By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – Thousands are expected to gather in Albuquerque on June 13 as Albuquerque Pride celebrates community, visibility and inclusion through its annual Pride Parade and Pridefest.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Unity: None of us are free until we are all free,” a message organizers say reflects the importance of standing together while continuing the fight for equality.
The day begins with the Albuquerque Pride Parade at 10 a.m., traveling along Central Avenue from Wellesley Drive to San Mateo Boulevard. According to Albuquerque Pride Board President Raymond Sierra Lopez, this year’s parade will be the largest in the organization’s history.
“The Pride parade has over 150 registered folks. That’s going to be the largest we’ve ever had in Albuquerque in the last 50 years,” says Lopez.
The parade will feature a wide range of community groups, businesses and organizations representing different parts of Albuquerque and New Mexico.
“They can expect to see all parts of the community displayed,” says Lopez. “There’s gonna be lots of representation when it comes to the parade.”
Following the parade, Pridefest will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Civic Plaza in Downtown Albuquerque. The festival, now in its second year at Civic Plaza, will feature live entertainment, vendors, community organizations and performances from local and national talent.
Headliners include Ada Vox, known for appearances on “American Idol” and “The Voice,” along with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stars Eureka and Shannel. The event will also showcase drag kings, local titleholders and performers from Pride organizations throughout New Mexico.
Lopez says organizers worked to ensure the festival reflects the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. “We want to make sure to showcase everybody in the community.”
This year’s festival also reflects Albuquerque Pride’s continued growth and expanding reach across New Mexico. In addition to featuring local performers and titleholders, organizers have invited titleholders and representatives from other Pride organizations around the state to participate in the celebration. The goal is to create a festival that reflects the diversity of New Mexico’s LGBTQ+ community while strengthening connections among communities throughout the state.
The 2026 celebration continues a tradition that began in Albuquerque in 1976. What started with a small group of marchers has grown into one of New Mexico’s largest annual community events. Albuquerque Pride traces its roots to the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement that emerged after the Stonewall uprising in 1969 and has spent decades promoting education, advocacy and visibility throughout the state.
Over the years, Albuquerque Pride has expanded from a modest community gathering into a major festival that draws thousands of attendees. The organization’s mission remains focused on creating safe spaces, building community connections and supporting advocacy efforts while celebrating the diversity of New Mexico’s LGBTQ+ population.
For Lopez, Pride Month is about honoring that history while recognizing that the fight for equality continues. “For me, why it’s important to celebrate Pride is to celebrate history,” says Lopez. “It goes back to the Stonewall riots.”
Lopez explains that pride also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by earlier generations of LGBTQ+ people and advocates. “When we celebrate Pride, or when I celebrate Pride, for that matter, it’s in honor or an homage of what they have done and what they have given up for people like me,” says Lopez.
Beyond the parade and festival, Pride weekend will include a variety of events across Albuquerque celebrating LGBTQ+ culture, community and visibility.
The Albuquerque Pridefest Womxn’s Dance After-Party will take place June 13 from 7 p.m. to midnight at Backstage at Revel. Presented by Hot Flash ABQ and Albuquerque Pride, the event will feature DJs D, DBL-K, Bex and headliner Spikey Van Dykey.
Also on June 13, Lift Proud: A Pride Pull Party will bring LGBTQIA+ athletes and allies together for a community deadlift event benefiting the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico. The event is hosted in partnership with Iron Soul Gym and Canteen Brewhouse.
Those seeking a quieter celebration can attend the Pride Tea Party, which invites guests to enjoy tea, treats and community in a welcoming environment. Tractor Brewing Westside will host Love is Love: Sip n Shop on June 13, featuring local vendors, artists, music and Pride-themed festivities.
Another Pride weekend event, the Pride Drag Brunch benefiting Casa Q, will take place June 13 at M’Tucci’s Bar Roma. Doors open at 9 a.m., and the event will feature a brunch buffet, performances from local drag entertainers and views of the Albuquerque Pride Parade. Proceeds will support Casa Q, a New Mexico organization that provides housing and services for LGBTQ+ youth.
The weekend concludes with Pride Day at the Rail Yards Market on June 14. The free event will highlight LGBTQ+ vendors, performers and community members while celebrating diversity and inclusion.
As Albuquerque Pride approaches its 50th year, the annual celebration continues to serve as both a reflection on the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community and a reminder of the work that remains. Through the parade, Pridefest and a variety of community events throughout the weekend, organizers hope to bring people together in a celebration of visibility, acceptance and unity.