It runs for an entire weekend, with festivities kicking off on Friday afternoon and running through to late Sunday afternoon. The 2019 event will mark the 38th edition of Columbus Pride. In terms of numbers and participants, the only larger gay festival in the Midwest is the one in Chicago, Illinois. Organizers estimated that the 2017 Columbus Pride Festival saw more than 350,000 people join in the celebration. While only a few hundred people turned out for the first parade, the 2014 event saw more than 300,000 people participate. Since starting in 1981, the event only grew in size with each passing year. started the event as a way to raise awareness of the gay culture in Ohio, and to give visitors and locals alike an outlet for their pride. As Ohio has extremely cold winters, it is a relief that the gay pride celebrations habitually take place in June, meaning party enthusiasts can benefit from the warm weather and celebrate their pride in relaxed, summer attire. Stonewall Columbus, Inc. The Columbus Pride Parade and Festival is an annual event held in Columbus, Ohio around the middle of June.
