Fast Facts
The following list is a quick answer to the most common questions people regarding the Pride Festival.- Admission is FREE, courtesy of our generous sponsors (link: Sponsor’s Page)
- Easy access parking available throughout nearby neighborhood streets. Please avoid parking in private lots, such as the Hollywood Video and Radio Shack parking lots as your vehicle may be towed.
- ATMs available onsite
- Bicycle racks available at entrance located at Westheimer and Commonwealth.
- Music schedules will be available at participating bars, the Pride Office, or at information booths throughout the festival.
- Festival food and beverage exhibitors accept cash only.
- Lost Children and the Festival Lost and Found is located along Mt Vernon, next to Copy.com.
Festival Date & Hours
The 2009 Houston Pride Festival will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2009. Festivities begin at 11am and end at 7pm in preparation for the night parade.Location & Directions
The Pride Houston Festival is located in the Montrose neighborhood south of Westheimer along the streets of Commonwealth and Yoakum.Directions:
From: Northeast: Highway 59 South. Take the exit onto Interstate 10 West. Take the left lane exit onto Interstate 45 South. Take the left lane exit onto Allen Parkway. Take the Waugh Exit, turning left onto Waugh. Waugh Dr becomes Commonwealth St. Continue on Commonwealth until you reach Westheimer.
From North/Northwest: Interstate 45 South. Take the left lane exit onto Allen Parkway. Take the Waugh Exit, turning left onto Waugh. Waugh Dr becomes Commonwealth St. Continue on Commonwealth until you reach Westheimer.
From South/Southeast: Interstate 45 North. Take the left lane exit onto Allen Parkway. Take the Waugh Exit, turning left onto Waugh. Waugh Dr becomes Commonwealth St. Continue on Commonwealth until you reach Westheimer.
From Southwest: Highway 59 North. Take the left lane exit TX 527 Spur. Turn left onto Elgin. Elgin becomes Westheimer. From West: Interstate 10 East. Take the Studemont St Exit. Turn right onto Studemont St. Studemont St becomes Montrose Blvd. Take Montrose Blvd to Westheimer.
From East: Interstate 10 West. Take the Heights blvd/Yale St Exit. Turn left at Heights Blvd. Heights Blvd becomes Waugh Dr. Waugh Dr becomes Commonwealth St. Continue on Commonwealth St to Westheimer.
Street Closures
The following streets will be closed from Friday, June 26 at 7:00 PM until Sunday, June 28 at 3:00 AM.
Yoakum Blvd, between Westheimer and Hawthorne
Lovett Blvd, between Graustark and Montrose
Commonwealth Blvd, between Westheimer and Lovett
Mt Vernon St, between Westheimer and Lovett
California St, between Waughcrest and Commonwealth.
Entertainment
Pride Houston is honored to spotlight GLBT and straight supporting performers for the 2009 Pride Festival. We are celebrating diversity in music and feature hundreds of local, regional and national performers in genres including everything from alternative, country, R&B and reggae to blues, zydeco, rock, pop, Latin and others. Past performers included Neimisis, Josh Duffy, Kimberly Caldwell and Taylor Dayne.The schedule and selection of performers will presented at a later date as the Festival draws closer.
The 2009 festivities will continue to provide exciting and affordable entertainment for all ages and musical tastes, plus a variety of food and market space. The Festival grounds are divided into cultural areas with a variety of events happening in each area:
Family Retreat: The Family Retreat is the only alcohol free space, and is situated along the parade route and reaching into the festival. GLBT Family oriented exhibitors and family friendly music from local musicians. Food and beverage stands will be provided.
Festival Latino: Festival Latino, located in the heart of the festival, features performances by local Latin music talent and promotes GLBT Latin exhibitors. Latin Rock, Salsa, Pop, and Traditional music are just a few of the diverse sounds featured on the Latin Stage. Traditional Latin cuisine will showcased to fulfill any appetite.
Gender Block: Geared toward serving the Transgender community of Houston, the Gender Block will display prominent information on transgender issues. In addition, this section will feature transgender friendly and sponsored exhibitors, as well as performances by those of the community on the Transgender Stage.
Community Street: Everyone is welcome on Community Street. Home of the Main Stage and Houston’s most GLBT supportive exhibitors, Community Street houses the Oasis, an expansive food court, crafts and more!
Kids Zone: The Kids Zone will allow kids to be kids, featuring a giant rock wall, inflatable bouncers, face painting, food and beverages geared towards children of all ages. Special activities, games, balloon and fun!
artSpace: GLBT and supportive Artist will have a place to display their works of art to the community at the GLBT artSpace. Exhibitors will showcase handmade crafts, art work and sculptures.
Rules & Guidelines
In the interest of public safety, please refrain from bringing the following items into the Festival grounds:- Alcohol and other beverages
- Food
- Coolers
- In-line skates
- Laser pointers
- Radios
- Skateboards
- Fireworks
- Weapons
- Audio recording devises for recording of any live performance
- Professional camera equipment
- Video recording equipment
- Pets (We love animals, but please respect the general public in keeping the festival animal free)
401 Branard St, 
: 713.529.6979
