OKC Pride Alliance is planning a fun weekend full of kid- and family-friendly activities at PrideFest June 23-25 in Scissortail Park. This year’s theme is Queer Joy: The Resistance, and the event’s organizers have been especially intentional in creating events and programming for youth and families.
“It’s important for our youth to have a space where they feel seen and heard, where they can visualize a
future, where they can be themselves and have moments of joy,” said Samantha J., vice president of OKC Pride Alliance. “Even in the midst of things we go through or people or organizations that are not affirming, we are not going to postpone joy.”
Samantha J. adds that when LGBTQIA+ youth can build community and see themselves represented at an event like PrideFest, the programming and activities become more than fun: they are suicide prevention. With the National Institute of Health reporting that just one affirming adult can reduce suicidality for a queer youth by 40 percent, it’s just as important for allies of all ages to show up to events like PrideFest and in the everyday lives of LGBTQIA+ youth.
“The queer community in Oklahoma are everyday people whose kids love to play on the playground and splash in the fountains and have their faces painted,” said Samantha J. “This is an opportunity for families to celebrate each other.”
Whether families have toddlers or teens, there will be activities to enjoy together this weekend. Don’t miss:
- Pride Parade. One of the main events of the weekend, the parade this year will be on
Sunday, June 24 at 11 a.m. The parade will begin on Walker Avenue from Robert S Kerr and end at S Robinson Avenue, with opportunities to view all along the route. Find detailed parade route info here. - Family Zone. Throughout the weekend, enjoy face painting and pop-up style games and activities. The Family Zone is located near the playground and splash pad and is open to kids and families of all ages. Plus, find resources for LGBTQIA+ families, youth and individuals, as well as allies, in the Community Zone.
- Youth Zone. Check out special activities for youth ages 13 to 20 all weekend long in the event pavilion. On Saturday, don’t miss:
- Open mic poetry. Youth can share their own spoken word and work with Poetry & Chill. At last year’s PrideFest, Samantha J. says during some down time in the Youth Zone, several youth attendees started spontaneously sharing poetry and spoken word, so event organizers knew they wanted to incorporate that into this year’s event as well.
- Youth pageant and drag show. Titled The Royal Resistance, youth ages 13-20 can share their talents at 2:45 p.m. Get more info here.
- Art & Vendor Marketplace. Check out the creations of local makers and creatives. Plus, enjoy food trucks!
- Live Entertainment. In addition to the youth pageant, enjoy music, comedians, drag performers and more on the main stage.
Sunday, June 24 at 11 a.m. The parade will begin on Walker Avenue from Robert S Kerr and end at S Robinson Avenue, with opportunities to view all along the route. Find even more ways to celebrate Pride Month in OKC here.
Happy Pride, OKC!
Erin Page is managing editor of MetroFamily Magazine, an award-winning writer, a lifelong resident of OKC, wife to Jordan and mom to Addie, Hutch and Weston. She enjoys exploring our city, making up recipes and hiding from her kids to eat chocolate.
