Pridefest Film Festival
Stargazers Theatre, 7 p.m.
Stargazers Theatre presents the very first Pridefest Film Festival in partnership with Rocky Mountain Women’s Film. The inaugural event starts with Jump, Darling, starring the late Cloris Leachman in her last film, and finishes with Cloud Burst. A parent or guardian will be required for entrance of anyone under 17. Please watch trailers to determine the appropriateness for your youth.
July 16
Kaberet Drag Show
Icons, 8 p.m.
For everyone 21 and older, grab some friends and a drink at ICONS and get ready for a lively, original Kabaret Drag Show performance.
Pride Kickoff Drag Show
Club Q, 8 p.m.
You can also catch the Pride Kickoff Drag Show at Club Q. This event is for 18 and older.
Foam Party
Club Q, 10 p.m.
Dance in the suds with DJ Tbeatz. You must be at least 18 years old to attend.
July 17
Youth Pride
332 N. Nevada Ave., 8 a.m.
Downtown Colorado Springs welcomes youth, parents and people of all ages to participate in a day of family-friendly Pride performances and fun.
Cocktails, Live Music and Piano
Icons
When the Youth Pride events wrap up, make your way to Icons to start your evening with cocktails, live music and piano performances.
Official Pride Party
Club Q, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Magic FM 98.9 presents the party you’ve been waiting for at Club Q, the Official Pride Party. Doors open at 4 p.m., but the party ratches up at 8 p.m. for the Stripped Burlesque show. DJ Tbeatz spins at 9 p.m.
July 18
Motorcade
Chapel Hills Mall South, 11 a.m.
Just like last year’s Pride festivities, you can decorate your car in colorful swag and join the Pridefest Motorcade journey from Chapel Hills to Downtown. Be sure to register online beforehand.
Family Day
Club Q, 12 – 9 p.m.
With a $5 donation to UCPPE, you can enjoy a family-friendly Drag Brunch at Club Q before celebrating Pridefest with an all-ages Foam Party and free Family BBQ and Beer at 4 p.m. (admission for those 13 and older). The Unity Drag Show happens 8-10 p.m., with the first-hour family friendly.
Official Pride Party
Club Q, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Closeout the week’s events with a blowout Drag Show and Pride Party at Club Q. Enjoy live vocalists, belly dancing, drag, DJ Tbeatz and a special guest appearance by Iggy Stardust. The party is for those 18 and older.
All events at Club Q on Sunday will only require one $5 cover fee upon entrance.
For more information and full lineup details, visit cospridefest.com.
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