Fresno’s LGBTQIA+ community is eagerly preparing for a day of celebration as Fresno Rainbow Pride returns for its 34th year of vibrant festivities.

Scheduled for Saturday, Fresno’s Tower District will host a parade at 10 a.m., followed by a festival at Fresno City College with expanded hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Volunteer-Led Event with Numerous Attractions

Bryan Cauwels, president of Fresno Rainbow Pride, has been involved in planning the parade since 2001. This parade and festival are organized by volunteers in their spare time. Cauwels said, “All of us on the committee are volunteers, including me. We all have regular day jobs and then in our free time, we help plan this amazing event.”

Following the parade, attendees can enjoy a lively festival at Fresno City College, featuring live performances, over 20 food trucks, more than 200 vendors showcasing their products, and even a wedding.

“We have a very exciting event this year, and for the first time ever, we are going to have a wedding ceremony at Pride, on the main stage. We are thrilled to share this very special moment with an amazing couple.” Cauwels said.

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Jerry Dyer Will Be First Sitting Mayor at Pride

Many are excited for something that has not happened before at Fresno Rainbow Pride. Cauwels shared this excitement, saying, “This year at the parade, we have a very exciting lineup and for the first time ever, we have a sitting Fresno mayor joining us in the parade.”

The Mayor’s office confirmed that Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer will participate in Fresno’s Pride Parade alongside several city departments.

This marks an exciting milestone, reflecting the growing support and recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community within Fresno, especially following the controversies of raising pride flags in 2021.

Security and Safety at Pride

On May 10, the FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a public safety alert indicating an increased potential for violence inspired by foreign terrorist organizations against the LGBTQIA+ community.

They noted efforts by these organizations to commit or inspire violence at pride celebrations or related events.

“Safety has always been our number one priority. We work very closely with the Fresno Police Department, Fresno City College Police Department, and CSC, the security company we use,” Cauwels stated. “We also have meetings and contacts with state and federal law enforcement, and we work together to provide a fun, safe event.”

Fresno Rainbow Pride stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of Fresno’s LGBTQIA+ community, offering a space for celebration, advocacy, and solidarity, organizers said.

Parking at Fresno City College is free for this event. There will also be roundtrip shuttles between the parade route and festival site all day.

You can get your tickets for the festival here.

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