LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thousands of people gathered in downtown Louisville for the annual Kentuckiana Pride Festival.

The festival started with a parade at noon, traveling from NuLu down Market Street, through downtown Louisville to the Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park.

"We are a great city that really celebrates a community no matter what you believe, no matter who you love," said Matt Breland.

IMAGES | Kentuckiana Pride Parade moves through NuLu to Big 4 Lawn

Hundreds of people lined the streets of NuLu near downtown Louisville for the Kentuckiana Pride Parade on June 15, 2024, as the procession headed to the Big Four Lawn for the sold out Pride Festival. 

Chappell Roan headlined the festival after Icona Pop backed out due to an illness. All 25,000 tickets were sold out for the festival since earlier this week as a record crowd was expected.

"I love seeing everyone so happy," said Payton Janson, who visited Louisville for the Kentuckiana Pride Festival.

The festival sold out for the first time in its 24-year history.

"It's really nice to see so much support for the largest Pride festival in Louisville history," said Sam Stottman.

On Saturday, there were decked out cars, bedazzled cowgirl hats and colorful socks filling the Big Four Lawn. Festival organized credited the unprecedented crowd to both local and nationally recognized artists.

Chappell Roan has skyrocketed in popularity this year. She was an opening act for Oliva Rodrigo's GUTS tour. She's also performing at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival this Sunday. 

"She's like one of the most unapologetic artists," Sophia Ritche said.

IMAGES | Chappell Roan headlines record crowd at Kentuckiana Pride Festival

The festival announced the complete lineup in March on Facebook, with acts that include Robin S, Masflowband, Friday Night Special, Bungalow Betty, Vibe.like.Ty, and VOICES of Kentuckiana. Plus, DJ Dan Slater, DJ Griffin Green, and DJ DNasti.

WDRB News spoke with visitors from Georgia, Mississippi and Pennsylvania, all of whom wanted to show their pride in Louisville.

"Me and my friend are both bisexual," Janson said. "It's our first Pride since we came out, so it's really exciting."

To learn more about Kentuckiana Pride Festival, click here.

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