The Boise Pride Festival is an annual event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and its culture in Idaho. The festival started in 1989 as a small gathering of activists and allies, and has grown over the years to become one of the largest and most diverse events in the state1. The festival features a parade, live music, vendors, speakers, workshops, and more1.
The 2023 Boise Pride Festival will take place from September 8 to 10 at Cecil D. Andrus Park in downtown Boise1. The theme for this year is “Pride Beyond Borders”, which reflects the festival’s mission to promote inclusion, diversity, and solidarity among people of different backgrounds, identities, and experiences1. The festival will also commemorate the 34th anniversary of Boise Pride and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement2.
Some of the highlights of the 2023 Boise Pride Festival include:
- A kick-off party on Friday, September 8, featuring local and national performers, drag shows, and a silent disco1.
- A rally and parade on Saturday, September 9, starting at 10 a.m. at the Idaho State Capitol and ending at Cecil D. Andrus Park. The parade will showcase floats, banners, costumes, and groups representing various LGBTQ+ organizations and allies1.
- A festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10, at Cecil D. Andrus Park, with live entertainment, food trucks, beer gardens, vendors, exhibitors, and community resources1.
- A candlelight vigil on Sunday, September 10, at 8 p.m. at Cecil D. Andrus Park, to honor and remember those who have lost their lives to violence, discrimination, or suicide because of their sexual orientation or gender identity1.
The Boise Pride Festival is expected to attract thousands of attendees from Idaho and beyond, as well as media coverage from local and national outlets34. The festival is organized by a volunteer board of directors and supported by donations, sponsorships, and grants from individuals, businesses, and organizations who share its vision of creating a more inclusive and respectful society for all1.
If you want to learn more about the Boise Pride Festival or get involved in its activities, you can visit its official website here, or follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. You can also contact them by email at info@boisepridefest.org or by phone at (208) 342-2023.
Sources: 1. boisepridefest.org2. aaslh.org3. boisestatepublicradio.org4. pinkuk.com5. boisepridefest.org
