Tucson Pride Reschedules 2025 Parade and Festival to February 21, 2026
Tucson, AZ — October 21, 2025 — Tucson Pride, Arizona’s oldest LGBTQIA+ organization and producer of the state’s first Pride celebration, announced today that the 2025 Tucson Pride Parade and Festival will move from November 22, 2025 to February 21, 2026.
While the full parade and festival will take place in February, Tucson Pride will still host a series of smaller Pride-related events this November to keep the spirit alive and the community connected.
Why the change?
Tucson Pride’s Board of Directors determined that moving the festival to February was the best way to ensure a safe, sustainable, and joyful event for the community.
Key factors included:
Parade logistics: The November 22, 2025 date overlaps with El Tour de Tucson, one of the city’s largest annual events. Because both require extensive road closures and public safety staffing, Tucson Pride would not have been able to secure a parade permit for that weekend. Rather than hold a festival without a parade—a core part of the celebration—the organization chose to move to February so both parade and festival can take place together.
2024 losses: Last year’s record-breaking heatwave reduced attendance and revenue, leaving the organization with debt that is now being resolved thanks to an incoming bequest.
501(c)(3) status: Missed filings from 2021–2022 temporarily suspended Tucson Pride’s nonprofit status. A CPA firm is finalizing the filings, and reinstatement is expected soon. During this time, the organization informed sponsors, vendors, and donors of its status. In the interim, Tucson Pride is exploring a temporary 501(c)(3) arrangement (fiscal sponsorship) so donations and sponsorships can continue responsibly while reinstatement is finalized.
Funding headwinds: Nationwide declines in LGBTQIA+ sponsorships and donations have affected local fundraising.
Volunteer capacity: As an all-volunteer organization, Tucson Pride is using the additional time to strengthen operations and rebuild leadership capacity.
Looking ahead
“This move isn’t just about changing dates—it’s about ensuring Pride’s long-term sustainability,” said Jeff Fulgham, Tucson Pride Board President. “By moving to February, we’re creating the time and stability needed to deliver a celebration that reflects the strength and joy of Tucson’s LGBTQIA+ community.”
Founded in 1977, Tucson Pride is the third-oldest Pride celebration in the United States. The organization has spent nearly five decades fostering visibility, unity, and celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community of Southern Arizona.
“We’ll come together for smaller events this November and reunite in full force for the parade and festival on February 21, 2026,” said Fulgham.
About Tucson Pride
Tucson Pride is Arizona’s first and oldest LGBTQIA+ organization. Founded in 1977, it produces the annual Tucson Pride Parade and Festival along with other events that celebrate visibility, unity, and community. Tucson Pride is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and joyful spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals, allies, and families across Southern Arizona.
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Contact: David Hoffman
press@tucsonpride.org
tucsonpride.org
