Pride in the CLE Celebration Drew Thousands Downtown This Weekend

Tens of thousands of people filled Downtown Cleveland streets this Saturday for Pride in the CLE, hosted by the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.

The event kicked off with a parade, which included a multitude of local organizations, businesses and groups. Rainbow flags and picket signs in each marcher’s hand characterized the parade as more than just a walk around Public Square, but a protest. While some marchers carried colorful, lighthearted signs, others shared solemn and powerful messages.

Jaden, a second-time attendee at the parade, said it felt much longer than the 2025 event, “which is obviously a good sign.”

When the parade wrapped up, attendees made their way to Malls B and C for the festival, which included a variety of vendor booths, food trucks and performances on two stages. Entertainers like the Cleveland Ballet, the Cleveland Pride Band, the Cavs Dance Team, North Coast Men’s Chorus and many others kept the energy high.

One couple, Austin and Andrew (and their dog, Archie), shared that Cleveland is just one of their many Pride experiences. Having attended Pride events in Cincinnati, Erie and elsewhere, they said they hope to attend Columbus or Chicago Pride one day. 

“Since it’s home, this one is the best of them all,” Austin said of Pride in the CLE.

Even Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb marched in the parade on Saturday, donning a Pride pin on his T-shirt.

“Cleveland will always be a city where you can love and live freely,” he stated on social media. “Happy Pride, Cleveland!”

See our photos of Pride in the CLE below: