Carmel Pride

Carmel Pride is a student-led organization that hosts an annual Pride festival at Carter Green in Carmel. The festival brings together more than 80 local vendors along with performers and speakers.

Carmel Pride began in May 2021, when a group of high school students decided to put on the city's first Pride festival. After about four weeks of planning, the first event drew more than 2,500 people. The organization is still student-led, with about 15 core members, a Youth Committee for ages 12 to 18 and an Adult Advisory Board, and the team meets weekly on Sunday afternoons. Students who volunteer at the festival can earn service hours.

The festival on Carter Green is free and non-ticketed. It features drag performances, live music, art, food trucks and food and merchandise vendors, and an evening segment called Pride at Sunset begins at 7:30 p.m. The one ticketed part of the day is a drag show at Feinstein's. Vino Mobile serves alcohol throughout the event, outside alcohol is not permitted, and bags do not need to be clear.

The event runs on volunteer organizers, merchandise sales, donations and sponsorships. Organizers coordinate with the Carmel Police Department for safety, and parking is available at the Booth Tarkington garage on the green and the nearby Veterans Way garage.

Youth Pride events are made for LGBTQ+ young people and their families, usually alcohol-free, with activities, performers and supportive community groups.

Carmel Pride has included festival, vendors, performers and speakers.

Carmel Pride was first held in 2021.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held June 28, 2026. It usually falls late June.