Utah Pride 2024: parade, hotels and history

The Utah Pride Festival is set for June 1-2, 2024. It's one of the state's largest LGBTQ+ gatherings, known for its lively parades, performances, and array of activities that span across two exhilarating days.

What happens at Utah Pride?

One of the highlight events is the Pride march, which begins at the Utah State Capitol and travels through the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. It's a colorful and vibrant expression of community pride and visibility, complete with floats, music, and participants from various groups and organizations.

The festival itself at Washington Square Park offers an array of activities including live music performances, dance parties, and drag shows featuring local and national artists.

What's the history of Utah Pride?

The Utah Pride Festival traces its roots back to the 1970s when the fight for LGBTQ+ rights began to gain momentum locally. Officially, Utah Pride started in 1977 with the Human Rights Convention in Salt Lake City. This convention was pivotal as it marked the formation of Gay Mormons United, now known as Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families, & Friends, a significant development in the local LGBTQ+ community's history.

Significant growth in attendance and visibility came in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The first official Pride march in 1990, held on the 21st anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, was a landmark event, symbolizing the community's resolve to be visible and vocal. The march started at the Utah State Capitol and ended in downtown Salt Lake City, drawing hundreds of participants.

Throughout the 1990s, the festival expanded to include more structured activities, including the Utah Stonewall Center's establishment, which provided vital resources and a gathering place for the community. By the mid-2000s, the festival had grown substantially, necessitating a more formal organization and structure, leading to the foundation of what is now the Utah Pride Center.

Where to stay during Utah Pride?

For more details and to participate, you can visit the respective pages on the University of Utah LGBT Resource Center, Utah Pride Festival, and Gay-la event information. Check out our guide to the best hotels in Utah for gay travelers.