Philadelphia’s Gayborhood will once again be the place for the city’s OURfest, which will celebrate culture, history, music, accessibility, wellness and community, according to a news release from the event’s organizer, Philly Pride 365.
The festival is set for noon Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day, and will center around the theme “OUT for Good.” More than 200 community organizations, artists, performers, food trucks, health advocates and queer-owned businesses are expected to be at the event, which will span 12th and 13th streets from Locust to Spruce streets.
Rather than gathering around a single stage, attendees are invited to move throughout the Gayborhood and experience distinct areas celebrating Black culture, accessibility, dance, sports, leather and queer nightlife, youth and families, local businesses, community resources and Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community, according to the release.
“OURfest has always been about celebrating our community,” Philly Pride 365 Executive Director Tyrell Brown said in the release. “This year, we’re taking that celebration even further by transforming the Gayborhood into a living reflection of Philadelphia itself. Every block tells a different story, every experience invites connection, and together they paint a picture of the inclusive city we’re building every day.”
Event highlights this year, according to the release, include:
SWAY Philly Block Party: “The Reunion”
The festival’s Main Stage will be located within the all-ages SWAY Philly Block Party, “The Reunion,” celebrating Black joy, culture, music and community.
From 3 to 5 p.m., SWAY Philly will bring together featured performers, DJs and the signature energy of Philadelphia’s Black queer creative community. Performances will include Fitch Means, Jacqueline Constance, SWAY Philly and more, with the celebration continuing into All House, All Night.
A chaperone is encouraged for attendees ages 14 and younger.
OURfest Performance Pop-Up LUV Gardens
Located throughout the festival footprint, LUV Gardens will provide accessible seating, pop-up performances and welcoming spaces where festivalgoers can pause, gather and enjoy the day. Pop-Ups are intentional spaces for community members to gather, connect and enjoy live entertainment. Performances will be staggered throughout the day, with DJs providing music between featured sets across the festival.
LES B: Sapphic Poetry & R&B Performance Pop-Up
An intentional space centering lesbian and sapphic voices through poetry, spoken word, live R&B, soulful performances and music from local DJs.
Drag Me to the Big Show Performance Pop-Up
A high-energy showcase of drag, music, dance and theatrical performances celebrating the creativity and larger-than-life spirit of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community.
All House, All Night Dance Party
A celebration of house music, movement and queer dance-floor culture featuring Jay Latay and additional DJs, bringing the signature energy of Philadelphia’s house music community to OURfest.
Featured Artists, DJs and Performers
This year’s OURfest entertainment lineup will feature Jay Latay, Nikki Powerhouse, Delaqua, Dominic Patrick, Kiahna B, Fitch Means, DJ Carl Michaels, Carla Gamble, DJ Robert Drake, Taylor Kelly, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, Cheer Philly, and more alongside additional artists and performers appearing throughout the festival.
“Out in Sports” Sports Zone
Stonewall Sports will bring interactive games and activities to the festival grounds, celebrating the role sports and recreation play in creating connection, camaraderie and community within Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community.
Disability Pride PA Silent Disco and Decompression Zone
Disability Pride PA will host an accessible silent disco alongside a dedicated decompression space, creating opportunities to celebrate, recharge and experience OURfest in an environment designed with accessibility in mind.
Woody’s Dance Party
Woody’s will bring its annual outdoor dance party to OURfest with a curated lineup of DJs. The event is 21+ with a valid ID.
Festivalgoers are also encouraged to explore participating LGBTQ+-owned and LGBTQ+-serving bars, restaurants and brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the Gayborhood.
Vice Alley
Located on Quince Street alongside The Bike Stop, Vice Alley will celebrate leather, kink and queer nightlife culture. The experience is 18+ with valid ID, and while gear is encouraged, it is never required.
Youth and Family Programming
Open from noon to 4 p.m., OURfest’s Youth and Family area will bring together local LGBTQ+ youth-serving organizations, including The Attic Youth Center, for age-appropriate programming designed for young people and their families.
Youth and Healing Spaces
A dedicated low-sensory, age-appropriate area will offer wellness resources, Drag Story Time, youth performances, bounce houses and opportunities for young people and families to gather, recharge and connect throughout the afternoon.
Food Truck Market
Curated by The Food Truck Lady, the OURfest Food Truck Market will bring together a diverse lineup of regional food vendors offering options at accessible price points.
Beer and Cocktail Gardens
Beer and cocktail gardens throughout OURfest will feature some of the Gayborhood’s most beloved venues, subject to all applicable age and alcohol-service requirements.
Community Resources and Wellness Services
Community support remains central to OURfest. Festivalgoers will have opportunities to connect with local nonprofit and public-health organizations providing information, services and year-round resources.
