UPDATE (4:25 p.m., Oct. 24):
Tucson Pride has announced a major schedule change, moving its annual parade and festival from November to February 2026, due to permitting conflicts and ongoing recovery from last year's heat-related losses.
The organization originally planned to hold the celebration on Nov. 22 at Reid Park's Georges Demeester Performance Center. However, organizers were unable to secure a parade permit due to a scheduling conflict with El Tour de Tucson, which is set for the same weekend.
"There wasn't enough resources for public safety to close everything down that needs to happen for Tucson's biggest bicycle rally and Tucson's Pride parade. So, we went back to the drawing table," said David Hoffman, Tucson Pride board member.
Tucson Pride, which is usually in September, had moved its celebration later into the fall to escape the extreme summer heat, which significantly impacted last year's event.
"That weekend, the weekend of September 28th, we had a record heat wave. It was 108 degrees, and it kind of devastated Pride," Hoffman said.
Although the extreme heat left lasting financial impacts on the organization, Hoffman says the organization expects to recover.
"It left the organization with about $50,000 in debt. We have a bequest, someone has left money to Tucson Pride that is slowly working its way to us that will actually take care of our debt once that comes through," Hoffman said.
When faced with the November scheduling conflict, organizers were left with two choices.
"Our choices were either have a festival with no parade or move the festival so that we could have a parade. And that's what brought us to February 21st," Hoffman said.
Hoffman emphasized the importance of keeping both the parade and festival together, especially during challenging times for the LGBTQIA+ community.
"We need places to gather. We need places to feel supported. We need to feel protected and celebrated and that's what Tucson Pride is about," Hoffman said.
While the main celebration moves to Feb. 21, 2026, Tucson Pride will host smaller events before then.
"The power of numbers, the power of gathering together, is healing. It lifts everyone, and that is part of Tucson Pride's goal, is to make sure that, again, you're seen, you're protected, and you're celebrated," Hoffman said.
Tucson Pride events this November:
- November 1: Karaoke night at Monkey Bar
- November 19: Rainbow Rollers, which is a roller skating party at Skate Country
- November 21: Club Pride at the new La Rosa venue.
If you have any questions, contact Tucson Pride here.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Arizona's oldest LGBTQIA+ organization announced it will reschedule its annual celebration to ensure a full parade and festival can take place together.
Tucson Pride will move its 2025 parade and festival from Nov. 22, 2025, to Feb. 21, 2026, the organization announced Monday.
The decision comes after several logistical and financial challenges that would have prevented the full celebration from taking place as originally planned.
"This move isn't just about changing dates—it's about ensuring Pride's long-term sustainability," said Jeff Fulgham, Tucson Pride Board President. "By moving to February, we're creating the time and stability needed to deliver a celebration that reflects the strength and joy of Tucson's LGBTQIA+ community."
The November date conflicted with El Tour de Tucson, one of the city's largest annual events. Both events require extensive road closures and public safety staffing, which meant Tucson Pride could not secure a parade permit for that weekend.
Rather than hold a festival without a parade, the organization chose to move the entire event to February so both components could take place together.
The organization also faced financial challenges from last year's record-breaking heatwave, which reduced attendance and revenue, leaving Tucson Pride with debt. An incoming bequest is helping resolve those financial issues.
Administrative challenges also played a role in the decision. Missed filings from 2021-2022 temporarily suspended Tucson Pride's nonprofit status, though a CPA firm is finalizing the paperwork and reinstatement is expected soon.
During this time, the organization informed sponsors, vendors and donors of its status. Tucson Pride is exploring a temporary fiscal sponsorship arrangement so donations and sponsorships can continue while reinstatement is finalized.
The organization also cited nationwide declines in LGBTQIA+ sponsorships and donations that have affected local fundraising efforts.
As an all-volunteer organization, Tucson Pride is using the additional time to strengthen operations and rebuild leadership capacity.
While the full parade and festival will take place in February, Tucson Pride will still host smaller Pride-related events this November to keep the community connected.
Founded in 1977, Tucson Pride is Arizona's first LGBTQIA+ organization and produces the third-oldest Pride celebration in the United States. The organization has spent nearly five decades fostering visibility, unity and celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community of Southern Arizona.
"We'll come together for smaller events this November and reunite in full force for the parade and festival on February 21, 2026," Fulgham said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Jacqueline Aguilar is a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9. Born and raised in Yuma, AZ., she is no stranger to the unforgiving Arizona heat. Now this U of A wildcat is excited to be back in Tucson and is looking forward to involving herself in the community. Share your story ideas with Jacqueline by emailing jacqueline.aguilar@kgun9.com or connecting on Facebook, Instagram or X.
