Austin’s annual Pride festival is looking at reduced funding this year � but organizers say it's an opportunity to get back to the celebration’s roots.
The festival is organized by the Austin Pride Foundation, a volunteer-run nonprofit, with financing from donations and corporate sponsorships. Micah Andress, President of Austin Pride, said that between 10 and 15 sponsors have withdrawn support this year, with parade and festival booth purchases down by about 50%. He estimates the festival has lost around $200,000 in funding.
“Like many Pride organizations across the country, we’ve been impacted by the current political climate � and yes, that includes our funding,� organizers said in a social media statement Wednesday. “We’re feeling it this year, and as a result, the festival will look and feel a bit different than what you’re used to.�
The festival, scheduled for Aug. 23, will have about half its normal footprint, with no second stage or "VIQ" lounge this year, Andress told KUT.
But the event will also be free and feature 100% local entertainment , according to the posted Wednesday. Previous festivals have been headlined by performers from around the country. Attendees have also had to pay for tickets to the events in the past � with the exception of a free evening parade down Congress Avenue.
“We’re doubling down on what makes Austin Pride so special: community, resilience and love,� festival organizers wrote. “We’re here. We’re queer. And we’re not going anywhere.�
Andress said that Austin Pride has seen a show of support since its announcement, including one sponsor who offered to cover the rental costs at Fiesta Gardens.
While Austin holds its annual Pride festival in August, most cities hold their celebrations in June during National Pride Month.
Pride festivals across the country lost funding this year due to reduced sponsorships, resulting in scaled-back events and corporate displays of support, in some cases. attributed a $750,000 budget shortfall to corporations that had reassessed their support for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. also said it lost around 20 sponsors and more than $180,000 in donations.
Andress said most sponsors who withdrew funding this year cited "budget cuts," which he believes may be due to the loss of DEI funding at those organizations.
In the social media post, Austin Pride teased that performer announcements would be coming soon. The theme for this year’s festival is “Silence = Death,� a to a 1980s-era artwork to raise awareness and push for government action to end the AIDS crisis.
“Attacks on our rights, our stories, and our very existence are escalating. But we’ve been here before, and just like those who came before us, we won’t be erased," Austin Pride to explain the theme. “On Aug. 23 at Fiesta Gardens, we take to the streets � not just to celebrate, but to demand, to resist, and to fight for our future.�
