- Spencer Pride is an event that celebrates the beautiful diversity of our community. We are inclusive regardless of how you identify, whether that be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, heterosexual, pansexual, asexual, intersex, queer, questioning, or curious! Rich or poor, scrawny or curvy, native-born or immigrant, there’s a place for you at our event. As a matter of fact, we don’t ask for ID* at Spencer Pride, so come as your authentic self & that’s just perfect for us. (*ok, so technically we do ask for ID in our Pride Lounge to ensure that we are allowing only people 21 & older to partake in any of the beverages from Cardinal Spirits or Civilian Brewing Corps. But no ID required anywhere else.)
- No Admission or Parking Fees ensure that everyone – regardless of their socioeconomic status can attend.
- We are an all-weather event. If there’s a light rain, step under a canopy (there are about 130 of them across the festival grounds). Moderate rain? Adventure into the Spencer Pride commUnity center or one of the other 20+ downtown businesses listed on the festival map. Don’t worry – we always are safety-minded & want to ensure your health & happiness. That being said, without a little rain, you can’t have any rainbows!
- Happy, energetic, welcoming people are everywhere at Spencer Pride. That is because everyone at Spencer Pride wants to be there. Event organizers are 100% volunteer-powered so there’s no one who’s in it for a paycheck. The people invoked are there because of their passion to make the world a better place. The Pride Festival is just one aspect of what we do at Spencer Pride, but it’s perhaps the most rewarding!
- Far bigger than when the Spencer Pride Festival began 13 years ago, the event now sprawls throughout the courthouse square. This includes the entire courthouse lawn plus two adjacent streets, downtown businesses, & of course the Spencer Pride commUnity center itself. More than 110 organizations have booths in our marketplace. This provides many opportunities to shop, learn, play, & eat.
- Family-focused & family-accommodating Activities are the core of Spencer Pride. Every member of the family will find something to do all-day long. Don’t worry about the kids or grandparents getting bored! Need to change a diaper? Restrooms in the courthouse & the Spencer Pride commUnity center all have changing tables. Need to breastfeed or pump in privacy? Visit our breastfeeding station in the courthouse.
- Supportive downtown businesses are here to welcome & celebrate you. Most of the businesses on the square (see our festival map for a list) are direct supporters of the work of Spencer Pride. We encourage you to show them support by visiting their establishments. You’ll be treated with the same hospitality that we’ve become known for.
- Spencer Pride features diverse musical entertainment at two venues. In total, that’s 14 hours of music that includes everything from folk to pop, solo singer/songwriters to choirs, guitars to harps. Our largest venue is the Ivy Tech Stage, which is located on the south lawn of the Owen County Courthouse. New this year is our smaller venue in the Gathering Place of the Spencer Pride commUnity center.
- Accessibility to all aspects of the event, regardless of your mobility or self-identification. Although the courthouse restrooms are gendered, you are welcome to choose whichever restroom you identify with. If you are non-binary or don’t like to make a choice (or if there’s a line!) head over to the commUnity center where you’ll find two non-gendered restrooms. In a wheelchair? The courthouse lawn can be easily accessed via the north lawn. The courthouse itself is also equipped with a ramp for ease of entry. Whether you are self-powered or utilizing assistance, all elements of the festival are at your disposal.
- We are a pet-friendly event. Pets of all kinds are welcome (we do not discriminate between feathers, scales, or fur) as long as they are accompanied by a responsible, leashed human companion. If your pet is feeling left out of the festivities, encourage them to participate in the Pet Pride Parade presented by Elanco. The parade kicks off from Camden’s Carnival at 3:30. No pre-registration or fee is required. Keep your pets cool & hydrated during the day. Water bowls can be found throughout the courthouse square. Human companions are expected to clean up after their pets.
