The Mid-South Pride Parade will now roll on June 21, 2025, after being canceled on Saturday because of strong thunderstorms which threatened Memphis last weekend.
“Pride in Memphis has never been easy, but perseverance is what defines us,” says Vanessa Rodley, president of Mid-South Pride. “This reboot is not just about salvaging an event, it’s about recognizing what’s been built over five decades. It’s about showing up for each other. Because how we rise from this moment matters.”
The rescheduling comes after a controversial cancellation. When extreme weather descended on the Mid-South on Saturday morning, the mayor’s office and organizers were left with the agonizing decision. Should they delay the parade and celebration in Robert Church Park until the afternoon, in hopes that the squall lines would pass? Or should they cancel the highly anticipated 50th anniversary celebration of LGBTQ rights in the Mid-South?
In the end, strong winds, lightning, and ankle-deep water in the park led to the decision to cancel. But later in the afternoon, the skies cleared and the sun came out, leading to a round of disgruntled comments on social media.
Many of the performers scheduled for the park celebration retreated to local gay bars The Pumping Station and Dru’s Place, the latter of which later said they had over 1,100 people pay cover over the course of the weekend. On Sunday, First Congo Church hosted an impromptu makeup parade on Cooper Street.
The make-up parade will now roll down Beale Street at noon on Saturday, June 21st.
“The parade will still take place in the heart of Downtown Memphis, with a full lineup of floats, performers, and community groups that reflect the vibrant spectrum of the Mid-South LGBTQ+ family,” Mid-South Pride said in a news release. “Updated maps, timing details, and access information will be shared in the coming days.”
“As we move forward, we invite everyone to join us — not just to march, but to reconnect, recharge, and remind ourselves that Pride isn’t just an event. It’s how we show up for each other, especially when things don’t go as planned.”