What you need to know about Houston’s two Pride celebrations

This year, Houstonians will have the opportunity to attend two Pride celebrations.

Pride Houston 365, the historic organization that has hosted Houston Pride celebrations for the past 45 years, will share the celebration with a new group called New Faces of Pride. The two organizations will hold a festival and parade this month on two consecutive weekends.

New Faces of Pride was launched last summer in an effort to restore transparency after Pride Houston 365’s reputation was damaged when former executive director and president Lorin Roberts was accused of stealing more than $100,000 to the organization and embezzling more than $50,000.

In the months leading up to Pride, the two organizations were feuding publicly, with city officials calling on them to work on their issues privately and merge celebrations.

No agreement could be reached between the two groups, so the events will take place separately, with New Faces of Pride holding its inaugural Pride Festival and Parade on June 22, and Pride Houston 365 holding its 46th annual Festival and Parade on the 29th. June.

With both events taking place in the summer, it’s important to know how to prepare to be outside in the Houston heat. Here’s what you can expect at each festival and parade, and how to beat the heat:

New Faces of Pride Festival and Parade, June 22

When is the party?

New Faces of Pride will host its inaugural Pride Festival from noon to 6 p.m. and parade celebration from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 22 at City Hall. The theme of the celebration is Revolution Rainbow to celebrate progress, embrace change, spark unity and reflect the organization’s mission to raise funds for community-based nonprofit organizations, according to the organization’s website .

What does the festival include?

The festival features a musical lineup with headliners Billy Gilman, Lauren Sanderson and Chris Housman.

It will also include more than 300 festival vendors.

How much do tickets cost to enter?

You can purchase a general admission ticket on Eventbrite for the parade for free, while the festival ticket costs $3 with a $2.04 fee. Children under 12 can enter the festival for free. You can also purchase VIP tickets.

Bryan Cotton, president and founder of Faces of New Pride in Houston, recommends purchasing your tickets before Saturday’s event.

What should I wear?

It’s Houston in the summer and it will be hot, so be sure to dress accordingly. Cotton recommends wearing t-shirts and shorts, but also going as flared as you want. You may also want to consider comfortable shoes.

To stay cool, experts recommend wearing loose clothing in extreme heat.

What can I bring?

You are allowed to bring empty, reusable water bottles. The organization will have water tanks where you can refill your water bottle once inside.

What is not allowed?

You are not allowed to bring weapons to the festival or parade. Glitter or stickers are not allowed, but you can have glitter on your body, like body glitter, or use it as makeup.

Outside food or drinks are not permitted. Skateboards or scooters are not permitted.

Animals are not allowed, except for service animals.

What should I bring?

During the summer heat, there are certain items you can bring along, including a portable charger, portable fan, sun visor, or hat.

How can I protect myself and others during the summer heat?

Be sure to keep an eye out for any children or elderly people attending the event. If you are someone with a chronic illness or who are overweight, you are more likely to be vulnerable in extreme heat and more susceptible to heat-related illness.

Make sure to drink water before the event and throughout the day. Take frequent breaks and cool off at the cooling stations located throughout the festival grounds.

You can also wear hats and sunscreen to protect yourself.

Is this a cashless event?

No. The event will accept cash and credit cards.

Where can I park?

There is no parking reserved for the event. You can consult the map to find the nearest garage. The map also shows the location of bathrooms, bars and cooling stations around the grounds.

What route will the parade take?

The parade will begin on Smith Street and turn toward Walker. It will then turn onto Milam Street towards Jefferson. To view the map, click here.

What social media accounts can I follow to stay informed?

Houston 365 Pride Festival and Parade, June 29

When is the party?

Pride Houston 365 will host its 46th annual festival from noon to 6 p.m. and parade from 7:20 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 29 at City Hall. Doors officially open at 11 a.m. and the parade pre-show runs from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

What does the festival include?

The festival will feature entertainment, DJs, vendors and more. The festival will feature five artists, including host Muffy Vanderbilt, headliner K. Michelle, David Archuleta, Kayla G and Brooke Eden.

How much do tickets cost to enter?

The parade is free for all. The festival is free if you are under 21 or over 55. If you are between 22 and 54 years old, festival tickets will cost you $5 for an advance ticket or $10 at the door. You can also purchase VIP tickets. You can purchase tickets on the organization’s website.

What should I wear?

Tiffany Scales, director of community engagement at Pride Houston 365, says when it comes to clothing, less is more. She recommends wearing tank tops, crop tops, swimsuit tops, or bikini tops.

She also recommends bringing a t-shirt or extra outfit to change into, as you’ll likely be drenched in sweat by the end of the night. Comfortable shoes are also recommended.

What can I bring?

Scales recommends bringing a clear fanny pack to make going through security easier. You can bring portable chargers.

What is not allowed?

You can’t bring water bottles, but they will have free water (while supplies last) at the hydration stations.

What should I bring?

There are a few items you can carry during extreme heat, including cooling towels, portable fans, portable chargers, sun shades, or hats.

How can I protect myself and others during the summer heat?

When attending the event, be sure to drink water beforehand and frequently throughout the day. You should take frequent breaks. Be sure to keep an eye out for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, infants, those with chronic illnesses, and those who are overweight.

You can also wear hats and sunscreen to protect yourself.

Is this a cashless event?

Yes, it is a cashless event. Only cards will be accepted during this event.

Where can I park?

You can use SpotHero to find parking near City Hall. If you plan to use a rideshare app, Scales recommends planning your trip before coming to the event.

What route will the parade take?

The parade will start at Bagby Street and head towards Smith Street. It will then turn onto Walker Street, then onto Milam and down towards Pease Street. To see the full map, click here. The map includes the locations of bars and bathrooms around the grounds.

What social media accounts can I follow to stay informed?

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