Twin Cities Pride

The Pride Festival features many exciting features and attractions each year. Below is a description of some of the more popular activities at the festival.

Pride Sports Events

The Pride Sports Field is located near Loring Park's shuffleboard facility and will play host to a variety of sporting tournaments and exhibition games. Check out the Festival Sports page for more info.

NSGRA Dance Tent

Presented by North Star Gay Rodeo Assn.

The NSGRA Dance Tent is returning to the Pride Festival in its new location this year.  The tent will be located in the sports area near Loring Park's shuffleboard facility. Those looking for country-western dancing, cowboys and cowgirls, this is the place you want to be.  Stop by and say “Howdy”.

Free Canoe Rides

Presented by Wilderness Inquiry
Enjoy a relaxing canoe ride across the lake in Loring Park.  This free attraction is open to everyone and no canoeing experience is necessary.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver. Those under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign a waiver prior to participation. Forms will also be available on-site.

Children and Family Area

presented by Target
The newly expanded Children and Family Area is returning to its new location from last year.  It will be located surrounding the children's play equipment and wading pool, right next to the History Pavilion (see below).   This family-themed area will feature vendors and exhibitors, entertainment, a picnic area and more for our GLBT families.

Beer Garden

$5 admission per day

The Pride Festival will sport a Beer Garden where a variety of adult beverages may be purchased, in addition to a variety of food items. You must be 21 or older to enter the Beer Garden — everyone will need ID.  Admission is $5 for the whole day; this money goes to help defray the huge costs of the Pride Festival.

The Loring Beer Garden will host a variety of DJs all weekend long and is located near the center of the park, just up the hill from the Loring Stage.

Dog Lovers & Owners

Join us for the Pride Dog Event!

Saturday June 26th, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

There will be two courses open to the public — lure and agility. Small Dog Rescue and Underdog Rescue will be present with their dogs

available for adoption. Take an opportunity to meet a K9 Police officer. Watch a frisbee demonstration. Bring your dog in costume and at 3:00 PM sign them up to participate in the Doggy Drag Show. Prizes will be awarded in three categories:  Best in Show, Best Crossdresser-Female, Best Crossdresser-Male and Best Dog/Human Look-Alike. A short parade will follow. All events occur in and around the Loring Dog Park.

To sign up in advance for the doggy drag show, please email Anne@downtowndogsminneapolis.com for an application. This is a Twin Cities Pride event in conjunction with DownTown Dogs, Minneapolis Dog Grounds and Agile Canines. All dogs must be leashed and under the control of their handler unless they are inside one of the courses.

History Pavilion

The History Pavilion will be returning in 2009 to its traditional location in the large park building on the east end of the lake in Loring Park. Featuring exhibits from the world-renouned Tretter Collection, this is a great opportunity to learn about the history and accomplishments of the GLBT community and movement.  Only by learning the lessons from the past will we be able to truly meet the challenges of the future!

Church Services

Gather with hundreds of LGBTQA people of faith at All God's Children Metropolitan Community Church's (MCC) annual Pride in the Park worship service. Follow the music at 9 AM Sunday Morning in Loring Park. We'll present the annual Living Our Vision award to a person who has made the world a better place for LGBT people. For more information www.agcmcc.org.

Pride Coffeehouse

Presented by OutFront Minnesota

Guests can enjoy a relaxing visit to the official Pride Coffeehouse, located in the OutFront Minnesota Pride Pavilion, offers a variety of hot and cold beverages and snacks. Proceeds benefit both OutFront Minnesota and Twin Cities Pride.

Living Well Park

presented by Rainbow Health Initiative

Take a visit to Living Well park, located adjacent to the tennis courts, to experience health & wellness themed exhibitors, vendors and entertainment.  Free, anonymous HIV testing will be provided by Rainbow Health Initiative.

Lodge of our Lady of the Celestial Fire

The Lodge of our Lady of the Celestial Fire will hold a ritual on Saturday at the foot of the walk bridge beginning at 2 pm on Saturday, June 26, 2010.