Pride Events Colorado mark a vibrant celebration of love, acceptance, and diversity that spans the entire state in the month of June. From bustling cities to small mountain towns, Pride events showcase the Centennial State’s commitment to embracing the LGBTQ+ community. These festivals aren’t just about colorful parades and parties (though there’s plenty of that). They’re powerful demonstrations of Colorado’s progressive spirit, especially important in times when LGBTQ+ rights face challenges. Each event, whether in urban Denver or rural Ouray, serves as a beacon of hope and inclusivity.
Denver Pride
Denver Pride, the crown jewel of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ celebrations, has been painting the capital city in vibrant hues for over 50 years! What started as a small gathering in 1975 has exploded into a two-day extravaganza that draws hundreds of thousands to Civic Center Park each June. The festival transforms the heart of Denver into a pulsating rainbow of love and acceptance, featuring multiple stages of entertainment, over 250 vendors, and a family area that proves you’re never too young to learn about inclusivity. The highlight? A three-hour parade that sees 200+ floats and 100,000 spectators flood downtown Denver in a sea of sequins and smiles. But Denver Pride isn’t just about the party – it’s a powerful platform for education and advocacy, reflecting the Mile High City’s progressive spirit against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rockies. Read more about the History of Denver Pride
Ouray County Pride
Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Ouray County Pride might be one of Colorado’s newer and smaller celebrations, but it packs a punch as colorful as the town’s famous hot springs. This relative newcomer to the Pride scene launched just a few years ago, proves that LGBTQ+ visibility thrives even in remote mountain towns. Typically held in early June, it kicks off with a symbolic rainbow-clad hike and crescendos into a weekend full of events that seamlessly blend mountain culture with queer expression. From drag shows in historic saloons to a parade where cowboy hats and rainbow flags coexist in perfect harmony, Ouray County Pride captures a unique mix of Western tradition and progressive values. As the sun sets behind towering peaks, the celebration culminates in a community potluck, embodying the warmth and acceptance that can flourish in even the most unexpected corners of Colorado.
Douglas County Pride
Douglas County Pride, a relatively new addition to Colorado’s Pride landscape, has quickly become a beacon of inclusivity in one of the state’s more conservative regions. Launched in 2021, this family-friendly celebration typically takes place in June, transforming Castle Rock’s Philip S. Miller Park into a vibrant hub of LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance. The event strikes a delicate balance between festive celebration and community education, featuring a colorful array of local vendors, live music performances, and engaging speakers alongside resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. What sets Douglas County Pride apart is its emphasis on creating a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQ+ youth and families in an area where such support can be crucial. From drag queen story hours that spark both joy and controversy to booths offering information on local LGBTQ+ support services, this Pride event is as much about building bridges and fostering understanding as it is about celebration. As the festival grows each year, it stands as a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ acceptance in Colorado’s suburban communities.
Edgewater Co Pride
Edgewater Co Pride, nestled in the charming suburb just west of Denver, has rapidly evolved into a vibrant celebration of diversity since its inception in 2018. This single-day extravaganza, typically held in August, transforms the quaint Walker-Branch Park into a kaleidoscope of rainbow flags, laughter, and community spirit. What sets Edgewater Pride apart is its intimate, small-town feel coupled with big-hearted inclusivity. The event features an eclectic mix of local LGBTQ+ artists, drag performers, and musicians, alongside a diverse array of food trucks that reflect the area’s rich cultural tapestry. Families flock to the kids’ zone, complete with face painting and educational activities, while adults can peruse booths showcasing local LGBTQ+-owned businesses and advocacy groups. As the sun sets over nearby Sloan’s Lake, the celebration culminates in a community dance party that embodies the event’s motto: “Small Town, Big Pride.” Edgewater Co Pride not only celebrates the local LGBTQ+ community but also serves as a powerful statement of acceptance and visibility in Denver’s western suburbs, proving that Pride can flourish beautifully in spaces both big and small.
Longmont Pride
Longmont Pride, affectionately known as “Out Boulder County’s Pride in the Park,” has been painting this Front Range city with rainbows since 2016. Held annually in June at Roosevelt Park, this free, family-friendly event embodies the spirit of small-town inclusivity with big-city energy. What started as a modest gathering has blossomed into a day-long festival that draws thousands from across Boulder County and beyond. The celebration features a vibrant mix of local LGBTQ+ performers, from drag queens to indie bands, strutting their stuff on the main stage. Food trucks line the park, offering everything from vegan tacos to artisanal ice cream, while local breweries pour their finest craft beers. But Longmont Pride isn’t just about the party – it’s a crucial platform for education and advocacy. Booths staffed by local LGBTQ+ organizations provide resources on health, legal rights, and community support, while the youth area offers a safe space for younger attendees to connect and express themselves. As the sun sets over the distant Rocky Mountains, Longmont Pride culminates in a community dance party that proves love and acceptance can thrive in every corner of Colorado, from the biggest cities to the coziest suburbs.
Greeley Pride
Greeley Pride, a relatively new addition to Colorado’s LGBTQ+ celebration circuit, has quickly become a beacon of inclusivity in this northern Colorado city known for its agricultural roots. Launched in 2018, this annual event typically takes place in July, transforming Lincoln Park into a vibrant tapestry of rainbow flags and community spirit. What sets Greeley Pride apart is its unique blend of small-town charm and progressive values, offering a day-long festival that features local LGBTQ+ artists, drag performances, and live music alongside educational booths and family-friendly activities. The event has grown exponentially each year, drawing attendees from across Weld County and beyond, proving that Pride can flourish even in traditionally conservative areas. Highlights include a colorful parade down 10th Avenue, a diverse array of food trucks serving up everything from vegan fare to classic Colorado green chili, and a powerful speakers’ corner where local LGBTQ+ voices share their stories. As the sun sets over the plains, Greeley Pride culminates in a joyous dance party that embodies the event’s motto: “Small City, Big Heart, Proud Community.” This celebration not only provides visibility and support for Greeley’s LGBTQ+ population but also serves as a powerful statement of acceptance and diversity in northern Colorado’s agricultural heartland.
Aspen Pride
Aspen Pride, nestled in the heart of Colorado’s most glamorous ski town, offers a unique blend of high-altitude celebration and small-town charm. Launched in 2019, this relatively new addition to the Pride calendar typically unfolds over a long weekend in January, coinciding with Aspen’s famed Gay Ski Week. The event transforms the already picturesque town into a winter wonderland of inclusivity, where rainbow flags flutter alongside designer ski gear. Aspen Pride’s signature events include a colorful ski parade down Aspen Mountain, where participants don their most outrageous costumes, and the Blue Bird Pool Party at the iconic Aspen Recreation Center. By night, the celebration moves to Aspen’s world-class venues for drag shows, dance parties, and LGBTQ+ film screenings. What sets Aspen Pride apart is its seamless integration of LGBTQ+ visibility with the town’s upscale atmosphere and outdoor adventure culture. From champagne toasts at the summit to thought-provoking panel discussions on LGBTQ+ rights, Aspen Pride proves that inclusivity can thrive at 8,000 feet, making it a truly elevated Pride experience.
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Colorado Springs Pride
Colorado Springs Pride or Pikes Peak Pride, celebrates over three decades of LGBTQ+ visibility in the shadow of Pikes Peak, and has evolved into one of the state’s largest and most vibrant Pride festivals outside of Denver. Typically held in July, this two-day extravaganza transforms America the Beautiful Park into a rainbow-hued carnival of acceptance and joy. The festival kicks off with a colorful parade down Tejon Street, featuring over 100 floats and drawing crowds that line the sidewalks several people deep. What sets Colorado Springs Pride apart is its remarkable journey from controversy to celebration in a city once known for its conservative leanings. Today, the event boasts multiple stages showcasing local and national LGBTQ+ performers, a bustling marketplace with over 200 vendors, and a family-friendly area complete with drag queen story hours and youth-focused activities. The festival also maintains a strong focus on education and advocacy, with booths offering resources on LGBTQ+ health, legal rights, and support services. As night falls, the celebration continues with dance parties and performances at local LGBTQ+ venues across the city. Colorado Springs Pride stands as a powerful testament to the progress of LGBTQ+ acceptance in unexpected places, proving that love and inclusivity can flourish even in the most challenging environments.
Colorado West Pride
Colorado West Pride, celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2024, has become the vibrant heart of LGBTQ+ visibility in Colorado’s Western Slope. Centered in Grand Junction but embracing communities from Montrose to Fruita, this week-long festival typically unfolds in early September, painting the region in rainbow hues as summer fades into fall. The celebration kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall and builds to a crescendo with the Pride in the Park event at Lincoln Park, featuring local drag performers, live music, and a diverse array of food vendors serving up everything from vegan tacos to locally-sourced bison burgers. What sets Colorado West Pride apart is its emphasis on rural queer visibility and its commitment to creating safe spaces in an area that has traditionally been more conservative. The festival includes educational workshops on LGBTQ+ health and rights, youth-focused events, and even a “Gay-la” dinner that brings together community leaders and allies. The week culminates in a joyous parade down Main Street, where cowboy hats and rainbow flags coexist in a uniquely Western display of Pride. As the sun sets behind the Colorado National Monument, Colorado West Pride stands as a powerful reminder that LGBTQ+ communities can thrive and celebrate in every corner of the Centennial State.
Pueblo Pride
Pueblo Pride, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, has blossomed into a vibrant celebration that perfectly encapsulates the Steel City’s gritty resilience and warm community spirit. Typically held in August, this weekend-long festival transforms the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk into a kaleidoscope of color and inclusivity. What sets Pueblo Pride apart is its unique blend of LGBTQ+ culture with the city’s rich Hispanic heritage and industrial roots. The event kicks off with a colorful parade that winds through downtown, featuring lowriders decked out in rainbow flags alongside traditional drag performances. The main festival in Mineral Palace Park boasts multiple stages showcasing local Latinx LGBTQ+ artists, drag queens, and bands, while food vendors serve up a mouthwatering fusion of Pride-themed treats and Pueblo’s famous green chili. Educational booths offer resources on LGBTQ+ health and rights, with a special focus on supporting the local transgender community. As night falls, the celebration moves to local LGBTQ+ venues for dance parties and performances. Pueblo Pride stands as a testament to the city’s evolving identity, proving that even in the heart of southern Colorado, diversity and acceptance can flourish, creating a Pride celebration that’s as unique and resilient as Pueblo itself.
Leadville Pride
Leadville Pride, one of Colorado’s newest and highest-altitude LGBTQ+ celebrations, has quickly become a beacon of inclusivity in the heart of the Rockies since its inception in 2021. Held annually in June, this weekend-long festival transforms America’s highest incorporated city into a rainbow-hued haven of acceptance at a breathtaking 10,152 feet above sea level. What sets Leadville Pride apart is its seamless blend of small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and queer visibility. The celebration kicks off with a “Pride Ride” – a colorful bicycle parade that winds through the historic mining town’s Victorian-era streets. The main event in Leadville’s Tabor Opera House features local LGBTQ+ performers, drag shows, and even a queer-themed melodrama that pays homage to the town’s Wild West history. Outdoor enthusiasts can participate in the “Climb with Pride” event, scaling nearby 14,000-foot peaks while flying rainbow flags. As night falls, the party continues with a silent disco under the stars, where revelers dance with headphones, respecting the town’s tranquil mountain atmosphere. Leadville Pride not only celebrates the local LGBTQ+ community but also serves as a powerful statement that love and acceptance can flourish at any altitude, making it a truly elevated Pride experience.
Broomfield Pride
Broomfield Pride, a relatively new addition to Colorado’s LGBTQ+ celebration circuit, has been making waves in this suburban community since its inception in 2021. Typically held in June, this one-day festival transforms Broomfield County Commons Park into a vibrant tapestry of inclusivity and acceptance. What sets Broomfield Pride apart is its focus on creating a family-friendly environment that bridges the gap between urban and suburban LGBTQ+ experiences. The event features a diverse array of activities, from drag queen story hours and youth-focused art workshops to a “Pride Paws” dog parade that celebrates four-legged allies. Local LGBTQ+ owned businesses and artisans showcase their wares alongside booths offering resources on mental health, legal rights, and community support. As the day progresses, live performances from local queer musicians and drag artists keep the energy high, while food trucks serve up a rainbow of culinary delights. The celebration culminates in a community dance party under the setting sun, with the Rocky Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Broomfield Pride not only offers visibility and support for the local LGBTQ+ community but also serves as a powerful statement that love and acceptance can flourish in the suburbs, creating a Pride experience that’s uniquely tailored to this growing Front Range city.
SECO Pride Fest
SECO Pride Fest, short for Southeastern Colorado Pride Festival, has been painting the plains with rainbow colors since 2018. This grassroots celebration, typically held in September, transforms Lamar’s Willow Creek Park into a vibrant oasis of LGBTQ+ visibility and rural queer culture. What sets SECO Pride Fest apart is its dedication to creating a safe and celebratory space for LGBTQ+ individuals in a traditionally conservative region. The one-day event features a unique blend of activities that reflect the area’s agricultural roots and progressive aspirations. Attendees can enjoy drag performances alongside roping demonstrations, browse booths showcasing local queer artists and LGBTQ-owned businesses, and participate in educational workshops on topics ranging from rural queer history to navigating coming out in small towns. Food vendors serve up a mix of traditional county fair fare and modern, inclusive cuisine. As the sun sets over the prairie, the festival culminates in a community dance that brings together people from across southeastern Colorado and neighboring states. SECO Pride Fest stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and diversity of rural LGBTQ+ communities, proving that Pride can flourish beautifully even in the most unexpected corners of the Centennial State.
Aurora Pride
Aurora Pride, celebrating its 5th anniversary in 2024, has rapidly evolved into a vibrant celebration that reflects the rich diversity of Colorado’s third-largest city. Typically held in August, this weekend-long festival transforms the Aurora Municipal Center into a kaleidoscope of cultures, colors, and identities. What sets Aurora Pride apart is its emphasis on intersectionality and its celebration of the city’s immigrant and refugee communities alongside LGBTQ+ visibility. The event kicks off with a multicultural parade featuring floats and performances that blend queer culture with traditions from Aurora’s significant Latino, Ethiopian, Korean, and Burmese populations. The main festival grounds buzz with activity, hosting multiple stages showcasing drag performers, international music acts, and spoken word artists. Food vendors offer a global smorgasbord, from rainbow tacos to Ethiopian injera wraps, reflecting Aurora’s status as a culinary melting pot. Educational booths provide resources in multiple languages, addressing LGBTQ+ rights, immigration issues, and health services. As night falls, the celebration continues with a silent disco under the stars, where attendees can dance to different cultural beats. Aurora Pride stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, proving that in this gateway to the Rockies, there’s room for every color of the rainbow.
Black Pride Colorado
Black Pride Colorado, launched in 2021, has quickly become a vital celebration of intersectionality and empowerment within the state’s LGBTQ+ community. Typically held in July, this weekend-long festival transforms various venues across Denver into vibrant spaces that center the experiences and voices of Black LGBTQ+ individuals. What sets Black Pride Colorado apart is its focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by queer people of color while also celebrating their resilience, creativity, and contributions to the broader LGBTQ+ movement. The event features a diverse array of activities, including panel discussions on topics like racial justice within the LGBTQ+ community, workshops on mental health and wellness, and performances by Black queer artists, drag kings, and queens. A vendor marketplace showcases Black-owned LGBTQ+ businesses, while community organizations offer resources on health, education, and advocacy. The celebration culminates in a joyous block party that brings together music, dance, and food rooted in Black culture. Black Pride Colorado not only provides a crucial space for representation and community-building but also serves as a powerful reminder of the diversity within Colorado’s LGBTQ+ population, ensuring that all colors of the rainbow are truly seen and celebrated.
Breckenridge Pride
Ten Mile Pride, launched in 2022, has quickly become a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion in Summit County’s picturesque mountain communities. Named after the stunning Ten Mile Range that serves as its backdrop, this weekend-long festival typically takes place in June, uniting the towns of Frisco, Breckenridge, and Silverthorne in a colorful display of LGBTQ+ visibility. What sets Ten Mile Pride apart is its unique blend of high-altitude adventure and small-town charm. The celebration kicks off with a rainbow-hued boat parade on Lake Dillon, followed by a street fair in Frisco’s charming Main Street, featuring local LGBTQ+ artists, drag performances, and live music. Adventure seekers can participate in group hikes, mountain biking excursions, and even a “Pride Ride” on the ski lifts at Breckenridge. Educational workshops focus on topics like LGBTQ+ inclusivity in outdoor recreation and the unique challenges faced by queer individuals in mountain communities. As the sun sets behind the peaks, the festivities continue with dance parties at local venues across the three towns. Ten Mile Pride not only celebrates the local LGBTQ+ community but also serves as a powerful statement that love and acceptance can flourish at high altitudes, creating a Pride experience that’s as breathtaking as the Rocky Mountain scenery surrounding it.
Glenwood Springs Pride
Glenwood Springs Pride, launched in 2022, has quickly become a cherished celebration in this picturesque mountain town known for its healing hot springs. Typically held in June, this weekend-long festival transforms Centennial Park into a vibrant hub of LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance. What sets Glenwood Springs Pride apart is its unique blend of outdoor adventure, wellness, and queer culture. The event kicks off with a “Pride Soak” at the famous Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, where attendees can relax in rainbow-hued waters. The main festival features local drag performances, live music, and a diverse array of vendors showcasing LGBTQ+ owned businesses from across the Roaring Fork Valley. Adventure seekers can participate in a “Pride Hike” up to Hanging Lake or join a rainbow raft trip down the Colorado River. The celebration also includes wellness workshops focusing on LGBTQ+ mental health and yoga sessions led by queer instructors. As the sun sets behind the stunning red cliffs, the party continues with a dance under the stars at the Hotel Colorado. Glenwood Springs Pride not only celebrates the local LGBTQ+ community but also serves as a powerful reminder that in Colorado, acceptance and adventure go hand in hand, creating a Pride experience that’s as refreshing as the town’s famous mineral springs.
Yampa Valley Pride
Leadville Pride, one of Colorado’s newest and highest-altitude LGBTQ+ celebrations, has quickly become a beacon of inclusivity in the heart of the Rockies since its inception in 2021. Held annually in June, this weekend-long festival transforms America’s highest incorporated city into a rainbow-hued haven of acceptance at a breathtaking 10,152 feet above sea level. What sets Leadville Pride apart is its seamless blend of small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and queer visibility. The celebration kicks off with a “Pride Ride” – a colorful bicycle parade that winds through the historic mining town’s Victorian-era streets. The main event in Leadville’s Tabor Opera House features local LGBTQ+ performers, drag shows, and even a queer-themed melodrama that pays homage to the town’s Wild West history. Outdoor enthusiasts can participate in the “Climb with Pride” event, scaling nearby 14,000-foot peaks while flying rainbow flags. As night falls, the party continues with a silent disco under the stars, where revelers dance with headphones, respecting the town’s tranquil mountain atmosphere. Leadville Pride not only celebrates the local LGBTQ+ community but also serves as a powerful statement that love and acceptance can flourish at any altitude, making it a truly elevated Pride experience.
Thornton Pride
Thornton Pride, inaugurated in 2023, has quickly established itself as a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in this rapidly growing Denver suburb. Typically held in June, this one-day festival transforms Carpenter Park into a colorful tapestry of acceptance and community spirit. What sets Thornton Pride apart is its focus on creating a family-friendly environment that bridges the gap between urban and suburban LGBTQ+ experiences. The event features a diverse array of activities, including drag queen story hours, youth-focused art workshops, and a “Pride Paws” pet parade that celebrates four-legged allies. Local LGBTQ+ owned businesses and artisans showcase their wares alongside booths offering resources on mental health, legal rights, and community support. Live performances from local queer musicians and drag artists keep the energy high throughout the day, while food trucks serve up a rainbow of culinary delights. As the sun sets over the Front Range, the celebration culminates in a community dance party that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. Thornton Pride not only offers visibility and support for the local LGBTQ+ community but also serves as a powerful statement that love and acceptance can flourish in the suburbs, creating a Pride experience that’s uniquely tailored to this growing city north of Denver.

Author: Jeff Wilson
Jeff is one of the owners of GayDenver and one of its writers. He is a Denver transplant who loves the city and the proximity of the mountains. He is happily married to his husband and loves hiking with his furbaby Thayella.