SoFLX Pride Festival in Corning aims to continue momentum. See weekend schedule.
Thousands are expected to fill sections of Market Street this weekend to celebrate the 5th annual SoFLX Pride Festival in Corning.
The first events will start along Market Street on Friday at 4 p.m., with events on the calendar continuing through 3 p.m. on Sunday.
“We’re really hoping for a great turnout,” said Meghan O’Toole, Southern Finger Lakes Pride Festival Coordinator. “We are thrilled to host various events and activities that reflect the diverse fabric of our community. We welcome all the community to celebrate inclusivity.”
This year's festival theme is "Taking Up Space," representing a commitment to honoring the strides toward equality and the ongoing efforts to ensure inclusivity for all.
The inaugural festival was held in 2019 and generated strong participation from the community.
“It was a small festival in Riverfront Park, mostly with local services and cultural organizations with activities and a small show on the stage," said O'Toole. "We didn’t expect a big turnout and more than 2,000 people showed up, which told us it was something that everybody wanted.”
Then COVID hit, and the festival continued at a lower level.
“Last year we came back in full force, closing two blocks on Market Street with lots of performers and vendors, and the event probably drew 3,500 people,” said O'Toole.
This year’s event will kick off Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. along Market Street, and the full festival begins Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature live performances, art, vendors, and a 21-plus beverage garden with local breweries and wineries.
Special headliners include Chloe Star, Lady Bushra and the White Sabers Drum & Bugle Corps.
“The festival will include headlining talent from Los Angeles and the United Kingdom, which could be quite a big draw,” O’Toole said. “They have big social media followings. It's exciting to bring something like this to the area.”
Friday's SoFLX Pride Festival schedule
6 p.m. Official Flag Raising, Festival Kickoff at Centerway Square on Market Street.
4-8 p.m. Tarot and Psychic Readings at Okultik: Metaphysical Supply Store, 5 W Market St.
5-7 p.m. Summer Gallery Walk: Visit opening art exhibitions and artist talks in downtown Corning.
5-8 p.m. SoFLX Pride Art Installation Upstairs at Rabbit Row Yarns & Haberdashery, 24 E Market St.
5:30-7:30 p.m. Drag Bingo at The Quincy Exchange, 2 E Market St.
6-8 p.m. Dance in the Square: Centerway Square, Market Street.
7:30-8:30 p.m. Special Guest Artist Chloe Star Meet & Greet at Card Carrying Books & Gifts, 15 E Market St.
8 p.m. - 1 a.m. SoFLX Pride 21-plus Dance Party at VOLO Bar & Lounge, 74 E Market St.
Free queer positive movie at The Palace Theatre.
Drink specials from participating restaurants with proceeds supporting SoFLX Pride.
Saturday's SoFLX Pride Festival schedule
1-5 p.m. Mainstage live performances: Performances from local artists, musicians, drag queens, and special guest headlining artists Chloe Star and Lady Bushra.
11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Explore Market Street with over 60 vendors and local businesses, artisans, and non-profits. Family activities, face painting, food, fun and giveaways.
Activities: Line Dance workshops, Roller Derby demo by the Black Diamond Rollers, Hooping demonstrations, Mindfulness Walk with Tai Chi sessions.
Free queer positive movie at The Palace Theatre.
21-plus FLX Craft Beverage Tasting Garden sponsored by Finger Lakes Wine Country in Riverfront Park.
More: Who is gaining, losing population in Steuben County, Corning area? See latest estimates.
Sunday SoFLX Pride Festival schedule
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Drag Brunch at The Quincy Exchange sponsored by Finger Lakes Wine Country. $20 entrance ticket to support SoFLX Pride.
“SoFLX Pride’s efforts make the community stronger not by focusing on needs but by valuing and supporting the gifts of LGBTQIA2S+ folks, especially youth, in towns around the Finger Lakes,” said SoFLX Pride Board Chair Troy Smythe. “Five years ago, SoFLX Pride brought the strong and joyful spirit, historically associated with PRIDE, to our region with a hometown touch, inviting all to find strength and joy in our relationships with each other and our allies.
"The need for SoFLX Pride, which includes our amazing sponsors and festival attendees, has never been greater. Thankfully, our commitment to meet that need has never been higher.”
This article originally appeared on The Leader: SoFLX Pride Festival June 7-9 in Corning. See events schedule.
