Pride Fest 2025 is here (and extra queer)!
Parade and Fair:
Saturday, October 25
Downtown Urbana
Fair: 1-5pm
Parade: Steps off at 1pm
Parade and Fair:
Saturday, October 25
Downtown Urbana
Fair: 1-5pm
Parade: Steps off at 1pm
Snatch UP Your Drag Extravaganza Tickets Here!
PRIDE FEST PARADE ROUTE
INTERACTIVE PRIDE FEST FAIR MAP
PRIDE FEST GUIDE
(Created by Clanin Creative)
(Created by Clanin Creative)
Check out a recap from 2023's CU Pride Fest:
About CU Pride Fest
Falling into Pride — 15 Years of Color, Courage, and Community!
Fifteen years ago, Uniting Pride said, “Let’s make space — real, loud, glitter-filled space — for LGBTQ+ people in East Central Illinois.” That dream became Champaign-Urbana Pride Fest and East Central Illinois' only LGBTQ+ resource center, and now we’re celebrating 15 years strong.
This isn’t just a party (though trust: we know how to throw one). This is a return to our roots. A reminder that queer joy is resistance. That coming together to celebrate ourselves — boldly, publicly, unapologetically — is one of the most powerful protests there is.
Uniting Pride proudly produces this week-long festival as a love letter to our community. From day one, we've been about more than rainbows and dance floors (but we have those too). We’re about building safety, connection, and power. And after 15 years, our mission hasn’t changed — it’s only gotten bigger, louder, and sparklier.
There’s something for everyone at CU Pride Fest.
Drag and DJs? Yes. Deep discussions and workshops? Also yes. Family-friendly fun? You bet. Adult only soireés? You betcha. Quiet moments of connection? Those, too. Pride isn’t just one thing — it’s everything we are. Joyful. Complicated. Expansive. United.
To our LGBTQ+ community:
This week is yours. Whether you're ready to march, dance, cry, scream, or just be, we made this space with you in mind. You are not too much or not enough. You are not alone. Your identity is valid, your voice is vital, and your presence is powerful.
To our allies:
We’re so glad you’re here — truly. And if you’re looking for a way to dive in even deeper? Consider volunteering, raising your voice, donating to the cause, or bring your business to the fun. Pride takes a village, and every set of hands, every heart, every amplifier makes a difference. Showing up for each other is what this week is all about — because support is love in action.
So come as you are, exactly as you are! Fifteen years in and we’re still just getting started. Join Uniting Pride as we fall into Pride together — with joy, with resistance, with each other.
Fifteen years ago, Uniting Pride said, “Let’s make space — real, loud, glitter-filled space — for LGBTQ+ people in East Central Illinois.” That dream became Champaign-Urbana Pride Fest and East Central Illinois' only LGBTQ+ resource center, and now we’re celebrating 15 years strong.
This isn’t just a party (though trust: we know how to throw one). This is a return to our roots. A reminder that queer joy is resistance. That coming together to celebrate ourselves — boldly, publicly, unapologetically — is one of the most powerful protests there is.
Uniting Pride proudly produces this week-long festival as a love letter to our community. From day one, we've been about more than rainbows and dance floors (but we have those too). We’re about building safety, connection, and power. And after 15 years, our mission hasn’t changed — it’s only gotten bigger, louder, and sparklier.
There’s something for everyone at CU Pride Fest.
Drag and DJs? Yes. Deep discussions and workshops? Also yes. Family-friendly fun? You bet. Adult only soireés? You betcha. Quiet moments of connection? Those, too. Pride isn’t just one thing — it’s everything we are. Joyful. Complicated. Expansive. United.
To our LGBTQ+ community:
This week is yours. Whether you're ready to march, dance, cry, scream, or just be, we made this space with you in mind. You are not too much or not enough. You are not alone. Your identity is valid, your voice is vital, and your presence is powerful.
To our allies:
We’re so glad you’re here — truly. And if you’re looking for a way to dive in even deeper? Consider volunteering, raising your voice, donating to the cause, or bring your business to the fun. Pride takes a village, and every set of hands, every heart, every amplifier makes a difference. Showing up for each other is what this week is all about — because support is love in action.
So come as you are, exactly as you are! Fifteen years in and we’re still just getting started. Join Uniting Pride as we fall into Pride together — with joy, with resistance, with each other.
Drag Extravaganza
The spotlight’s on, the lashes are long, and the library is open!
The DRAG EXTRAVAGANZA is BACK and coming to CU Pride Fest on Saturday, October 25th, and it’s giving everything.
We’re bringing you drag royalty and a Pit Crew icon from
RuPaul’s Drag Race (and E's House of Villains!) and King of Drag:
Bruno (Pit Crew 2019 - Present)
Kandy Muse (Season 13 & All Stars 8 & E's House of Villains Season 2)
Hershii LiqCour-Jeté (Season 16)
Joella (Season 17)
King Molasses (King of Drag Season 1 Winner)
Plus some of CU’s fiercest local legends:
Spank Knightly, Ceduxion Carrington, Karma Knightly, and Daéshaun Carrington.
General Admission is just $25, but let’s be honest--you want VIP.
For $50 you get a killer seat and a Meet & Greet with our stars. That’s a comfy seat, plus face-to-face, up-close, professionally photographed realness.
VIP Doors at 7:30pm | VIP Meet & Greet 8pm | GA Doors at 9pm | Show Start 9:30pm
Tickets are live now and they will not last -- so get yours before they're gone!
The DRAG EXTRAVAGANZA is BACK and coming to CU Pride Fest on Saturday, October 25th, and it’s giving everything.
We’re bringing you drag royalty and a Pit Crew icon from
RuPaul’s Drag Race (and E's House of Villains!) and King of Drag:
Bruno (Pit Crew 2019 - Present)
Kandy Muse (Season 13 & All Stars 8 & E's House of Villains Season 2)
Hershii LiqCour-Jeté (Season 16)
Joella (Season 17)
King Molasses (King of Drag Season 1 Winner)
Plus some of CU’s fiercest local legends:
Spank Knightly, Ceduxion Carrington, Karma Knightly, and Daéshaun Carrington.
General Admission is just $25, but let’s be honest--you want VIP.
For $50 you get a killer seat and a Meet & Greet with our stars. That’s a comfy seat, plus face-to-face, up-close, professionally photographed realness.
VIP Doors at 7:30pm | VIP Meet & Greet 8pm | GA Doors at 9pm | Show Start 9:30pm
Tickets are live now and they will not last -- so get yours before they're gone!
2025 CU Pride Fest Grand Marshals
The Founding Uniting Pride Board Members
As we celebrate the 15th year of Uniting Pride, we are filled with deep gratitude for the visionaries who made this all possible—our founding board members.
We are deeply honored to recognize and celebrate this year’s Grand Marshals — the founding board members of Uniting Pride of Champaign County. Kevin Bowersox-Johnson, Kris Koester, Niko Paceley, Meg Paceley, Kendall Jeonson, Christina Godoy, Carrie Keenan, Jeff Chandler, Erin Knowles, Tim Reardanz,
Evelyne Tardy, Peggy Weyer, and Phil Reese — whose courage, passion, and perseverance laid the foundation for everything Uniting Pride has become.
Years ago, these courageous leaders came together not just to imagine a more welcoming and affirming future for our community, but to build it. What began as a bold vision has grown into a powerful movement--one that has touched thousands of lives. Their passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in a better tomorrow laid the foundation for all we do today.
We are honored to welcome them back to CU Pride Fest 2025 as our Grand Marshals. It’s our way of saying thank you—for dreaming big, for doing the hard work, and for helping to make Champaign-Urbana a safer, more inclusive, and more joyful place for all.
Because of you, Pride lives here.
As we celebrate the 15th year of Uniting Pride, we are filled with deep gratitude for the visionaries who made this all possible—our founding board members.
We are deeply honored to recognize and celebrate this year’s Grand Marshals — the founding board members of Uniting Pride of Champaign County. Kevin Bowersox-Johnson, Kris Koester, Niko Paceley, Meg Paceley, Kendall Jeonson, Christina Godoy, Carrie Keenan, Jeff Chandler, Erin Knowles, Tim Reardanz,
Evelyne Tardy, Peggy Weyer, and Phil Reese — whose courage, passion, and perseverance laid the foundation for everything Uniting Pride has become.
Years ago, these courageous leaders came together not just to imagine a more welcoming and affirming future for our community, but to build it. What began as a bold vision has grown into a powerful movement--one that has touched thousands of lives. Their passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in a better tomorrow laid the foundation for all we do today.
We are honored to welcome them back to CU Pride Fest 2025 as our Grand Marshals. It’s our way of saying thank you—for dreaming big, for doing the hard work, and for helping to make Champaign-Urbana a safer, more inclusive, and more joyful place for all.
Because of you, Pride lives here.
Check Out Some Of The Founders'
Favorite Moments From Pride Fest 2010!
Favorite Moments From Pride Fest 2010!
Our Iconic 2025 Sponsors
(Psst...you can be iconic too! Sponsor Pride Fest and help us slay!)
Double Rainbow Sponsor:
Rainbow Sponsors:
Green Sponsors:
Yellow Sponsors:
Orange Sponsors:
Red Sponsors:
