Nashville Pride returns after turbulent year, loss of corporate sponsors

The big picture: The event has grown exponentially since launching in 1988, expanding with support from major corporations.

Yes, but: A great deal of that support evaporated last year — in Nashville and many other cities nationwide.

• Many major businesses decided to walk back their sponsorships as the Trump administration ramped up its opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

By the numbers: In Nashville, funding from corporate sponsors nosedived 40% in 2025. Organizers said that amounted to a loss of $270,000.

• The local fundraiser raised about $145,000 last fall. But that was more than $100,000 short of the goal.

State of play: As a result, this year's festival will be different.

• The festival will shrink to one day, and the roster of entertainers leans on local acts.

What they're saying: Organizers hope that the festival will retain its celebratory feel despite the challenges.

• "Bringing that parade and festival together into one day allows us to create that more unified, high-energy experience," Nashville Pride's Brady Ruffin told WPLN.

If you go: The Nashville Pride parade starts at 10am Saturday at the corner of Broadway and Eighth Avenue.

• The festival follows from 11am-8pm at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Festival tickets start at $10.