Phoenix Pride’s annual Rainbows Festival is expected to draw more than 25,000 people to downtown Phoenix to celebrate the city’s LGBTQ community and allies. 

It’s shaping up to be a busy weekend in central Phoenix thanks to the Lost Lake music festival at Steele Indian School Park. The Rainbows Festival, occupying a small slice of downtown near Seventh and Monroe streets, will teem with performers and vendors. 

Rainbows ends Sunday but the party doesn’t have to stop. Charlie’s, at 727 W. Camelback Road, is hosting the official after party from 6 p.m. to midnight to close out the colorful weekend.

General info

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 21-22.

Where: Heritage Square Park, 113 N. Sixth St., Phoenix.

Admission: Free.

Details: phoenixpride.org/events/rainbows-festival.

Accessibility: All exhibitor booths are wheelchair-accessible and ADA bathrooms are available. American Sign Language Interpreters will be at the Bud Light Main Stage and community stage for all performances. An interpreter also will be at the information booth at Sixth and Monroe streets. A map on Phoenix Pride’s website will help you navigate.

Pets: Leashed pets are permitted, but the site is small and it may be difficult for pets to maneuver. Owners must bring their own bags to pick up after their pets; if they fail to clean up, they’ll be asked to leave. 

In the festival

Payment: ATM machines are available. Some vendors accept cash only.

Alcohol: Four beverage stations will serve alcohol, which can be purchased with tickets obtained at one of three ticket stations. A craft-beer garden is on Adams Street.

Food: Food trucks and other vendors will be on Sixth Street across from the Rosson House.

Weather: Expect sunny days with high temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s and lows in the low 60s. 

Entertainment: Local musicians, DJs and drag performers, including “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 9 contestant Aja, will perform beginning at 10 a.m. both days. For a complete schedule, visit the Phoenix Pride website. 

Lost and found: It’s at the Phoenix Pridecustomer service and information booth near the corner of Seventh and Monroe streets. After the event, attendees can call Phoenix Pride at 602-277-7433.

Transportation

Light rail: For eastbound trains, get off at the Third Street and Jefferson stop; westbound travelers should exit at the Third Street and Washington stop.  

Driving: Metered street parking is available. Several parking garages are nearby: the Heritage Square Garage at 123 N. Fifth St. ($12 per day); the Phoenix Convention Center East Garage at 601 E. Washington St. ($12 per day); and the Jefferson Street Garage at 333 E. Jefferson St. ($5 per day). 

Prohibited items

These items are banned from the festival:

  • Weapons, Tasers, hazardous chemicals, explosives or incendiary devices of any kind.
  • Illegal substances.
  • Alcohol.
  • Glass bottles.
  • Hydration packs such as Camelbaks.
  • Skateboards or inline skates.
  • Drugs excluding prescribed medications or consumer products in original containers.
  • Any items that security determines could have an adverse effect on the event.

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