Pride St. Louis Announces 2015 PrideFest Headliners; Debuts Friday Night Event

This morning's announcement from Pride St. Louis, Inc. will be followed in the coming weeks with news of some exciting additions to the 2015 festival - the largest downtown celebration of the year.

“The St. Louis community really has embraced this important community festival and we’re excited to continue the PrideFest tradition” said Matt Harper, President of Pride St. Louis, Inc. "Last year’s event drew a crowd of over 160,000 people."

In addition to the musical acts on the Bud Light Entertainment Stage, organizers note that PrideFest will include three days of family-friendly activities, including the Pride Parade presented by Wells Fargo, in an LGBTQA friendly and welcoming atmosphere just blocks away from a midsummer Cards vs. Cubs home series.

“Thanks to the tremendous support of the city of St. Louis, the mayor’s office, and the downtown business community, in our third year downtown since moving from Tower Grove Park, we’ve really grown," added Ethan Barnett, Festival Co-Director.

St. Louis PrideFest is one of the nation’s largest Pride celebrations that remains free to the public. Organizers credit this to the outstanding support from St. Louis-area businesses and national companies, as well as over 300 enthusiastic volunteers.

The schedule for the confirmed musical entertainment and other features of PrideFest is as follows:

Friday, June 26, beginning at 4:30 PM – 11:30 PM

•PrideFest opens

•Craft Beer Fest Presented by MasterCard and Friday Food Trucks – 4:30 – 10:30

•Evening performances by That 80’s Band - 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

•DJ/Glow Party performance 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Saturday, June 27, beginning at 7:00 AM

•2nd Annual Pride Ride sponsored by Team Saint Louis Cycling begins at 7:00 AM at 1000 North Lenore K. Sullivan BLVD.

•PrideFest Grounds open from 11 AM – 9:30 PM

•LGBT Military Wreath Laying Ceremony – 11 AM

•Pride Saint Louis Commitment/Marriage Ceremony – 2:00 PM City Hall Rotunda

•Afternoon performances including local entertainers Dawn Weber, Melissa Neels Band, Middle Class Fashion and Vigil and Thieves on the Monsanto Entertainment Stage

•Family-friendly Children’s Area

•Athletes Village Area

•Under 25 Safe Zone

•Evening performances by Bella and Lily, Kim Massie, Mary Griffin, Adore Delano and DEV on the Bud Light Entertainment Stage

Sunday, June 28, beginning at 7 AM

•St.. Louis Frontrunners 6th Annual Pride 5K Run begins at 7:00 AM at Soldiers Memorial

•PrideFest Grounds Open from 11 AM – 7:30 PM

•Wells Fargo Grand Pride Parade steps off at 12 PM from 8th and Market

•Family-friendly Children’s Area

•Under 25 Safe Zone

•Athletes Village Area

•Afternoon performances by Electric South Side, Jen Norman, Super Majik Robots and Summer Osborne on the Monsanto Entertainment Stage

•Afternoon performances by Hank & Cupcakes, David Hernandez, Adore Delano and LeAnn Rimes on the Bud Light Entertainment Stage

“This year’s national headlining lineup couldn’t get any better," said Harper. "It’s fantastic and diverse with a wide variety of acts consisting of numerous entertainers and genres."

"There is truly something for everyone in the St. Louis PrideFest 2015 lineup--thanks in large part to the generous support of our sponsors, including our presenting sponsors Bud Light, Monsanto, Wells Fargo and MasterCard," Harper continued. “Over the next several weeks, we will unveil additional entertainment elements that will further enhance the PrideFest experience in 2015.”

For the latest news and information on PrideFest as well as links to Pride St. Louis, Inc.'s Facebook and Twitter; Volunteer, Parade and Vendor applications, please visit www.pridestl.org

ABOUT PRIDE ST. LOUIS, INC.

The mission of Pride St. Louis, Inc. is “To foster an understanding of and equality for the LGBT community in the general population by raising awareness through educational programs and events ultimately leading up to the annual PrideFest in St. Louis.