Why Indy is a Must-Visit for Pride Month and Beyond

While some places are making travel more difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals, Indianapolis is leaning in—creating spaces where people can truly celebrate, feel safe, and be themselves. Indiana is home to more than 35 Pride celebrations—and growing! Communities across the state are stepping up to create affirming, welcoming spaces. For any upcoming Pride Month coverage, I’d love to highlight Indianapolis, where we’re making Pride bigger and louder than ever as Indy Pride celebrates 30 years this June.

This year’s Indy Pride Festival includes:

• WORD OF MOUTH: A brand-new, two-day music festival featuring national touring artists—Natasha Bedingfield headlines Saturday—along with drag performances, a sober space, and local talent.

• Indy Pride Parade: One of the largest Pride parades in the Midwest, drawing nearly 60,000 attendees and featuring 200 vendors on Saturday, June 14.

• Celebration on Monument Circle: A free, community-centered event at the heart of the city, ensuring everyone has a space to celebrate. Plus, earlier this month, we welcomed Indy’s first InterContinental Hotel, just off the Circle, with stunning rooftop views—already shaping up to be one of the city’s most sought-after stays.

• 20+ Additional Inclusive Events: Running from April through June, with everything from Indy Pride Nights with the Indiana Pacers to Trans Mixers and a Pride celebration specifically for the Deaf community. More details here.

Beyond Pride Month, Indy welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers year-round. From top-tier hotel accommodations like The Conrad, JW Marriott, and The Alexander to nightlife in the Mass Ave Arts District, there’s a lot to experience. Plus, BODHI, a locally and LGBTQ-owned restaurant, was just named to USA Today’s top restaurant lists.

Art and culture also thrive in Indy. Newfields, one of the nation’s largest and oldest art museums, will soon announce a new exhibit. Plus, each winter, the museum hosts Pride Night at Winterlights, where two million twinkling lights transform the grounds into a winter wonderland.

This fall, Indy celebrates the 24th annual LGBTQ+ Film Festival, featuring 50+ queer-themed films. And for those who love discovering local makers, the Indy Gay Market—the city’s original all-queer artisan pop-up market—can be found at various iconic locations, including Monument Circle.