June 26-28, 2026
The 22nd annual NWA Pride Parade and Festival—the largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration in Arkansas—returns to Fayetteville from Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Each year, NWA Pride transforms Dickson Street into a vibrant, inclusive celebration of love, equality, and community. Our Pride festival even gained national recognition last year—see how Vogue magazine highlighted the celebration! Whether you’re local to Northwest Arkansas or traveling in, Pride Weekend offers a full lineup of events, live entertainment, and can’t-miss experiences.
Below is your complete guide to NWA Pride 2026, including the schedule, key events, and tips for attending.
Northwest Arkansas Pride | 2026 Schedule of Events:
Friday, June 26, 2026
Trans March & Rally (6:00 PM)
Upper Ramble, Dickson Street, Fayetteville The NWA Trans March is open to everyone—no registration required. This powerful kickoff event invites the community to stand in support of trans and gender non-conforming individuals, especially youth across Arkansas.
Festival Kickoff Concert (Evening – Time TBD)
Tyson Main Stage, Dickson Street Pride Weekend officially begins with a live concert on Dickson Street. Headlining performers will be announced soon but expect a high-energy show to launch the weekend.
Saturday, June 27, 2026
NWA Pride Festival (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Upper Ramble, Dickson Street Spend the day in downtown Fayetteville enjoying:
- Local vendors and artists
- Food trucks and drinks
- Community organizations
- Live entertainment
This is the heart of Pride Weekend—family-friendly, inclusive, and full of energy.
Main Stage Headliner (3:30 PM – TBD)
Tyson Main Stage A featured performer will take the stage just before the parade. Stay tuned for announcements on this year’s headliner.
22nd Annual NWA Pride Parade (5:00 PM)
Dickson Street, Fayetteville The NWA Pride Parade is the centerpiece of the weekend and a long-standing tradition in Northwest Arkansas.
Expect:
- Colorful floats
- Music and performances
- Community groups and allies
- A packed, high-energy crowd
Every year, Dickson Street becomes a joyful celebration of identity, self-expression, and unity.
Glitterville (9:00 PM)
George's Majestic Lounge Saturday night turns up the energy with Glitterville, one of Pride Weekend’s biggest parties.
Headlined by The Dancing Queen of the North and host of RuPaul's Drag Race Canada, Brooke Lynn Hytes, with music from DJ Sam Gee, this event brings:
- Drag performances
- Dance floor vibes
- High-glam, high-energy entertainment
Expect sequins, music, and a packed crowd.
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Hi Tea Dance & Pool Party (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Mount Sequoyah Center Wrap up Pride Weekend with a poolside celebration overlooking Fayetteville.
Highlights include:
- Brunch and drinks curated by local favorites South by Northwest, the hospitality group behind Theo’s, East Side Grill, and Southern Food Company.
- DJs Sam Gee of New York and Fayetteville favorite Dave Maxwell keeping the vibes alive all afternoon.
- Relaxed, social atmosphere
It’s the perfect way to cool off and close out the weekend.
Where to Stay for NWA Pride 2026
For visitors traveling to Fayetteville, the official Pride hotel is:
Graduate by Hilton
Located in downtown Fayetteville, this hotel offers special Pride rates and easy access to Dickson Street events.
Visitors will find a variety of accommodation options within walking distance of Dickson Street, making it easy to enjoy NWA Pride events without worrying about transportation.
Tips for Attending NWA Pride in Fayetteville
- Arrive early for the parade and main events—Dickson Street fills up quickly
- Wear comfortable clothes/hat and stay hydrated (Arkansas summers are hot)
- Plan parking or rideshare ahead of time
- Check for updated schedules as new performers and events are announced
About NWA Pride
NWA Pride is organized by NWA Equality, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing equality and inclusion across Northwest Arkansas.
With over two decades of history, Pride in Fayetteville continues to grow each year, bringing together thousands of attendees in one of the region’s most colorful and welcoming celebrations.
Plan Your Pride Weekend in Fayetteville
In addition to official events, many local businesses host unofficial Pride parties, brunches, and pop-ups throughout the weekend.
To stay updated:
- Visit the official NWA Pride website
- Follow event announcements on Facebook
- Explore our event calendar for additional happenings
NWA Pride 2026 is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of community, visibility, and belonging. Whether you’re attending the parade, dancing at Glitterville, or relaxing poolside on Sunday, Fayetteville is the place to be for Pride in Arkansas!
