Homecoming Events, Pride Festivals Planned Across States

Northview parade organizers said candy and other items may not be thrown until floats reach Highway 4; floats must arrive decorated, and participants are expected to bring their own water.
Central Arkansas Pride’s 2026 festival theme is “UNITED IN PRIDE,” emphasizing cross-generational resilience and solidarity among Arkansas LGBTQ+ organizations, including SOMA Pride and Little Rock Black Pride.
Terre Haute Pride Fest is free and family-friendly, with proceeds from merchandise and donations benefiting the Pride Center; a free, 21-and-over afterparty is scheduled at Tolly’s Bar & Grill from 8 to 10 p.m.
Jasper High School’s homecoming parade will charge $30 for vehicle entries and $50 for floats, with road blockages expected from approximately 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Jasper’s football game against Jackson-Olin will be followed by a homecoming dance lasting until midnight, and the homecoming queen will be announced during halftime.
Communities across multiple states are gearing up for fall homecoming celebrations and LGBTQ+ pride festivals. High schools from Northview to Jasper are organizing parades and festivities throughout September and October, while pride organizations in Arkansas and Indiana are hosting major annual celebrations featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and community booths.
The events range from school-focused activities like pep rallies and football games to multi-day pride festivals emphasizing solidarity and cross-generational connection. Most events are free or low-cost, with some offering family-friendly daytime programming alongside evening entertainment and social gatherings.
Northview High School's homecoming parade is set for October 2, with float registration closing September 24. The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. and travels through Highway 4, Bratt Road, Ashcraft Road, and Highway 99 before returning to school. Organizers note that candy and other items cannot be thrown until floats reach Highway 4, and all floats must arrive fully decorated.
Jasper High School is hosting a full homecoming day on a date to be confirmed, featuring a 10 a.m. pep rally, 1 p.m. parade, early dismissal, 7 p.m. football game against Jackson-Olin, and a midnight dance afterward. Vehicle entries cost $30 and float entries cost $50, with road closures expected from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Santa Fe Trail's parade begins at 1 p.m. on September 18.
Central Arkansas Pride will hold its 14th annual PRIDEFest in Little Rock from October 9 through October 18. The 2026 festival theme is "UNITED IN PRIDE," celebrating cross-generational resilience and solidarity among Arkansas LGBTQ+ organizations including SOMA Pride and Little Rock Black Pride.
The multi-day festival brings together community organizations, local businesses, and cultural programming to honor LGBTQ+ identity and connection. The expanded 10-day schedule allows more events and celebration opportunities compared to single-day pride gatherings in other regions.
Terre Haute Pride Fest takes place October 3 at Fairbanks Park with free admission for all ages. The event features live entertainment, drag shows, food trucks, and more than 70 community and business booths celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and local support.
All proceeds from merchandise sales and donations benefit the Pride Center. A separate 21-and-over afterparty runs from 8 to 10 p.m. at Tolly's Bar & Grill, providing evening entertainment for adult attendees while keeping daytime activities family-friendly.
Publishers
22
Articles
8
Reach
30