Three-day celebration set for Friday through Sunday features downtown parade Saturday, art walk, live performances and community contests honoring LGBTQIA+ pride and progress
Ashland.news staff report
Ashland will host the 15th annual SOPride Festival this weekend, on Friday, Oct. 3, through Sunday, Oct. 5. , honoring a decade and a half of joy, resilience, and unity in Southern Oregon’s LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.
Under the theme, “Rainbow Revolution,” the event begins on Friday, Oct. 3, with the “Out & About Art Walk,” which will feature local businesses and artists throughout downtown Ashland.
New this year, according to event organizers, is a window and business decorating contest, designed to foster visibility and inclusion. The contest winner will be announced on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Butler Bandshell in Lithia Park.
Saturday’s events kick off at 10 a.m. with the SOPride Parade. The parade starts on Main Street and proceeds to Lithia Park. The main celebration will be at Lithia Park. The event will feature over 35 vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment.
Joseph Hattrick, superintendent of the Ashland School District, will be this year’s parade grand marshal. Event organizers said Hattrick’s leadership and advocacy exemplify the spirit of inclusion and pride.
The weekend will conclude with Drag it OUT Sunday on Oct. 5. The event organizers said the activity will be an opportunity for people to rejuvenate with shopping, brunching, and gathering with the community.
“SOPride has always been about more than a parade — it’s about connection, visibility, and celebrating our authentic selves,” said organizer Gina DuQuenne. “This year’s Rainbow Revolution theme pays tribute to our community’s courage and joy. We invite everyone to come together, celebrate, and keep pushing for a more loving world.”
Those coming from outside the area are encouraged to make arrangements in advance. The organizer recommends the Columbia Hotel. The hotel “offers great rates and is a longtime supporter of the festival,” according to organizers.
For more information, go to sopride.org.
Email Ashland.news associate editor Steve Mitchell at [email protected].
