The LGBTQ+ Pride movement in St. Louis has a rich history that began in 1980 with the Magnolia Committee organizing the first Gay and Lesbian Pride Celebration. Initially a charity walk, it quickly evolved into a significant annual event that provides visibility, support, and a sense of belonging for the LGBTQ+ community.
Over the decades, Pride celebrations in St. Louis have grown substantially. Starting with small gatherings in Forest Park and student-led picnics, the event expanded to Tower Grove Park in the 2000s and eventually moved to downtown St. Louis in 2013. This relocation allowed for significant growth, attracting nearly 300,000 attendees by the late 2010s and establishing it as one of the largest Pride events in the Midwest.
Beyond its cultural significance, PrideFest also brings substantial economic benefits to the city. The annual festival and parade drive tourism, fill hotel rooms, boost restaurant business, and increase retail sales. For many local vendors and artisans, this weekend represents one of their most profitable periods of the year.
In 2025, when several major sponsors withdrew their support, the local business community stepped in to fill the gap through donations, fundraisers, and community contributions. This grassroots support reinforced the idea that Pride in St. Louis is not just a single event but a year-round commitment to equality and community involvement.
The story of Pride in St. Louis exemplifies resilience, partnership, and progress. It demonstrates how meaningful change occurs not only through large-scale events but also through everyday actions by small businesses, volunteers, and citizens who believe in inclusion and diversity.