Spencer Pride Festival to mark 20th anniversary Oct. 3

Written from press release

SPENCER, Ind. — September 9, 2026

The Spencer Pride Festival will return to downtown Spencer on Saturday, Oct. 3, for its 20th anniversary, with a full day of performances, educational programs, health services and community events.

The free, family-friendly festival will run from noon to 7 p.m. throughout downtown Spencer, the historic Tivoli Theatre and the Spencer Pride commUnity center. Organizers describe Spencer Pride as Indiana’s largest rural LGBTQ+ pride event.

“At a time when LGBTQ+ people continue to face challenges, creating opportunities for joy, connection, and community is essential,” Spencer Pride Executive Director Jake Taylor said in the announcement.

Drag shows will again be held at the Tivoli Theatre, with Pat Yo Weave returning as emcee. Other scheduled performers include the Quarryland Men’s Chorus, Tipsy Teasedale and friends, Southern Indiana Taiko, Gravy Bird, Marissa & Kenny and Lyn Rye.

Activities for families and young people will include Wonderfest from the WonderLab Science Museum, the Iris Outdoor Fun Area, a Birdy Scavenger Hunt presented by Spencer Pride’s Rainbow Birders and Drag Queen Storytime.

Educational and wellness programming will include a community yoga class, a “Queer Joy” poetry workshop, an author discussion with Josh Vidmar, a presentation by educator Ace Schwarz, civic engagement programming from MAD Voters, tabletop gaming, line-dance lessons and a presentation by the Rainbow Birders.

Festivalgoers will also have access to a community blood drive and free HIV and STI screening services provided by local health partners.

More than 130 organizations, businesses, artists, food vendors, nonprofits and community groups are expected to participate in the festival marketplace throughout downtown Spencer. Food and beverages will be available, with Civilian Brewing Corp. and other partners selling alcoholic beverages on Washington Street to people 21 and older.

Organizers said accessible parking, shuttle service, sign language interpretation and a dedicated low-sensory area will be available. Attendees are encouraged to park at Boston Scientific, where free accessible shuttles will transport festivalgoers downtown.

After the daytime festival ends, attendees 18 and older may attend an after-party at the Spencer Pride commUnity center featuring live entertainment from Justin Teague.

Organizers said some programming will begin before the festival’s official noon start. Additional schedules and updates will be posted through Spencer Pride’s Eventeny page and social media accounts.

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