Downtown Colorado Springs Prepares for Largest-Ever Pride Festival with 168 Local Vendors

Colorado Springs is gearing up for what organizers are calling the biggest Pride celebration in the city's history, with preparations underway for the 2025 Pikes Peak Pride Fest in the heart of downtown. The two-day festival will showcase a record-breaking 70+ parade participants and bring together nearly 170 local and regional vendors, marking a significant expansion for this community celebration.

Event organizers have transformed the downtown corridor, blocking off East Vermijo Avenue between South Nevada Avenue and Tejon Street, with local artists adding colorful installations around the historic Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum.

"Today is set up. It is all sorts of wonderful. There's chaos everywhere, but it's how we roll," said Amanda Ridenour, Communication Coordinator for Pride Fest.

Community Impact and Local Business Boost

The festival represents a significant economic opportunity for Colorado Springs businesses, with 168 vendors preparing to set up shop during the weekend celebration. Festival organizer Justin Burns emphasizes the event's inclusive nature:

"I say it all the time. I look forward to the smiles, the new faces, the old faces, and the parade brings so much joy, whether you're a child or a grandma, grandpa, it's an amazing experience."

Transportation and Accessibility Improvements

Addressing previous years' parking challenges, organizers have partnered with local transportation services to improve accessibility:

• Free bicycle storage at Plaza of The Rockies
• Partnership with Pike Rides for alternative transportation
• Downtown parking options throughout the festival area

Event Details

Festival Hours:

• Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Downtown parade: Sunday at 11 a.m.

First-time attendees like Alex Peralta represent the growing community engagement with the festival.

"I think it's important just to show exactly your Pride and like how happy you are to be you and that everybody should just be themselves,"

The event is expected to draw thousands of visitors to downtown Colorado Springs, providing a significant boost to local businesses and highlighting the city's commitment to hosting inclusive community celebrations.

• Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Downtown parade: Sunday at 11 a.m.

First-time attendees like Alex Peralta represent the growing community engagement with the festival.

"I think it's important just to show exactly your Pride and like how happy you are to be you and that everybody should just be themselves,"

"I think it's important just to show exactly your Pride and like how happy you are to be you and that everybody should just be themselves,"

The event is expected to draw thousands of visitors to downtown Colorado Springs, providing a significant boost to local businesses and highlighting the city's commitment to hosting inclusive community celebrations.

This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.