Cass County PrideFest

Cass County PrideFest is an evening Pride festival at the Dowagiac Library Pavilion, produced by OutCenter Southwest Michigan. It features live entertainment and music, local artists and vendors, and space for the community to gather. The 2026 event was the third annual edition.

Cass County PrideFest is one of three PrideFest events produced by OutCenter Southwest Michigan, an organization whose mission is to advocate for change and build community for LGBTQ+ people, their allies and their families. OutCenter works across Berrien, Van Buren and Cass counties, educating local systems, civic leaders and elected officials about the LGBTQ+ community, and it also speaks up for rural LGBTQ+ people and resource centers in national conversations.

Alongside advocacy, the group runs support, social and discussion groups meant to be safe and welcoming spaces, and it works with area institutions so LGBTQ+ residents receive fair treatment and services. Organizers use the Cass County festival as a chance for people to learn about the queer history of Southwest Michigan as well as to celebrate.

Local artists, community resource organizations and businesses can apply for a vendor booth, and approved vendors pay a $25 fee per event. Sponsors can support one or all three PrideFest events, with perks ranging from logo placement on banners to a booth at each festival. OutCenter also recruits volunteers for behind-the-scenes work and for greeter and facilitator roles, with jobs suited to both introverts and extroverts.

Pride events celebrate LGBTQ+ people and mark the Stonewall uprising of June 1969. Most combine a parade or march with a festival of performers, community groups, vendors and food.

Cass County PrideFest has included festival.

Cass County PrideFest was first held in 2024.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held June 20, 2026. It usually falls third Saturday of June.