Inclusion is something to be celebrated. Luckily for Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Pride is just around the corner.

The annual two-day festival returns to Headwaters Park East and West, July 26-27, with live music, vendors, food, and a parade.

The fun kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday with live music from Lips Speak Louder and Night to Remember, as well as DJ Big Baby and DJ Quick.

At noon on Saturday, vendor market opens at Headwaters East, while Kids Space, a nonprofit resource fair, and vendors open across Clinton Street at Headwaters West. 

At 2 p.m., the Pride Parade begins at Headwaters East, followed by a family-friendly drag show at 3:15 p.m. and the 2024 Fort Pride Drag Show at 9 p.m. until midnight. 

Also on Saturday, live music kicks off in the Headwaters pavilion at 12:15 p.m. with Shelly Dixon, followed by Fort Wayne Pride Band, Liv LaFluv, Felecia Cruz, Alise King, DJ Trend, and Torion Pickett at 8:30 p.m., leading up to the adult drag show

Activities will also be bountiful at Headwaters West on Saturday, with Fort Wayne Dance Collective performing at 12:15 p.m., followed by Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana speakers, the family-friendly drag show at 3:15 p.m., and live music from Bobcat Opossum at 4:45 p.m. and Home by 10 at 6 p.m.

Those 12 and younger get free admission, but those 5 and younger are required to leave by 8 p.m. when “family-friendly” events are no longer guaranteed.

Growing support

Pride has been deeply rooted in Fort Wayne since 1998 with a couple hundred people attending. 

The event has continued to thrive and grow to more than 20,000 attendees.

“One thing has remained the same, and that is Pride’s commitment to bringing safe, fun events to the LGBTQ community and our straight allies,” Pride’s website says. 

This event is a safe space for everyone to come together and celebrate all the colors of our world. 

While listening to the performers, check out the vendor market as well as the resource fair. This is an opportunity to shop locally and support your community in many ways. 

“I have been in so many un-inclusive spaces in my life, but knowing that there are inclusive spaces in my hometown means a lot to me,” local attendee Leah Lowery said. 

“Every year when I attend, I’m just so excited and reinspired by everyone so unapologetically celebrating themselves and their uniqueness. Being around so many people who identify as a part of the LGBTQIA+ is a great reminder of how big the world is and how there really are other people who understand what existing in queer/non-queer spaces is like.  

“Having a Pride Fest in Fort Wayne is crucial to reminding the Fort Wayne community they we are here, and we are celebrating the right to be whoever we are and love whomever we want. Fort Wayne Pride is something I absolutely look forward to every year.”

Feel comfortable

Although Pride month was in June, this is an event to continue the celebration. 

“When the first Fort Wayne Pride festival took place in 1998, no one could have imagined how large this festival would grow,” Executive Director Nikki Fultz said. “During this time, not only has the acceptance for the LGBTQ community grown, but support from allies, businesses, and leaders have also grown. 

“We know that when LGBTQ people have acceptance in their lives, they are less likely to suffer mental health issues, addiction, and homelessness. 

“Fort Wayne Pride has been one of the biggest sources of increased visibility for our city’s LGBTQ population. Having a safe, nonjudgmental space is imperative for LGBTQ people to feel validated and accepted. 

“We know that providing not only this space, but an opportunity to connect with resources, meet new people, and find a sense of community is an integral part of our work. 

“There are many in our area who are not comfortable being their true selves at other festivals or events, so it increases the joy in the crowd.”

According to Fultz, this festival is one where everyone should feel comfortable.

“Pride is embracing who you are and what makes you unique,” she said. “Our festival is an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ community and the contributions LGBTQ people have made not only to the local community, but to the world.”