2008 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 Headline Show
• Festival Entertainment Schedules
• Festival Exhibitors & Vendors
• Festival Location

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 requested for the Mass Commitment Ceremony.  You can do so, by contacting our Commitment Ceremony Manager via email or telephonet at 612.305.6951.   Even if you choose not to register, 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.

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Fireworks and

Festival Headline Show - En Vogue

Loring Stage Presented by Best Buy

$8 in advance, $10 at the gate

On Saturday evening, our Headline Show featuring En Vogue, Deborah Cox, Sunshine Behavior and DJ Red Richard will take place on the Loring Stage, followed by the annual fireworks display! For complete details and ticket information, check out the Headline Show page.

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 and Headline Show will commence rain or shine.

Age Restricted  The Loring Stage area will be restricted to those 18 and over from 5:30pm until the end of the evening on Saturday for the Headline Show.  We are happy to be able to provide an enlarged beer garden, that includes the stage area, during the Headline Show.

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.

[Register Now]

Children's and Family Area

Presented by Target

The newly expanded Children's and Family Area is moving to a new location this 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 Gardens

$5 admission per day

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 $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.

The Stonewall Beer Garden is located adjacent to the Stonewall Stage.

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:

*Basketball court is located adjacent to the Children's & Family Area

History Pavilion

Presented by Macy's

The History Pavilion will be returning in 2008 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!

NSGRA Dance Tent

The NSGRA Dance Tent is returning to the Pride Festival after a multi-year absence that has been missed by those looking for country-western dancing, cowboys an cowgirls.  Located at the center of the park, near the circular formal gardens, be sure to stop by and say "Howdy!"

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.