SPENCER, Ind. – On Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, the Spencer Pride Festival returns to downtown Spencer for a full day of celebration, learning, entertainment, and community connection. Celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary, Spencer Pride Festival remains Indiana’s largest rural LGBTQ+ pride event and one of the nation’s most recognizable celebrations of rural LGBTQ+ life. 
The free, family-friendly festival will take place from noon to 7 p.m. throughout downtown Spencer, the historic Tivoli Theatre, and the Spencer Pride commUnity center, offering programming for all ages, interests, and abilities. Festival organizers have assembled a diverse lineup of entertainment, education, wellness, arts, and community engagement into a single day-long celebration.
“Come join the fun,” invites Spencer Pride’s new Executive Director, Jake Taylor. “At a time when LGBTQ+ people continue to face challenges, creating opportunities for joy, connection, and community is essential. When we come together to celebrate, learn from one another, and support each other, we build the kind of community that pushes us forward. Joy is a power; joy is what propels us forward.”
A Full Day of Entertainment
Festival attendees can enjoy live performances throughout the day across multiple venues. Drag shows will once again headline the festival at the historic Tivoli Theatre with Pat Yo Weave returning to emcee the shows. Additional performances include Quarryland Men’s Chorus, entertainer Tipsy Teasedale and friends, Southern Indiana Taiko, Gravy Bird, Marissa & Kenny, and Lyn Rye.
Families and youth will find plenty to explore, including Wonderfest from the WonderLab Science Museum, the Iris Outdoor Fun Area, a Birdy Scavenger Hunt presented by Spencer Pride’s Rainbow Birders, and the festival’s popular Drag Queen Storytime.
Education, Wellness, and Community
The 2026 festival places an emphasis on education and personal growth. Highlights include a community yoga class, a poetry-writing workshop titled “Queer Joy,” an author discussion featuring Josh Vidmar, a presentation by GLSEN award-winning educator Ace Schwarz focused on supporting our youth, civic engagement programming from MAD Voters, tabletop gaming, party line dance lessons, and a presentation from the Rainbow Birders titled “Looking for Birds in All the Wrong Seasons.”
Festival attendees will also have access to a community blood drive, as well as free HIV and STI screening services provided by local health partners. These services underscore Spencer Pride’s commitment to public health and wellness.
Marketplace Continues to Grow
The festival marketplace remains one of the event’s cornerstone attractions. Organizers expect more than 130+ organizations, businesses, local artists, food vendors, nonprofits, and community groups to participate this year. These organizations will create a vibrant shopping experience throughout downtown Spencer.
“Our sponsors and partners understand that supporting Spencer Pride is about more than a single day of celebration,” says Martha Nally, Relationship Development Director and Sponsorships Lead. “It’s an investment in belonging, visibility, and the continued growth of a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
A wide range of food and beverages will be available in the marketplace. Civilian Brewing Corp and additional partners will be responsibly selling alcoholic beverages on Washington Street for individuals 21 years of age and up.
The festival marketplace is sponsored by C.H. Douglas & Gray.
Accessibility Remains a Priority
Spencer Pride is devoted to making the festival accessible to all attendees. Accessible parking, accessible shuttle services, sign language interpretation, and a dedicated low-sensory area will be available.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to celebrate, connect, and build community,” says Elisabeth Solchick, Spencer Pride Vice President and Accessibility Lead. “As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re continuing to strengthen accessibility throughout the festival because inclusion only works when everyone can participate.”
Attendees are encouraged to park at Boston Scientific. Free and accessible shuttles are offered thanks to a sponsorship by Boston Scientific.
The Celebration Continues After Dark
Following the festival, attendees ages 18 and older are invited to continue the celebration at Spencer Pride’s After Party. This year’s event will feature live entertainment from Justin Teague and an opportunity for festivalgoers to gather and continue the fun in Spencer Pride’s commUnity center’s ballroom.
Spencer Pride welcomes LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, families, friends, and visitors from across Indiana and beyond to visit downtown Spencer for a day dedicated to visibility, belonging, and community.
Festival organizers also note that while the festival officially kicks off at noon, some programming begins before then. For festival updates, schedules, and additional information, visit Spencer Pride’s Eventeny page and follow Spencer Pride on social media.
In addition to those sponsors already mentioned, the 2026 Spencer Pride Festival is supported by many local businesses and organizations, including: Novo Nordisk, Oliver Winery, Simtra, and Compass Rose Farm Sanctuary. Media partners include WBWB-B97, WFHB Radio, and Limestone Post Magazine.
