June is PRIDE month! The entire community is invited to kick off Cincinnati Pride Weekend at Cincinnati Magazine’s annual PRIDE PARTY on Friday, June 26 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at a brand-new, easily accessible location in the heart of downtown.

This ultimate Pride Weekend street party will take place at the NEW Elm Street Plaza located at 150 W. 5th Street just outside of the convention center. It will be an evening-long celebration of the Queen City’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies the Friday evening of PRIDE weekend.

The party will transform Elm Street Plaza into a vibrant destination filled with live entertainment, dancing, games, giveaways, delicious bites, and plenty of opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event welcomes the entire community, supporters, friends, families, and allies for an evening of fun and inclusivity.

This year's ticket includes tons of light bites and mocktails, fun giveaways, and interactive games courtesy of The Christ Hospital Health Network, Procter & Gamble, Fifth Third Bank, Kroger, and many more community partners.

NEW THIS YEAR, the Pride Party is expanding with a massive party tent featuring The Christ Hospital Main Stage and dance floor. Guests will enjoy:

- a robust drag show hosted by Midwestern Lesbian featuring Mr. Cincinnati Pride, Johnny Justice, Indica Blows, Manuka Honey Stix-Chimera, Glitz, and Guad Ala Jara

- a cocktail and s'mores competition

- electrifying music by DJ Boywife.

- energetic performances by DanceFix

- stage competitions emceed by local media personalities

- interactive activities and photo opportunities

- endless ways to show off your Pride spirit

Ticket holders ages 21 and older (with valid ID) will receive two complimentary drink tickets with admission, unlimited water and select non-alcoholic drinks. A cash bar will also be available.

The first 300 ticketed guests will receive a complimentary tote bag perfect for collecting Pride swag, giveaways, and gifts from participating sponsors and vendors.

"We're thrilled to host the kickoff to Cincinnati Pride Weekend at a new location this year on Elm Street Plaza as we expand our celebration and uplift the Queen City’s incredible LGBTQ+ community," said Ivy Bayer, Publisher of Cincinnati Magazine. "We have a fantastic lineup of entertainment and partners offering endless ways to celebrate. Our Pride Party 2026 promises to be the hottest ticket in town as we officially kick off Cincinnati Pride Weekend on June 26."

Cincinnati Magazine's Pride Party 2026 is made possible with generous support from The Christ Hospital Health Network, Procter & Gamble, Fifth Third Bank, Kroger, and many additional community partners and sponsors. The event benefits the non-profit Queen City Charities.

Early bird tickets are on sale now for just $15 until June 14. Beginning June 15, tickets will increase to $25 per person.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: cincinnatimagazine.com/pride.