St. Louis Pride 2025

St. Louis Pride 2025, one of the Midwest's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, will be held in downtown St. Louis on June 28-29, 2025. The event, now in its 45th year, attracts between 300,000-500,000 attendees annually and has become a cornerstone event for the LGBTQ+ community in the region, drawing visitors from eastern Missouri, southwestern Illinois, and neighboring states.

Dates and Location

Saturday, June 28, 2025: 11 AM - 7 PM and Sunday, June 29, 2025: 11 AM - 6 PM. The festival is located in Downtown St. Louis, in the parks surrounding Soldiers Memorial, across from St. Louis City Hall. Admission is free, though there's a suggested $5 donation to support community efforts.

For transportation, attendees can use the Civic Center MetroLink station (two blocks away) or take advantage of shuttle service between the festival and The Grove (LGBTQ+ nightlife area on Manchester Avenue). Ride share services are recommended to drop off at 13th or 14th and Market, or near St. Louis City Hall. Street parking is available (free on Sunday) with various paid lots nearby.

Grand Pride Parade

The centerpiece of the weekend is the Grand Pride Parade, which will take place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, beginning at noon. The parade starts at 10th and Market Streets, proceeds west along Market Street past the PrideFest grounds, and ends at 16th and Market Streets, featuring the St. Louis Arch as a backdrop. The parade route runs along the Gateway Mall.

Festival Highlights

PrideFest offers a comprehensive experience with numerous attractions, including two entertainment stages featuring dozens of performances (music, dance, visual arts), a food court with local vendors, kids and family area, dance pavilion, and vendor marketplace. Beer and liquor booths are available for those 21+ with valid ID and $2 wristband. ATMs are located throughout the festival grounds, and medical personnel staff a first aid station on-site.

Additional Information

For 2025, Pride St. Louis has launched a grassroots fundraising campaign called "45for45" to address funding challenges. This came after long-time sponsor Anheuser-Busch withdrew its support after 30 years, along with some other corporate sponsors reducing their contributions.

Despite these challenges, organizers have emphasized that "Pride will happen, period," though the event may look different from previous years. The organization has noted that Pride began 45 years ago as a protest before evolving into a parade, and they're prepared to "take it back to what it started with" if necessary.

If you plan to explore St. Louis' LGBTQ+ scene beyond PrideFest, The Grove area on Manchester Avenue is the heart of gay life in the city, with numerous gay bars, clubs, and LGBTQ+-friendly businesses. Popular venues include Just John Nightclub and Rehab Bar & Grill, which offer special Pride-themed events throughout the weekend.

Planning a trip to St. Louis Pride? Check out our guide to the most gay-popular hotels in St. Louis.