River City Pride Festival 2023 highlights Pride Weekend festivities by Peoria Proud
PEORIA — Several community businesses and organizations have joined forces with Peoria Proud to present Pride Weekend 2023 from Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16.
A variety of events have been planned across the city to allow citizens to show their LQBTQ pride and share in their celebration with friends, family and the community.
Here's what to know about Pride Weekend 2023:
Pride Night: Peoria Chiefs vs. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
The Peoria Chiefs take on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at 6:35 p.m. Friday, July 14 at Dozer Park during Pride Night.
Peoria Proud will receive 50% of all ticket sales purchased through the organization at eventeny.com. General admission Pride Night tickets are $16. Tickets can also be purchased at milb.com/peoria/tickets.com. Tickets available through the Peoria Chiefs range from $9-$19 depending on seating and food options.
Sponsored by Central Illinois Friends, the first 500 fans receive a tie-dye Chiefs shirt with Homer on the front. There will also be fireworks after the game.
River City Pride Festival 2023
River City Pride Fest 2023 will take place 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 15 at the Peoria Riverfront.
There will be all-day music, drag performances, a Kids' Zone and more than 100 vendors and community organizations on site.
According to a news release, the festival's footprint has more than tripled and fundraising/sponsorship returns have been a challenge. Adults ages 18 and older will be asked to pay a $5 admission. A "love ticket" can be purchased to help others experience the joy with the community.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance at eventeny.com. Please email pridefest@peoriaproud.org about acquiring a "love ticket" or ask for one at the gate.
Plus, bring a non-perishable food item to help stock the pantry at Neighborhood House between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to receive a $1 discount per donation. Bring five items and get in for free.
River City Pride Fest 2023 schedule
10-10:45 a.m.: Queer Poetry Hour, 98.5 Kiss FM Music Stage
10-11 a.m.: Affirming Faith Worship Hour, Central Illinois Friends Mainstage
11-11:30 a.m.: Mars Hojilla, 98.5 Kiss FM Music Stage
11-11:30 p.m.: Drag Queen Story Hour, Positive Health Solutions/PFLAG Family Zone
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.: Drag Show Lunch, Central Illinois Friends Mainstage
Noon-12:45 p.m.: Tina Sparkle, 98.5 Kiss FM Music Stage
1-1:45 p.m.: Early Girl, 98.5 Kiss FM Music Stage
1:15-1:30 p.m.: Community Awards Ceremony, Central Illinois Friends Mainstage
1:30-1:45 p.m.: Chicago Spirit Brigade, Central Illinois Friends Mainstage
2-2:45 p.m.: Ricki Marvel, 98.5 Kiss FM Music Stage
2-3:30 p.m.: DJ Miss G, Central Illinois Friends Mainstage
3-3:45 p.m.: Swaginique, 98.5 Kiss FM Music Stage
3:30-4:15 p.m.: All Ages Drag Show, Central Illinois Friends Mainstage
4-4:45 p.m.: Rain Garden, 98.5 Kiss FM Music Stage
4:15-6:15 p.m.: Diesel's Drag Wars, Central Illinois Friends Mainstage
5-5:45 p.m.: Henry Karan Voss, 98.5 Kiss FM Music Stage
6-7 p.m.: Emily the Band, 98.5 Kiss FM Music Stage
6:30-7:30 p.m.: JAX Meet-N-Greet, Central Illinois Friends Mainstage
8-10 p.m.: River City Pride Festival Headliner Drag Show, Central Illinois Friends Mainstage
Drag ‘N’ Paint Brunch at Par-a-Dice Hotel and Casino
The all-ages Drag ‘N’ Paint Brunch is set for 11 a.m. Sunday, July 16 at Par-a-Dice Hotel and Casino, 21 Blackjack Blvd., East Peoria, Ill.
Enjoy brunch with a cash bar, a drag show and a unqiue paint night. Tickets are $50 per person, plus taxes and fees, and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
The brunch, a canvas and paint supplies are included with the ticket. No art experience is necessary.
For more information, visit peoriaproud.org/events.
Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Pride Weekend 2023: Peoria Proud events with Chiefs, festival, brunch
