Why is Central Arkansas’s Pride in October?

In July 2013, organizers met for the first time to organize a Pride event in Central Arkansas. Wanting to get the event on the books that year, the group scheduled the first Central Arkansas Pride in October of 2013, and we’ve gathered to celebrate Pride in October ever since.

While June is recognized as Pride Month, many Pride celebrations across the U.S. take place at different times of year, celebrating Pride 365.

October is National 2SLGBTQIA+ History Month, and National Coming Out Day is Oct. 11. We hope people will celebrate all the wonderful Arkansas Pride events in June, October, and throughout the year!

How do I join as a vendor, entertainer, volunteer, or parade entry?

Applications will be available in May 2026 for

The state’s 14th 2026 PRIDEFest and Parade on Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR Ocotber 17, 2026

Entertainers, vendors, parade, and volunteer applications are available on Eventeny.com

All are welcome to join us as we showcase the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies!

Is the PRIDEfest free?

There is no charge to attend the PRIDE festival or watch the parade. Our team fundraises year-round to keep PRIDEFest free for ALL to attend. Your donation can help keep PRIDE free for all while supporting our other programs and events.

To sponsor, email sponsor@arpride.org

Is PRIDEFest Brunch free?

The PRIDEFest Brunch is a meaningful event where we explore our culture, usually held on the Sunday following Pridefest.

Past themes have been:

“Hate is Wrong” with Esera Tuaolo NFL player at the Clinton Presidential Center

“Drag as Performance Art” with Miss & Central Arkansas Pride featuring Athena Sinclair & Romeo at El Sur Steert Food Company

“Intersectionality of race, spirituality, and sexuality” at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

We do charge a minimum fee for catering the event and venue.

I want to perform at Pride! How do I get on the entertainment line-up?

If you are interested in performing at Pride, we will open the applications in May. The application will need the following: links to videos of your performances, what you plan to perform, and some information about yourself. While we welcome performers of all kinds to apply, we don’t have enough stage time to accommodate all applicants. If you aren’t selected, we encourage you to keep applying as we try to spread the love every year! Performances are family-friendly.

How can I become involved in support, become a sponsor, or become a monthly supporter?

To support Central Arkansas Pride, email sponsor@arpride.org. Central Arkansas Pride's mission is build a better Arkansas for all. Whether you are looking to provide financial support or to partner in creating safe, inclusive spaces, we are interested in expanding our network of resources with you. See our donations page here to become a monthly sponsor and help cover the operational costs of sustaining CAP 365. For general inquiries to become involved, please email info@arpride.org