Phoenix Pride celebrates a milestone with all-LGBTQ headliner lineup
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Phoenix Pride is always about LGBTQ+ inclusion, but the entertainment lineup at this year's festival takes it to a new level.
The big picture: For the first time, the entire headlining lineup at the Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade comprises performers who identify as LGBTQ+, reflected by this year's "Born This Way" theme.
- "That's a really big deal in that 20 years ago, 25 years ago, it might not have been possible to put together a full roster of headliners who were openly out. And it speaks to the progress that the community has made over decades," Phoenix Pride spokesperson Jeremy Helfgot told Axios. "It fell into place in a particularly meaningful way."
- In previous years, lineups have included performers who aren't LGBTQ+, but allies who are popular within the community, he said.
Zoom in: Headliners include Wendy Guevara, Saucy Santana, Scarlet Opera and David Archuleta, who will close out the second day of the festival on Sunday.
- Performers for the VIP experience will include Jessica L'Whor, Sherry Vine and local favorite David Hernandez.
Between the lines: There are other differences from previous years' festivals, Helfgot said, notably timing.
- Instead of the usual noon-9pm schedule, Saturday's festival will run from 2-10pm.
- Helfgot said organizers have noticed crowds forming later in recent years, coupled with many participants' desire for things to go later into the night.
- Sunday's schedule will be the same as in past years, with the parade beginning at 10am and the festival running from noon-9am.
State of play: After weeks of unusually late triple-digit high temperatures, the weather is finally cooling down at least a little, so expect clear skies and highs of 77 and 83, respectively.
Details: The festival is at Steele Indian School Park, and the parade will end there after beginning at 3rd Street and Thomas Road.