Pride Festival of Central PA

The Pride Festival of Central PA begins with a parade through downtown Harrisburg followed by a festival at Soldiers Grove beside the State Capitol. 2026 was the 34th festival.

The Pride Festival of Central PA exists to raise positive visibility for the LGBT community of Central Pennsylvania and to create space where people can celebrate regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Its goals include showcasing the organizations that serve LGBT people, providing a safe place to gather, drawing visitors to the Harrisburg region to support the local economy, and raising funds for other LGBT and community groups. Governor Josh Shapiro issued a statement of support for the festival.

The festival brought back its parade in 2026 under the theme Still Here, Still Proud. Entry fees are modest and scaled by group type, from 15 dollars for a nonprofit walking group of up to 20 people to 100 dollars for a business float, and other area Pride boards march at no charge. Float rules ask entries to reflect the theme, keep messages respectful and inclusive, hold music to a reasonable volume and use eco-friendly decorations.

An executive board of five to 13 members oversees four committees. Elections for board and committee chair positions are held each year after the festival, and board terms last two years.

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.

Pride Festival of Central PA has included parade and festival.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held July 25, 2026. It usually falls late July.