Question 1

When and where is the 2026 St. Charles Pride Festival?

Accepted Answer

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Question 2

Will there be a parade in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, there will not be a parade in 2026.

Question 3

I have an idea to make the festival better! Who can I talk to?

Accepted Answer

We LOVE new ideas! If you're interested in dropping us a line, please email us anytime. If you're feeling extra motivated to support the LGBTQIA+ community of St. Charles, we are also always accepting applications for our Pride Pals.(https://www.pridestcharles.org/advisory-board-app)

Question 4

Where do I park?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available in The Family Arena parking lot. There will be volunteers ushering in cars to the appropriate areas.

Question 5

Is the festival family friendly?

Accepted Answer

Pride St. Charles works to ensure our festival is as family friendly as possible. The family and youth area of the festival is perfect for kids of all ages to create, imagine, learn, and inspire with the whole family. 
 
We ask that all attendees keep the bathing suit areas of their bodies covered to ensure that we are compliant with local laws. Aside from that, there is no dress code, and all forms of self expression are welcome.

Question 6

Is there an entrance fee for the Pride Festival?

Accepted Answer

Nope! This festival is funded entirely by the contributions of our sponsors, and by donations from people like you. Donations are not required, but deeply appreciated. If you're interested in donating to keep Pride St. Charles growing, please click here.(javascript:void(0))
 
There will also be donations bins near the entrence of the festival. Every donation goes 100% back into developing resources for our community. Plus, every time you donate, a kitten learns how to fly on a rainbow!(https://media.giphy.com/media/sIIhZliB2McAo/200.gif)

Question 7

Will there be alcohol available?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol will be available for purchase at the festival for adults ages 21+. While we love a good drink, please be mindful of the family friendly atmosphere. If alcohol isn't your thing, there will be an assortment of vendors with non-alcoholic beverages for sale.

Question 8

Are there any restrictions?

Accepted Answer

The Family Arena has a “Clear Bag Policy.” The following stipulations affect the type and size of bags that are permitted into the arena — not the items that you normally need to bring to an event. Each customer may carry in their pockets items such as keys, makeup, combs, phones, wallets, and credit cards.
 • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12.”
 • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
 • Small clutch purses, approximately the size of a hand, or 5″ x 7″ with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the arena along with one of the clear bag options.
 • An exception will be made for diaper bags (if in attendance with a baby) and/or medically necessary items after proper inspection at the gate.

The following items are also prohibited:
 • Umbrellas (Fans are encouraged to bring raincoats or ponchos for inclement weather.)
 • Outside food & beverage of any kind
 • Metal or glass containers of any kind
 • Backpacks and large bags over 14x14x6 inches (subject to inspection)
 • Large flags, banners and drums Noisemakers (air horns, whistles, cowbells, horns, etc.)
 • Aerosol cans (hairspray, silly string, etc.)
 • Bikes, inline skates, skateboards, scooters, shoes with wheels
 • Bicycle and Motorcycle Helmets
 • Frisbees or inflatable objects of any kind
 • Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
 • Flares, smoke bombs, sparklers or fireworks of any kind
 • Laser pointers
 • Pets, with the exception of service animals
 • Weapons of any kind
 • Knives of any kind (including pocket knives)
 • Any missile/projectile like objects
 • Illegal drugs and any other illegal substances
 • Halloween-style masks
 • Cameras with lenses 75mm or over or other audiovisual equipment (eg. video cameras) are not allowed to be brought into the Arena without the appropriate working media credential.
 • The St. Charles Family Arena is a smoke-free facility.

Question 9

Where can I find my favorite vendor/a bathroom/anything I need?

Accepted Answer

Closer to the date of the festival, we will have a map of the festival grounds.

Question 10

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

Only clearly marked service dogs are allowed in the Family Arena. Please make sure to bring your "clean up" items for your furry friend so no one steps in anything.

Question 11

What accessibility intitiatives have been taken?

Accepted Answer

We will be providing ASL interpreters at the main stage. We are also excited to present our sensory friendly zone where people affected by the sensory overload of the festival can recover in peace. Sensory friendly zone will feature low lighting, no scents or overwhelming sounds, complimentary ear plugs, and seating. No food or beverages (aside from water) will be allowed to prevent sensory overwhelm.
 
This is a new project, and we are always looking for feedback on how we can improve our accessibility! If you have any ideas or see any areas that we have neglected, please contact us.(mailto:info@pridestcharles.org) We love your feedback!

2026 PRIDE FESTIVAL

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