With a whole week of inclusive celebrations celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation is stretching all the limits. Running from June 16 to June 22, “Love & Pride ‘25” will feature trademark events including the Pride Weekend Kick-Off Celebration, the highly anticipated Neon Fantasy Dance Party, a brand-new Hotel Takeover Pride Edition, and the vivid Neon Fantasy Drag Brunch & Swim Party.
The week starts Thursday, June 19, at 7 p.m. with the 9th Annual Pride Weekend Kick-Off Celebration held at Chill Bar Highland. This free, 21+ event will honor community members, sponsors and media partners that help make Pride possible, according to a press release. Leah Halston with sounds from DJ Syimone hosts the evening, which will feature local drag performers including Jayda Mack, Sasha Gant and the recently crowned Pride Court.
Offering an immersive weekend experience, the Hotel Takeover Pride Edition housed at the Myriad Hotel is New for 2025 Guests booking through the hotel gain general entrance to the Pride Festival, unique entry to the Official Pride After Party with internationally famous Australian DJ Dan Slater, and access to a Sunday pool party headlined by DJ Deanne.
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Friday night, June 20, heats up with the Neon Fantasy Dance Party at Play Dance Bar Louisville. Attendees are urged to dress in neon and glow gear for a high-energy night with DJ Syimone and Greek DJ/Producer GSP.
Get your tickets for Brunch or the Pool today by visiting tickettailor.com.
- 10:30 AM brunch ticket holders will need to arrive at the Paseo restaurant by 10:15 AM for seating.
- 12:30 PM brunch ticket holders will need to arrive at the Paseo restaurant by 12:15 PM for seating.
Tickets are only $69.99 for brunch and pool access. Pool only access is $39.99.
The party continues with the Neon Fantasy After Party at the Myriad Hotel on Saturday night. Pride weekend finishes with the Neon Fantasy Drag Brunch & Swim Party on Sunday, powered by Derby City PrEP Clinic. Held at Paseo, the event features performances from RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants Nina West and Naysha Lopez alongside Kassandra Hylton, Karmen Kazzi, and Diva Extreme Syimone. DJ Deanne will spin poolside tunes from noon until 5 PM.
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“We are looking forward to the continued growth of the events and the opportunity to bring our
community closer together as a reminder that we all deserve to be seen, loved and celebrated for
who we are,” said Rodney Coffman, President of the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation. “It’s an
honor to be part of the growth of the Pride Week events — not just in size, but in the spirit of
inclusivity and the connection it fosters with our rich history of our community. We look forward
to the continued work to ensure everyone can live their truth with pride.”
The centerpiece of the festival, the Kentuckiana Pride Parade and Festival, takes place Saturday, June 21. The parade begins at noon at Campbell and Market Streets and concludes at the Big Four Lawn, when the festival gates open. General admission tickets are $10, with VIP tickets available in limited quantities.
All contributions assist the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation’s objective to promote social, economic and health equity for sexual and gender minorities across the region. For tickets, accommodation packages, and full event details, visit KYPRIDE.com.
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This article appears in May 9-22, 2025.