Philadelphia Pride 2025: parade route, events and hotels

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly (and Sisterly) Love, is gearing up for a reimagined Pride celebration that honors its activist roots while embracing new traditions. Philadelphia Pride 2025 will be a citywide Pride Weekend from May 30 to June 1, 2025, culminating in the big Pride March and Festival on Sunday, June 1.

Over the last few years, Philly’s LGBTQ community has shifted from a typical parade to a more inclusive march and rally format, emphasizing unity and grassroots participation. Organized by Philly Pride 365 (a new coalition that took over Pride organizing in 2022), this year’s events include a massive 600-foot Pride flag unfurling across the city, a glitzy Pride Promenade at the Art Museum, and a vibrant march through Center City leading to an all-day festival in the historic Gayborhood.

Pride Weekend Schedule Highlights

Philadelphia’s Pride celebration is now a full weekend, coordinated by Philly Pride 365 in partnership with community group. Here are key components of the 2025 schedule:

Friday, May 30 – “Pride Around the City” & Flag Raising

Pride Weekend kicks off with a literal movement across Philly. In the morning, City Hall will host the official Pride Flag Raising ceremony, with city officials and community leaders hoisting the rainbow (plus Philly’s own black and brown inclusive stripes) flag above City Hall.

The big highlight Friday evening is “Pride Around the City”, where volunteers will carry sections of a 600-foot rainbow flag through various neighborhood. In 2024, this giant flag (the largest in Philly history) was carried from the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps down the Ben Franklin Parkway to the Gayborhood. For 2025, they’re aiming to expand the route – possibly taking the flag through landmarks like Love Park or Independence Hall before ending in the Gayborhood.

Spectators are encouraged to join in holding the flag (you can literally grab a piece of it and walk, symbolizing the whole city uniting under the rainbow. It’s a powerful visual and community builder. Friday night might also include block parties in the Gayborhood as folks gather after the flag arrives. Expect street performances, drag shows outside bars, and an early taste of Pride merriment.

Saturday, May 31 – Pride Promenade at the Art Museum

Saturday evening is slated for a new tradition: the Pride Promenade at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Essentially a gala-style outdoor event, it’s a chance to dress up and celebrate in a historic setting. The iconic “Rocky Steps” become a backdrop for live music, drag performances, and possibly ballroom/Vogue showcases. In 2024, they had DJs and performers on the museum steps with attendees dancing on the plaza. Expect attendees to don creative semi-formal Pride attire (everything from rainbow bow ties to sequined gowns). It’s family-friendly and free to attend.

Sunday, June 1 – Pride March & Festival

This is the big day. Instead of a traditional parade with floats, Philly does a Pride March to recapture the feel of a demonstration and encourage anyone to join in. Step-off is typically around 10:30 AM.

Starting Location: In 2024 it was near Independence Hall at 6th and Walnut (symbolic, as Philly’s first Annual Reminder protests for gay rights in the 1960s took place at Independence Hall. The exact 2025 start hadn’t been announced, but likely similar. The March goes east to west across Center City, ending in the Gayborhood (around 13th and Locust) where the festival grounds are.

Everyone is welcome to march: community groups, allies, individuals, families. Expect signs and calls for equality; it’s more protest-like than a float spectacle, but many still dress festively and some groups do coordinated routines. If you prefer to watch rather than walk, good viewing spots are around Washington Square Park (the early part of route features the marchers coming through tree-lined historic streets, quite picturesque) or along Chestnut Street heading into the Gayborhood.

The Philly Gayborhood

Philly is one of the few cities with an officially designated Gayborhood (with rainbow street signs and crosswalks). Pride ending there makes it truly feel like coming home. The festival happens right where the community’s bars, bookstores, and LGBTQ+ centers are, so there’s a sense of authenticity. You’re not in an anonymous park, you’re literally on the doorstep of places like the William Way LGBT Center as well as Philly gay bars and clubs.

Many buildings hang Pride banners from their balconies, and residents throw mini rooftop parties during the festival, contributing to a carnival atmosphere.

Getting in and Around

SEPTA transit is Pride-friendly. Use the Market-Frankford Line (get off at 11th Street for Gayborhood) or Broad Street Line (get off at Walnut/Locust). Regional Rail also stops at Jefferson Station (within a few blocks).

If coming from the suburbs by car, park outside Center City and take transit in to avoid road closures. On Sunday, many Center City buses will be on detour due to the march route, so the subway or walking is your best bet.

Where to Stay for Philadelphia Pride 2024

Book your hotel early - Click here for our list of recommended Hotels in Philadelphia.