LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentuckiana Pride Festival and Parade kicks off Saturday, which will be a very hot, humid day. Organizers are taking precautions to keep everyone safe.
Friday morning, crews were putting up fencing and setting up the stages in anticipation for the 20,000 people who will pack the Big Four Lawn Saturday afternoon. Organizers said the layout will look different this year.
The headliners include Natasha Bedingfield, The Scarlet Opera, Tanner Adell, and Molly Grace, among others.
Between the parade and the festival, officials said they expect around 40,000 people to join the celebrations in downtown Louisville, and safety is top of mind.
Organizers said they are working with LMPD and metro government to keep everyone safe. There's a clear bag policy, and officers will be patrolling the grounds.
"Make sure everything that you have, you bring in a clear bag," Tim Weyrauch, Kentuckiana Pride Foundation' Vice President, said. "That way it makes the checkout process through security really easy."
According to Kentuckiana Pride Foundation's website, clear bags cannot exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. They also should not have buckles, hardware, or decorations that conceals any part of the bag's contents.
Small clutch bags less than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches in size do not have to be transparent. Fanny packs and crossbody bags smaller than 12 inches by 6 inches by 4 inches also do not have to be see through.
The festival will make accommodations for medical bags and diaper bags.
The Big Four Bridge will also be shut down Saturday during the festivities.
"It's for security purposes," Weyrauch said. "We've got a heated political climate, and the city wants to be safe."
WDRB's meteorologists said it's going to feel like more than 100 degrees outside. Heat stroke, cramps, and exhaustion are very real concerns for festivalgoers.
Organizers said there will be water stations throughout the lawn as well as shady spots to take breaks. They also encourage everyone to wear sunscreen and bring hats, sunglasses, portable fans, and refillable water bottles.
"You will have fun," Weyrauch said. "It's where you come to have joy and be your true, authentic self. Who doesn't want to come out to hear great music?"
General admission tickets have not sold out as of Friday afternoon and cost $10. Proceeds from the festival will go toward Kentuckiana Pride Foundation's mission of promoting "social, economic, and health equity of Kentuckiana's sexual and gender minorities."
The Pride parade portion kicks off Saturday at noon in Nulu, starting at Campbell and Market streets. It is free and open to the public.
Pictured: people lined the streets in Nulu for the Kentuckiana Pride Parade as marchers headed to the Big 4 lawn for the sold out Kentuckiana Pride Festival on June 15, 2024. Organizers said 25,000 people are expected to attend the event -- the largest crowd in the event's 24-year history. (WDRB/Sam Draut)
The following roads will be closed throughout downtown Louisville:
From 1:30-11:59 p.m.
- River Road from N. Preston to East Witherspoon Street
From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Wenzel Street from Main Street to Jefferson Street
- Campbell Street from Main Street to Jefferson Street
- Shelby Street from Main Street to Jefferson Street
- Clay Street from Main Street to Jefferson Street
- Hancock Street from Main Street to Jefferson Street
- Jackson Street from Main Street to Jefferson Street
- E. Market Street from Preston Street to Baxter Avenue
- E. Main Street from Jackson Street to Floyd Street
- Washington Street from Preston Street to Floyd Street
- Witherspoon Street from Floyd Street to Clay Street
- Witherspoon Street from Adams Street to River Road
- Preston Street from Market Street to River Road
- River Road from E. Witherspoon / Preston to Frankfort Avenue
The Pride Festival will be held on the Big Four Lawn near Waterfront Park until 10 p.m. on Saturday. To learn more about the festival, click here.
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