2007 Pride Festival Attractions

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.

• Festival Overview
• Festival Attractions
• Festival Location
• Festival Entertainment Schedules
• Festival Exhibitors & Vendors
• Battle of the Bands Vote

Mass Commitment Ceremony

Once again, we will be hosting a Mass Commitment Cermeony at the Loring Stage, presented by Best Buy.  The ceremony will take place on Sunday afternoon.  Please check the Entertainment Schedules for the exact time.  This is a great way for couples to express their love for each other and receive the acknowledgement and support from the community.

Pre-registration is not necessary for the Mass Commitment Ceremony.  However, we do ask that you sign our guest/registration book in the park the weekend of the event.  People of all faiths are encouraged to participate.  Though commitment ceremonies for same-sex couples are currently not legally binding in our state, our purpose for this event is to reflect and recognize the union of two individuals who are looking to make a public commitment to each other.  In doing so, we are showing that the GLBT community is capable of having real, loving and lasting committed relationships.

Private Commitment Ceremonies
In addition, we will be providing an enclosed space for couples to have their own private ceremonies.  Couples should bring their own officiator, or we may be able to provide the services of an officiator for you.  Reservations are for thirty minute slots and are completely free of charge.  Pre-registration for a Private Ceremony is required.  Since space is limited and expected to fill quickly, please register as soon as possible by sending an email or phone at 612.305.6951.

There is no "dress code" for the commitment ceremonies.  However, since there will be people present that will be looking to find ways to discredit the GLBT community, we ask that you please remember that your presence and attire can represent the entire GLBT community.

For more information, or to make a reservation for a private ceremony, please contact our Commitment Ceremony Manager via email or phone at 612.305.6951.

Fireworks and

Festival Headliner Taylor Dayne

Loring Stage Presented by Best Buy

On Saturday evening, Taylor Dayne will perform on the Loring Stage, presented by Best Buy, followed by the annual fireworks display!  Bruce Daniels and Jenna Drey will preceed Ms. Dayne on Satruday evening. Please check the Entertainment Schedules for the exact time.

The fireworks display takes place over the lake in the center of Loring Park, and the best viewing locations are along the shorlines.  The fireworks will commence rain or shine.

Children's and Family Area

Presented by Macy's

The newly expanded Children's and Family Area is moving to a new location this year.  The newly relocated Rainbow Stage will be adjacent to the Children's & Family area in the southeast corner of the park.  This family-themed area will feature vendors and exhibitors, entertainment, a picnic area and more for our GLBT families.

Two Beer Gardens

Due to city ordinance, all alcoholic beverages must be contained in a fenced area.  The Pride festival will sport two Beer Gardens 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 Gardens - everyone will need ID.  Admission is $2 for the whole day; this money goes to help defray the huge costs of the Pride Festival. The Loring Beer Garden will be adjacent to the Loring Stage and the Stonewall Beer Garden will be adjacent to the Stonewall (Drag) Stage.

The Minneapolis Eagle/Bolt will be managing the Beer Gardens this year.

The Loring Beer Garden will be staffed by:

The Stonewall Beer Garden will be staffed by:

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.

History Pavilion

Presented by the Tretter Collection

The History Pavilion will be returning in 2007 to its traditional location in the large, newly-remodeled park building on the east end of the lake in Loring Park. Featuring exhibits from the world-renouned Tretter Collection, this is a g reat 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!