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Columbus Pride Festival 2026

Columbus annual Pride festival or “Stonewall Columbus Pride” is one of the biggest LGBTQ events in the U.S.A attracting more than 700,000 visitors.

  • Event Dates

    From: Friday, June 19, 2026
    To: Sunday, June 21, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • 700,000 visitors
    • Three Stages
    • Drag Performances
    • Live Music
    • The Main parade
    • The Pride Tea Dance
    • Food and Drink
    • The Jagger Run
    • Pride Brunch
    • 180 Different Vendors

Columbus Pride Festival 2026

Columbus annual Pride festival or “Stonewall Columbus Pride” is one of the biggest LGBTQ events in the United states attracting more than 700,000 visitors during a week long series of events and parties.

  • Pride is one of the busiest weekends in Columbus. Book your hotel in Short North, close to all the gay bars and events. Stay at the Graduate Columbus, rated “Superb” by guests with uniquely designed rooms, perfect location and friendly staff.

The Event

  • Next Edition: Friday 19th June, 2026 – Sunday 21st June, 2026
  • Columbus pride festival runs from typically throughout June, however the main parade is on the second weekend.
  • Other events include the Pride Brunch in the convention centre on June 1st and the Family pride Event on June 22nd.

The Main Parade

  • Saturday 20th June, 2026 – Columbus gay pride parade kicks off at 10.30 a.m. at Front and Broad, and marches the streets through downtown, the Short North and Goodale Park. Route is to be confirmed.
  • Other events include the Pride Brunch, The Pride Tea Dance, a Trans Pride March and the Jagger Run for Pride 5k Run/Walk.
  • Stay close to the parade and festivities. Check out the top hotels nearby.

Columbus Pride Festival

  • Friday June 19th and Saturday June 20th 2026 – Gooddale Park, from 11 am to 8 pm.
  • Most of the festivities for Columbus Gay Pride take place on the riverfront in the downtown district, including three stages of live music and drag performances.
  • More than 180 different vendors will be serving delicious food and drink as well as t shirts and merchandise.
  • Open Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm and Saturday 11 am to 8 pm.
  • Stay at the Joseph Hotel, rated “Fabulous” by guests. Rooms feature a crisp and modern design and the hotel is famous for its exceptional customer service.

AWOL Bar Pride Circuit Event

  • Friday 19th June, 2026 – Sunday 21st June, 2026 – Come celebrate Columbus Ohio Gay Pride with 3 days of amazing parties at one of the city's favorite gay bars, AWOL

Gay Columbus Neighborhoods

Columbus is one of Ohio's leading cities for the LTBTQ community and has one of the largest resident communities in the USA. The city has three distinct neighborhoods.

  • German Village is the oldest gay neighborhood with cobbled streets and beautiful elm trees and lined by graceful houses that are more than a century old.
  • Short North is the city's newer gay district mixing farmers markets, art galleries, boutique shops and gay bars.
  • The Arena district is where you will find most of the late night bars and clubs.

Popular Gay and Gay Friendly Venues

  • Brew Dog – Franklinton Brew Dog – Short North – Brew house and taproom, serving up our US-brewed beers and a range of incredible food.
  • District West – Show bar offering delicious cocktails and the best entertainment in town.
  • Seventh Son Brewing– Brewery specializing in ales & IPAs with a bright, rustic tasting room & visiting food trucks.
  • Slammer’s -Easygoing parlor offering thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches & salads, plus billiards & live music.
  • Stonewall Columbus – LGBT community centre and organisers of the pride celebrations.

Hotels close to the gay area in Columbus, Ohio

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the events:

Hotel LeVeque,   Le Méridien,   Sonesta Hotel   Moxy Hotel

Gay Map of Columbus

The city has three distinct neighborhoods.

  • The German Village is the oldest gay neighborhood with cobbled streets
  • Short North is the city's newer gay district mixing farmers markets, art galleries, boutique shops and gay bars.
  • The Arena district is where you will find most of the late night bars and clubs

620 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

provides accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers an ATM. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests.

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50 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection offers pet-friendly accommodation in Columbus. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and private parking is available on site.

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33 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215

Sonesta Columbus Downtown offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar.

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808 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Moxy Columbus Short North provides accommodation with a fitness centre, private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. The property features a terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available.

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195 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215

Set in the centre of Columbus The apartment features 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine and 1 bathroom with a shower, and a living room with a TV.

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140 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Located in the centre of Columbus offering air conditioning, 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi

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100 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215

This modern air conditioned apartment includes 1 bedroom, a living room, cable flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and 1 bathroom with a bidet and a shower. Providing a patio with city views. Free WiFi.

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621 Dennison Ave, Columbus, OH 43215

This apartment is the perfect mix of original character with modern updates & amenities. providing guests with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. The accommodation is equipped with a kitchen, a dishwasher and microwave.

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630 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Fun frienly gay bar with good food and service well worth a vist if your in town

FACEBOOK

202 E Long St, Columbus, OH 43215

Slammers Bar and Pizza Kitchen, located in the heart of Downtown Columbus. Featuring mean Slammer concoctions, pool, patio, pride, and of course our famous, outstanding "Slammer Style" pizza.

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863 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206

Offbeat gay bar in a circa-1880 house featuring live music, theme nights & happy hours.

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913 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201

fun local gay bar, great staff friendly owner and fun atmosphere

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782 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Union Cafe is a popular restaurant and bar lounge located in the heart of the Short North offering good food and fun shows

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775 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Axis is Columbus’ largest dance club with a modern patio, cabaret featuring all male revues, VIP room, the best in drag entertainment and two levels of viewing space over a modern dance floor. Axis has been packing crowds for over a decade.

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1224 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206

Columbus's premier show bar with a wide selection of beverages, male revues, and drags Shows

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744 Frebis Ave, Columbus, OH 43206

Great bar and staff. Always friendly people working and also friendly customers.

Fun bar, very entertaining drag shows

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20 E Duncan St, Columbus, OH 43202

Never a cover; always a show! An LGBTQ bar that was started in 1994, where you can arive as a stranger but leave as friend!!!

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1409 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207

Columbus, Ohio's ONLY Gay Irish Pub!! Enjoy the laid back atmosphere and Irish Flair this Friendly Columbus Destination provides! 

Offering regular events and shows

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126 E Moler St, Columbus, OH 43207

This gay bar is like Cheers with a queer twist! offering Drag Shows, All Open Stage Night, Live Music and Drink Specials

Facebook

708 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206

A friendly neighborhood bar that has been gay owned and operated since 1987 and caters to all LGBT communities and thier friends.

Offering regular events, friendly bar tenders and good drinks

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49 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215

One of Central Ohio's Longest Operating Gay Bars!! offering regular Events and Fantastic Cocktails to keep you feeling great!!

FACEBOOK

Recommended Hotels in Columbus By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Columbus that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars

Hotel LeVeque
4 Star – Central Location

Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection
Booking.com
  • 4-Star, Pet-Friendly, On-Site Bar
  • A short taxi ride to the gay bars
  • Free WiFi, private parking
  • Pet-friendly accommodation with a bar & convenient access to Columbus attractions.

Le Méridien
4 Star, Luxury

Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph
Booking.com
  • 4-Star, Restaurant, Fitness Center
  • Close to the gay district
  • ATM, 24-hour front desk
  • Luxury stay with restaurant, fitness center, & attentive service in Columbus.

Sonesta Hotel
4 Star – Great Amenities

Sonesta Columbus Downtown
Booking.com
  • 4-Star, Restaurant, Fitness Center
  • A short taxi ride to the gay bars
  • Free WiFi, snack bar
  • Offers restaurant, fitness amenities, & a snack bar for a comfortable Columbus visit.

Moxy Hotel
3 Star – Perfect Location

Booking.com
  • 3-Star, Fitness Center
  • Close to the gay district
  • Private parking, free WiFi
  • Modern facilities with a fitness center & lounge, ideally located in the Short North area.

Columbus Pride Festival

Columbus Pride Parade

Hotel LeVeque, Columbus

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