After a virtual-only event in 2020 and a postponement in 2021, Tucson Pride 2022 is returning to downtown Tucson with three days of festivities. Tucson Pride has hosted the annual event, Pride in the Desert, for 45 years and it’s actually the oldest and longest-running pride festival in the state.
“What began as a picnic in the park in 1977, is now a weekend of celebration that brings together thousands of Pride goers from across the community,” Tucson Pride stated. “In 2019, the festival drew more than 5,000 attendees as well as nearly 150 vendors and exhibitors.”
Tucson Pride, which is officially named the Tucson Lesbian and Gay Alliance, has big plans for this year’s three-day extravaganza.
Pride Parade
First, there’s a Pride Parade from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, September 30. The parade begins on Stone Avenue near 15th and Simpson Street and then concludes at Armory Park. You can take a look at the map online.
Chances are you’ll even see a handful of the Tucson Foodie crew out and about.
Tucson Pride Festival
Next, on Saturday, October 1, the Tucson Pride Festival kicks off at noon and ends at 10 p.m. This is taking place at the Georges DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park. Tickets to the event are $15 for adults and $5 for those between the ages of 13-17 years old.
There’s going to be a few local food trucks parked near the Outdoor Performance Center, and then live performances on stage by Crystal Waters, Carly Pearl, Velo, and more.
You’ll want to get those tickets beforehand at eventbrite.com.
Tucson Pride Drag Brunch
Last but not least, HighWire is hosting an official Tucson Pride Drag Brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 2. The downtown restaurant and bar found at 14 S. Arizona Ave. will have a prime rib and ham carving station, custom omelets, eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, pastries, a dessert bar, iced tea, hot coffee, and soft drinks.
Aside from the food, you’ll be entertained with electrifying performances by Allonna Dee, Trouble, and Onika Grande, which will be closing out the Pride festivities here in Tucson.
The brunch is $40 plus fees and all proceeds from purchased tickets will be donated to Tucson Pride, giving them even more opportunities for next year’s event. All ages are welcome, everyone must have a ticket, and anyone under 21 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Make sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time at eventbrite.com.
For more information on the three-day Tucson Pride Festival, visit tucsonpride.org.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
