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Cincinnati Hosts 53rd Pride Weekend as Downtown Prepares for Massive Parade

Large expected crowds are prompting road closures, free shuttle service, with unanswered public questions about police safety plans.

Overview

  • A kickoff block party on Elm Street organized by Cincinnati Magazine drew hundreds and featured multiple drag shows and local performers.
  • The Pride parade is scheduled to begin at Seventh and Central and proceed to Sawyer Point where a festival will offer a main stage, family areas, dozens of vendors and activities for all ages.
  • Organizers say as many as 300,000 people could attend and First Student will run free shuttles from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with stops every 15 minutes to move crowds around downtown.
  • The city published detailed road closures for the parade route, with some closures starting as early as 8 a.m. and streets expected to reopen around 3 p.m., but the police department did not respond to media questions about specific safety preparations.
  • Now in its 53rd year, Cincinnati Pride blends celebration and protest for LGBTQ+ equality and this year emphasizes accessibility with sensory, senior and sober zones meant to help more people take part.