The City Is Your Runway
Join us in marching down Elmwood Avenue as we celebrate our history and all who make up our vibrant LGBTQ+ community here in Western New York. There are hundreds of organizations participating, it’s a great opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind float. Or, watch the floats go by from the sidelines with your friends, family or chosen family for a day of fun you won’t forget.
Thanks to our presenting sponsors Evergreen Health and M&T Bank for their support.
When?
- Sunday, June 4, 2023
Step-off is at 11 a.m.
Where?
- Start: Elmwood Avenue At Forest Avenue
End: Elmwood Avenue At Allen Street
How?
- Free & Open to the Public
The Route
The parade begins on Elmwood at Forest Avenue and continues south down Elmwood for two miles, concluding at Allen Street.
Want to Participate?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the cost to have a float in the Pride Parade?
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We are committed to keeping the parade free and open to all participants. However, we hope that you consider making a donation to help offset the many expenses associated with hosting the Parade, including insurance, permits and security. Suggested donations are as follows:
- Nonprofit Organizations: $50
- For-Profit Organizations: $100+
Your donations also support and are vital to the success of the programming at the Pride Center of WNY.
- How do I sign up to participate in the Pride Parade?
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Parade registration is now closed.
- What time should I arrive?
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If you are participating in the parade as a marcher or on a float, lineup will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Buffalo State University lot R14 (1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo NY). Click here for a campus site map. A parking lot attendant will be on-site to direct parade floats and marchers into the lot. Parade participants must arrive by 10 a.m. for proper placement in the parade lineup. However, due to the rising volume of parade participation, we STRONGLY encourage that you arrive at 8:00 a.m. for line up. The Parade steps off promptly at 11:00 a.m. Due to limited parking, we encourage participants to utilize public transportation and ride-sharing services (Lyft, Uber).
Participants and attendees are encouraged to take the NFTA train from either the Allen Street/Medical Campus Station or the Fountain Plaza Station district to the Pride Festival at Canalside.
- What is the parade route?
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The parade travels south on Elmwood Avenue starting at Forest Avenue and ending at Allen Street. The block of Elmwood Avenue between Allen Street and Virginia Street will be closed to traffic; floats and marchers will be able to disassemble in this area.
Participants and attendees are encouraged to take the NFTA train from either the Allen Street/Medical Campus Station or the Fountain Plaza Station district to the Pride Festival at Canalside.
- How do I volunteer at this year’s Pride Parade?
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Volunteer registration is now closed. Check back next year for volunteer opportunities.
- Are there rules for participants of Pride Parade?
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Parade participants should register online. BY REGISTERING ONLINE, PRIDE PARADE PARTICIPANTS AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS & CONDITIONS:
- Participants will line up beginning at 8:00 a.m. but must arrive no later than 10:00 a.m. for proper placement in the Parade.
- All drivers must have a valid NYS driver’s license and necessary auto insurance.
- Participants shall not consume or use alcohol or illicit drugs while participating in the Parade, including at the assembly site, during line up, on the route, and at the exit site of the Parade. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or illicit illegal drugs during line up or the actual Parade is grounds for immediate expulsion from the Parade. Coordinator reserves the right to take any additional action, including the Buffalo Police.
- No alcohol is allowed on any motorized vehicle in the Parade.
- All vehicle drivers must be sober while participating in and/or operating a vehicle at the Parade.
- Participants are NOT permitted to throw ANY items (confetti, literature, candy, etc.) to spectators. Handing out items directly to spectators is acceptable, with the exception of stickers, which are not permitted to be distributed along the parade route. This will be strictly enforced.
- Participants will stay off sidewalks and remain with their group during the Parade.
- Participants must identify their group or organization on the day of the Pride Parade through the display of a banner, logo or sign.
- Music must be turned OFF at the end of the Parade (Allen Street).
- All motorized vehicles MUST be decorated. This is a parade and all participating groups are expected to contribute to a festive atmosphere.
- Participants agrees to INDEMNIFY and HOLD HARMLESS EHS, Inc. and its affiliates, directors, officers, agents, employees, volunteers from and against any and all losses, liability, claims, costs, damages, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection to PARTICIPANT’S participation in the Parade.
- Who coordinates the Pride Parade?
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The Evergreen Health Foundation, an affiliate of Evergreen Health, coordinates and manages the Buffalo Pride Pride Parade and Pride Festival as a way to give back to the communities served by Evergreen Health and its affiliate organizations. If you have questions regarding the parade or festival please email hello@evergreenhs.org.
- What is the order of the floats & participants in the parade?
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The order of the parade is based on when participants arrive to the line up. We STRONGLY encourage that you arrive at 8:00 a.m. for line up. Parade participants must arrive no later than 10:00 a.m. for proper placement. The Parade steps off promptly at 11:00 a.m.