Erie Pridefest's New Bay-ginning

R. Frank Photography

Erie's main Pride celebration is switching venues this year to allow the event to be bigger and better than ever. Liberty Park and Highmark Amphitheater will host Erie's Pridefest for anyone wishing to support and celebrate our LGBTQIA+ population.

SATURDAY, JUN. 29

Each June, Erie Pridefest attracts thousands to the downtown area to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. But this year, the festivities are on the move.

"For many years, Perry Square has served as the home of Erie Pridefest," organizers said. "After much consideration, NWPA Pride Alliance has decided a new venue would better serve the growing safety needs of the largest one-day festival in the city."

With the new location set for Liberty Park and the Highmark Amphitheater, it only made sense that the change of venue also brought a change of name to the local celebration: Pride on the Bay 2024.

The event will feature more than 100 locally-based organizations and food vendors, including big names like Erie Insurance, Adagio Health, and Central Outreach Erie, to name just a few. Performances will also take place throughout the day, including Ada Vox from American Idol along with numerous other local drag performers.

"This event is hosted by a group of volunteers that work year-round to make these events happen, and I'm excited for everyone to see the new layout and enjoy the beautiful experience of Pride on the waterfront," said Alex Sphon, president of NWPA Pride Alliance.

Gates at Liberty Park will open at noon, with a welcome and kickoff on the Erie Insurance Mainstage set for 1 p.m. Free shuttle services will be provided by EMTA from 10:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. from the Intermodal Transportation Center and the Thomas C. Hoffman Bayfront Hub (located at West 12th and Lincoln Avenue).

With the venue change for Pride on the Bay 2024, the Pride Parade down State Street has been moved to Sunday, June 30, the day after the celebration at Liberty Park.

Both the event and the parade are free to attend with all ages welcome.

Gates open at noon // Liberty Park and Highmark Amphitheater, 828 W. Bayfront Pkwy. // Free // For info visit: nwpapride.org