Rolla Pride Celebration

The Rolla Pride Celebration is an all-ages evening Pride event at the downtown band shell, organized by LGBTQ+ Rolla.

LGBTQ+ Rolla was founded in 2020 by Onyx Russ and Jonathan Kimball to bring people together at a time when connection was badly needed. During its first year, with the COVID-19 pandemic keeping people apart, the group built community through virtual events and online support.

In 2021 it began meeting in person and held its first Pride event, and the celebration has grown each year since. The 501(c)(3) group also runs weekly meetups and monthly social, support and educational events, and it operates the LGBTQ+ Rolla Community Center, which is staffed by a lead volunteer, usually a board member, whenever it is open.

Its mission is to build a visible, supportive and inclusive LGBTQ+ community in rural central Missouri through regular engagement, shared resources and education, with goals that include easing isolation for people in rural communities and developing specialized support services.

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.

Rolla Pride Celebration has included festival.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held June 13, 2026. It usually falls mid-June Saturday evening.