If there’s one thing Columbus knows how to do right, it’s throw a party that brings everyone together. The Columbus Pride Parade is living proof.
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or just showing up to support your friends, neighbors, or coworkers, this event is one of the most vibrant and welcoming celebrations in the entire country.
Seriously. Over 700,000 people (NOT a typo) show up for this thing. That’s nearly the population of the entire city. It’s the second-largest Pride event in the Midwest (right behind Chicago) and one of the biggest in the U.S., which is wild when you think about the fact that Columbus’ very first Pride March in 1981 had just 200 people.
When is the Pride Parade in Columbus, Ohio?
Mark your calendars: the Columbus Pride Parade kicks off at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 14th, 2025. If you’ve never been before, plan to get there early.
As in, think about how early you want to get there, and then get there 30 minutes earlier than that. With thousands upon thousands of attendees pouring into downtown, the crowds get big fast.
Plus with the summer sun beating down on you? The last thing you want is to be scrambling for a spot.
What’s the Pride Parade Route in Columbus?
The pride parade route in Columbus starts at the Ohio Statehouse (at the corner of Broad & High) and marches north up High Street, ending at Buttles Avenue, just a block from Goodale Park where the Pride Festival’s second day will be in full swing.
The parade route at a glance:
- Start: Broad & High (Ohio Statehouse) at10:30 AM sharp!
- End: Buttles Ave near Goodale Park around noon or so… but the party doesn’t stop there!
- Vibe: Colorful, joyful chaos — in the best way.
Where’s the Best Place to Watch the Parade?
Here’s the scoop:
- Want the highest-energy crowd and non-stop excitement? Head to the start of the route near Broad & High, where the vibes are guaranteed to be high.
- Prefer something more family-friendly and laid-back? The vibe tends to mellow out the closer you get to the middle and end of the parade route, around Warren and Buttles Avenues.
- If you want to keep the party going after the parade, Goodale Park is where it’s at. The Pride Festival in Columbus, Ohio continues there all afternoon with live music, food trucks, vendors, and community groups.
What’s Happening at the Pride Festival & Resource Fair?
The Pride Festival & Resource Fair in Columbus is more than just a party… it’s a full-on community celebration packed with entertainment, resources, and connection.
🗓 Festival Dates & Times:
- Friday, June 13th from 4 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday, June 14th from 11 AM – 8 PM
🎉 What to Expect:
- Over 200 nonprofit and corporate vendors
- Two performance stages: the Pride Stage and the Red [Space] Stage
- A community wellness area
- A DJ/dancing pad
- And a plethora (aka tons) of community resources and giveaways
No matter your vibe — whether you’re there to dance, snack, shop, or connect — there’s absolutely something for you at the festival.
Where to Park for Columbus Pride?
Parking can be a bit of a mess, so plan ahead:
- Your best options are parking garages in the Short North and Downtown Columbus (check options here).
- If you don’t mind walking down to the Short North, you can also park in the garages on Ohio State’s campus
- Street parking might be available in surrounding neighborhoods like:
- Victorian Village (west of High Street)
- Italian Village (east of High Street)
- University District (north of the route)
To make life easier, we recommend using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or hopping on COTA’s Park and Ride system, which offers plenty of easy Park and Ride routes into the city on parade day.
Why Columbus Pride Is So Special
The best part of Columbus Pride isn’t just the scale… it’s the spirit. It’s a celebration of love, inclusion, self-expression, and community. It’s for everyone — no matter how you identify. People come together to uplift and support each other, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
Columbus doesn’t just show up. We show out.
More Info + Stonewall Pride Events
The parade is just one part of a month-long celebration hosted by Stonewall Columbus, filled with community events, performances, marches, and more.
👉 Check the full lineup and get all the latest updates at: https://stonewallcolumbus.org/pride/
Find more awesome events & festivals in Columbus here.