Expect colour, music and family-friendly fun when Columbus IN Pride returns to Mill Race Park on Sept. 12 , a local, free festival that’s grown from a high‑school senior project into a six‑hour celebration with vendors, teen and kids’ zones, live acts and a drag show that’s become a community staple.

Essential Takeaways

  • Free and accessible: Admission and parking are free, with accessible parking inside the park and a Cummins lot across Lindsay Street.
  • Lots to see and taste: Around 100 vendors will offer food, drinks, crafts and community resources; customizable Pride shirts and multiple photo backdrops are on offer.
  • Family-focused zones: Separate Teen Tent, Kids’ Zone with bounce house and foam party, plus a quieter family area for yard games and resting.
  • Packed entertainment: Live music, DJs, spoken word, belly dance, aerialists, a silent disco and a drag show rounding out the afternoon.
  • Volunteer opportunities: Organisers still need volunteers , email the festival team to help.

Where and when , the practical bits you’ll want first

Mill Race Park will host the party from noon to 6pm on Saturday, Sept. 12, mostly around the amphitheatre with the main entrance on Fifth Street. The layout feels easy to navigate, with parking available across Lindsay Street in the Cummins lot and accessible spaces inside the park. Expect a bright, busy feel , and if the weather holds, the riverside setting is a lovely backdrop.

Organisers moved the date away from June to avoid clashing with larger Pride events, so Columbus’s festival gets its own weekend. That makes it a good pick if you’re heading to a local celebration rather than travelling to a big-city parade.

What’s on the food and shopping front

About 100 vendors are lined up, covering food, drinks, crafts and community resources, so you’ll find everything from quick bites to keepsakes. M&M Press Prints will be printing custom Pride shirts on site, and Boot Backdrops will provide multiple photo setups and a balloon globe perfect for colourful snaps.

If you’re browsing with kids, pack a small tote for purchases and a refillable bottle , vendor queues can be long at peak times, and having water on hand keeps little ones happy. Cash and card are likely accepted, but check each stall if you’re hunting for a specific item.

Family areas, teen tent and kid-friendly fun

This festival leans into being family-friendly without diluting the Pride message. There’s a designated Teen Tent run by Foundation For Youth with snacks and activities, an interactive Kids’ Zone with a bounce house and a foam party, and a calmer family area for yard games and downtime.

Parents appreciate the separate spaces: teens get a place to hang out, younger kids have structured play, and families can find a quieter spot to regroup. Bring sunscreen and a picnic rug , the family area is designed for low-key hanging out between performances.

Entertainment highlights and why the lineup matters

The McDonald’s Mainstage is fronted by DJ Matty O and a lively programme: DJ Portal Jones and spoken word to kick off at noon, singer-songwriter Nora Belle at 1pm, R&B and soul from Day N Nite at 2pm, belly dancing at 3pm, a comedy spot at 3.30pm, then the big drag show from 4–6pm hosted by Gaia Ciccone. New features this year include a silent disco and suspended aerialists for some high-flying spectacle.

There’s a satisfying mix of acts , music, spoken word, dance and comedy , which keeps the pace upbeat and varied. If you’ve ever wanted an inclusive, celebratory afternoon with something for everyone, this lineup delivers.

Community roots, growth and what’s next

Columbus IN Pride began in 2018 as a high‑school senior’s project and has steadily expanded, gaining national attention along the way. Lisa Otten, festival director, says the aim now is sustainability: more year‑round programming, deeper engagement, and increased visibility so LGBTQ community members feel they belong.

According to the organisers, the festival isn’t just a one‑day party; it’s part of building lasting local support and resources. That matters in a county where people still report not always feeling safe in public , Pride offers a visible, celebratory counterpoint to that reality.

How to get involved and plan your visit

Volunteers are still needed; email the festival team if you want to help. For vendor details, volunteering info and updates on accessibility or programming, check the Columbus IN Pride website. Come prepared with layers, a refillable bottle and comfortable shoes , the park is scenic but you’ll do a fair bit of walking between zones.

If you’re photographing the day, the organised backdrops make for easy, colourful shots. And if you want a quieter experience, aim to arrive earlier in the afternoon or head for the family area between headline acts.

It's a small change that can make every visit feel welcoming and memorable.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: