Southern Oregon Pride returns to Ashland and Medford for a lively weekend of drag, dancing, community and queer joy. From the Friday night Queeruphoria party to Saturday's parade and Lithia Park festival, followed by a Sunday drag brunch, the 16th annual celebration offers plenty to see, share and enjoy.

Essential Takeaways

  • Three-day celebration: Events run from Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October.
  • Saturday's main event: The parade and festival in Ashland's Lithia Park are free and open to the public.
  • Plenty to explore: Expect up to 50 vendors, food trucks, performances, dancing and a new beer garden.
  • A meaningful milestone: Founder Gina DuQuenne is returning as the 2026 Grand Marshal.
  • Plan ahead: The evening parties and drag brunch may require tickets, so check official event listings before travelling.

Southern Oregon Pride is bringing the colour back to Ashland

Southern Oregon Pride is shaping up to be one of the region's most welcoming autumn gatherings, with music, costumes, dancing and the kind of joyful bustle that makes a festival feel instantly special. The 16th annual programme takes place across Ashland and Medford, giving visitors several ways to join in, whether they're attending with friends, family or as an ally.

The weekend is designed to feel both celebratory and accessible. The central parade and festival are free, while ticketed evening and brunch events add more intimate settings for dancing, drag and conversation. Southern Oregon Pride's official events listings confirm the festival's focus on bringing people together through visibility, entertainment and community connection. [2], [3], [7]

A founder returns for a new chapter

This year's celebration also carries a strong sense of history. Gina DuQuenne, who established Southern Oregon Pride in 2009 and helped launch Ashland's first Pride march the following year, will serve as Grand Marshal.

Her return offers a neat full-circle moment, especially as leadership passes to Jolie Balocca. Southern Oregon Pride's team information reflects an organisation continuing to evolve while keeping its original spirit close at heart. That's often what makes community festivals work: fresh energy, but familiar values. [5], [6]

Friday night starts with Queeruphoria

The weekend begins with Queeruphoria at Ashland Armory from 8pm on Friday. The dance party brings together live singing, drag performances and DJ-led music, making it the obvious choice for anyone who prefers to launch Pride with a packed dance floor rather than a quiet evening at home.

The line-up includes singer Debbie Holiday, Ms Jaxon, Lylac and Devyn Michelle Lavicious, with DJ TufFshed supplying the soundtrack. The official event page is the best place to check ticket information and any last-minute updates before setting off. [4], [7]

Saturday offers the biggest shared celebration

Saturday is the main event. The SOPride Parade starts at noon and heads towards the bandshell in Lithia Park, where the festival continues with vendors, food trucks, performances and dancing.

Up to 50 vendors are expected, alongside a new beer garden. That addition should give people another place to pause between performances, catch up with friends and take in the atmosphere. The festival listing confirms that the main Saturday gathering is free and open to the public, which makes it the easiest entry point for first-time visitors. [2], [3]

If you're bringing children or attending with anyone who needs a slower pace, arrive with a simple plan. Choose a meeting point, allow extra time around the parade route and check the official listings for accessibility, transport and schedule updates. Festival days are more enjoyable when nobody's trying to regroup by shouting over a brass band.

From Medford after-party to Sunday drag brunch

The celebration continues on Saturday evening at Prism in Medford, where the SOPride After Party promises more drag and dancing. It's a natural second act for visitors who aren't ready for the weekend to end when the Lithia Park performances wrap up.

Sunday takes a more leisurely turn with Vine and Shine Drag Brunch at Paschal Winery from 11am, hosted by Ms Jaxon. The mix of food, wine and performance gives the weekend a relaxed finale, although guests should check ticket details before arriving. Southern Oregon Pride's central events pages provide the latest information across the full programme. [4], [5], [7]

For anyone travelling from outside the area, the smartest approach is to check event times, ticket requirements and venue details shortly before departure. Dates and line-ups can shift, and official channels are more reliable than relying on an old social post or a half-remembered group chat.

A welcoming weekend with room to grow

Southern Oregon Pride's 2026 programme balances spectacle with something more lasting: a visible reminder that local LGBTQ+ communities deserve celebration, support and space to gather. The founder's recognition adds emotional weight, while the expanded festival format suggests the event is still growing.

That combination should appeal to regular attendees and newcomers alike. Come for the drag, stay for the dancing, and leave with the pleasant feeling that a small regional weekend can carry a lot of heart. [2], [5], [6]

It's a colourful, community-led weekend with plenty of ways to join in.

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