Springfield PrideFest

Springfield PrideFest is a full-day downtown street festival in Illinois' capital, organized by the Phoenix Center since 2011. A parade steps off from 5th and Allen and heads north to the festival at 5th and Capitol. The day includes a main stage, a kids' area, and a marketplace of artisans, food vendors and community groups.

Springfield Pride began with a question from staff at The Phoenix Center in 2010 about why the city had no Pride festival of its own. Volunteers spent months organizing, and the first festival was held in May 2011. It now takes place on the third Saturday of May and has become a Central Illinois tradition.

The parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. and marches straight to the main stage, where its arrival opens the festival's ceremonies. Organizers tie the march to the history of Stonewall and invite floats, banners and individual marchers. The festival draws on the Phoenix Center's year-round mission of offering a safe, affirming and empowering space for the community.

Money and energy from the day support that ongoing work, and the Phoenix Center runs Pride programming beyond the festival. It is also starting a Black Pride in Springfield and has invited people to get involved.

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.

Springfield PrideFest has included parade, festival, kids area, live music and drag.

Springfield PrideFest was first held in 2011.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held May 16, 2026. It usually falls third Saturday of May.