Philadelphia is preparing for one of its most anticipated and powerful LGBTQ+ celebrations yet, as the Philadelphia Pride March and Festival returns on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Spearheaded by Philly Pride 365 and newly sponsored by the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC), this year’s festivities promise to honor history while boldly envisioning the future.

Last year, the festival drew a record-breaking crowd of 100,000 attendees. This year, the march will feature a new show-stopping centerpiece: America’s largest progress rainbow pride flag, now stretching a monumental 600 feet — a 200-foot expansion over last year’s already historic flag.

“Philly L.U.V.”: Legacy, Unity, Visibility

The 2025 theme, “Philly L.U.V.”, stands for Legacy, Unity, and Visibility. It captures the spirit of reflection and resistance that defines modern Pride. As the press release notes, “Philly LGBTQ+ LUV showcases our unique LGBTQIA+ Heritage, our continued commitment to unity, and the impact of visibility, which is at the heart of PRIDE.”

The Pride March begins at 10:30am at 6th and Walnut, a historic site tied to the Reminder Day Demonstrations of the 1960s. It concludes in the heart of the Philadelphia Gayborhood, where the festival will unfold across an expanded footprint. “This is the largest pride flag in Philadelphia history and aims to set the record for the biggest pride flag in Pennsylvania. It is also currently the largest progress rainbow pride flag in America.”

A Festival Grounded in Community

Running from 12:00pm to 7:00pm, the Pride Festival will span from Walnut to Pine Streets and from Quince to Juniper Streets. It will feature over 200 vendors, entertainers, food trucks, and community groups. The expanded layout now includes more LGBTQ+ landmarks, including Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room and Mixto.

Key entertainment zones will feature iconic Philadelphia LGBTQ+ nightlife venues such as Woody’s, UBar, TOC, BarX, 254, Knock, and The Bike Stop.

The press release emphasizes the mission behind these collaborations: “Pride provides a boost to small businesses, especially our nightlife community, who do more than just entertain—they are often on the front lines of advocacy and are often pushed to the margins even within our own community.”

Spaces for Everyone

Inclusivity remains at the forefront of Philly Pride 365’s planning. The festival includes dedicated zones such as:

– Youth & Family Fun Zone with The Attic, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Philly Family Pride, and William Way Community Center – Sober Vibes Zone for attendees who don’t drink alcohol – Sensory Friendly Zone, created in partnership with Disability Pride PA and Saint Luke’s – Sapphic Way, a space for WLW and women-aligned nonbinary folks curated by The Main Event Philly – A diverse Food Truck Market curated by The Food Truck Lady

Weekend Kick-Off Events

The Pride Weekend kicks off on May 30 with the Pride Around Town Flag Tour, showcasing the 600-foot flag at iconic Philadelphia sites. Then, on May 31, the LUV Awards and Pride Promenade will take place at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This gala-style evening will include performances, dancing, and a red-carpet experience — all to benefit a no-cost Youth & Young Adult Prom.

Leadership With Integrity

Philly Pride 365 is under new leadership and direction. As Tyrell Brown transitions to lead the Philadelphia Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, Jeremy Williams and Girly Anderson will guide the Pride team forward with support from Louisa Mfum-Mensah of UAC.

“Pride is about our community first,” said Jeremy Williams. “We prioritize integrity in our organizing. That means spotlighting local talent, honoring intersectionality, and investing in producers who serve the community with heart.”

Why Pride Still Matters

In an era of rising political challenges and economic uncertainty for LGBTQ+ spaces, Pride celebrations like Philadelphia’s remain a vital platform for visibility, resistance, and connection.

“Even beloved spaces are closing due to economic strain and systemic challenges. We must support them 365 days a year—not just at Pride,” said UAC President Arun Prabhakaran. “The calls to advocate for and protect queer spaces must be louder than ever.”

Philadelphia’s Pride is more than a parade — it is a living reflection of its LGBTQ+ history, present, and future. It’s a place to find joy, resources, family, and strength.

Visit www.phillypride365.org to get involved — whether you’re marching, volunteering, sponsoring, or just showing up in your truth.

Join us on June 1, and experience the power of Philly L.U.V. — because when we uplift Legacy, Unity, and Visibility, we don’t just celebrate Pride, we build it.

Pride Events