Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Springfield community gathered in downtown Springfield on Saturday for Springfield PrideFest 2026, an annual celebration featuring a parade, live entertainment, vendors and community events.

The festival, organized by The Phoenix Center, took place near Fifth Street and Capitol Avenue and drew attendees from across central Illinois.

Austin Geist, who said he has attended PrideFest since 2019, spent the day visiting booths and watching performances downtown.

“It brings a gathering place to the community,” Geist said. “Sometimes in smaller areas, it can be hard to see all the pride around here, but having a festival for it, it’s just one big gathering place.”

Geist, who grew up near Pleasant Plains, said the event helps people feel connected and represented.

Springfield resident Preston Siewert said he and friends also visited the farmers market and an art show near the Old State Capitol during their trip downtown.

Siewert said the drag performances are one of his favorite parts of the festival.

“It definitely gets the energy up and brings that sense of community and togetherness,” Siewert said.

He also said he enjoys the annual Pride parade and its decorated floats.

Sean Robb said PrideFest gives people an opportunity to celebrate individuality and support one another.

“We are here to celebrate our uniqueness, our differences, our likenesses,” Robb said. “It’s an opportunity for people with similar interests and hearts to collide.”

Robb also said the event supports downtown businesses and performers participating throughout the day.

Springfield PrideFest began in 2011 and has grown into one of the region’s largest annual LGBTQIA+ celebrations.