Dallas, September 23, 2025
News Summary
In Dallas, the LGBTQ+ community celebrated Pride with two official parades this year, the traditional Cedar Springs parade in Oak Lawn and a summer celebration at Fair Park. Amid political pressures surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, community members emphasized local participation over corporate involvement. The Cedar Springs parade marked the anniversary of the state’s sodomy law reversal, showcasing local organizations. With vibrant festivities planned, this year’s Pride events also commemorate the 55th anniversary of the inaugural LGBTQ+ Pride march.
Dallas — The city’s LGBTQ+ community marked Pride with two official parades this year, as a long-running Cedar Springs parade returned to Oak Lawn and summer celebrations continued at Fair Park in June amid ongoing political pressure from the state legislature.
Key details
The Pride in Dallas Parade takes place along Cedar Springs Rd. in Oak Lawn, Dallas’ historic gayborhood. Dallas has two official Pride celebrations: one in Fair Park in June and another in Cedar Springs in September. This year’s Pride celebrations came as LGBTQ+ rights faced increased attacks from the Texas Legislature.
Community members fought to bring the September parade back to the gayborhood. The Cedar Springs parade is referred to as a “predecessor” to June’s main Pride celebration and is sometimes called “second pride.”
What happened at the Cedar Springs parade
The Cedar Springs parade resumed in September, commemorating the 1983 overturn of Texas’ sodomy law. The parade is well-organized, showing a strong turnout from the community. Community health organizations, gay car clubs, and local bars participated actively in the proceedings.
The Cedar Springs parade features a focus on local queer organizations rather than corporate sponsorship, a change from previous parades. Local community leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the relocation of the June Pride celebrations to Fair Park, implementing high parking fees and what they described as “rainbow capitalism.” Post-parade traditions included heading to local gay bars for cold drinks in air-conditioned comfort.
June events and broader summer schedule
Notable gatherings include the Dallas Pride Festival and parade on June 14 and 15, featuring live performances and community-focused activities. Upcoming events in June include various organizations hosting celebrations, rallies, and performances themed around LGBTQ+ pride. The events scheduled for June are part of a broader celebration commemorating the 55th anniversary of the first LGBTQ+ Pride march in 1970.
Organization and participation
The Cedar Springs parade emphasized neighborhood-based participation over corporate sponsorship, with local bars, health groups, and car clubs visible in the lineup. The parade returned after community organizing efforts that prioritized access and affordability over corporate banners and high parking fees reported at the Fair Park events.
History and context
The first Pride celebration in Dallas took place in 1970, with 250-300 participants, growing to 3,000 by 1980. The original Cedar Springs parade was moved to Fair Park in 2019 due to construction disruption. The Cedar Springs parade resumed in September, commemorating the 1983 overturn of Texas’ sodomy law.
Why two official celebrations
The city now recognizes both the June Fair Park events and the September Cedar Springs parade as official parts of the local Pride calendar. The Cedar Springs parade is often framed as a community-focused event that predates or complements the larger June gatherings, while Fair Park has become the site for the main summer festival and parade with larger production and vendors.
Outlook and next steps
Organizers and community groups plan continuing work to keep events accessible and rooted in the neighborhood. June programming will include rallies, performances, and festivals across the city and aims to mark the 55th anniversary of the first LGBTQ+ Pride march in 1970, with the Dallas Pride Festival and parade set for June 14 and 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Pride in Dallas Parade take place?
Where does the Pride in Dallas Parade take place?
The Pride in Dallas Parade takes place along Cedar Springs Rd. in Oak Lawn, Dallas’ historic gayborhood.
How many official Pride celebrations does Dallas have?
How many official Pride celebrations does Dallas have?
Dallas has two official Pride celebrations: one in Fair Park in June and another in Cedar Springs in September.
Why was the Cedar Springs parade moved previously?
Why was the Cedar Springs parade moved previously?
The original Cedar Springs parade was moved to Fair Park in 2019 due to construction disruption.
What historical anniversaries were noted during the events?
What historical anniversaries were noted during the events?
The events scheduled for June are part of a broader celebration commemorating the 55th anniversary of the first LGBTQ+ Pride march in 1970.
Were there political pressures around this year’s Pride?
Were there political pressures around this year’s Pride?
This year’s Pride celebrations came as LGBTQ+ rights faced increased attacks from the Texas Legislature.
When is the Dallas Pride Festival and parade scheduled?
When is the Dallas Pride Festival and parade scheduled?
Notable gatherings include the Dallas Pride Festival and parade on June 14 and 15, featuring live performances and community-focused activities.
How did the first Pride in Dallas grow over time?
How did the first Pride in Dallas grow over time?
The first Pride celebration in Dallas took place in 1970, with 250-300 participants, growing to 3,000 by 1980.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official celebrations | Dallas has two official Pride celebrations: one in Fair Park in June and another in Cedar Springs in September. |
| Cedar Springs location | The Pride in Dallas Parade takes place along Cedar Springs Rd. in Oak Lawn, Dallas’ historic gayborhood. |
| Cedar Springs focus | The Cedar Springs parade features a focus on local queer organizations rather than corporate sponsorship, a change from previous parades. |
| Return and commemoration | The Cedar Springs parade resumed in September, commemorating the 1983 overturn of Texas’ sodomy law. |
| June highlights | Notable gatherings include the Dallas Pride Festival and parade on June 14 and 15, featuring live performances and community-focused activities. |
| Historical growth | The first Pride celebration in Dallas took place in 1970, with 250-300 participants, growing to 3,000 by 1980. |
| 2019 change | The original Cedar Springs parade was moved to Fair Park in 2019 due to construction disruption. |
| Political context | This year’s Pride celebrations came as LGBTQ+ rights faced increased attacks from the Texas Legislature. |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas Observer: Double the Fun – Scenes from Pride in Dallas
- Local Profile: Celebrate Pride Month Across DFW
- Axios: Dallas Pride at Fair Park
- Dallas Voice: Dallas Pride is My Right
- Secret Dallas: Dallas Pride 2025
- Wikipedia: LGBT Pride
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBT Rights
- Google Search: Dallas Pride events
- Google Scholar: LGBTQ Pride parades
- Google News: Dallas Pride 2025
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
