NBTX Pride festival runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Comal County Fairgrounds, 701 Common St., New Braunfels.
June is Pride Month celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and transgender (LGBTQ+) Americans.
Riverside Pride organizer Aja Edwards said opening ceremonies include a presentation of colors by four LGBTQ+ veterans.
Six bands will perform throughout the day and two drag shows are planned.
Organizers rented the air-conditioned Expo Hall.
The all-day event, which is open to all ages, also features story times by drag queens reading age-appropriate books about diversity, a pose-style runway competition, live graffiti exhibit, four food trucks, and 70 vendor booths.
To walk the runway, show up “how you have decided to express” yourself, Edwards said.
Last year families walked the runway together, something organizers didn’t expect in New Braunfels.
“We’re focused on trying to raise awareness that there is a community that loves and accepts everybody and they’re not alone,” Edwards said.
Riverside Pride works to support youth by helping them find temporary housing if they are kicked out by their families after coming out. Annual scholarships are awarded.
“We are so aware of the challenges like mental health issues that youth face between being ostracized with their family, struggling with their faith,” Edwards said.
There is no entrance fee and free parking is available. Because of dangerously high temperatures expected Saturday Edwards said organizers will provide free water and paramedics and nurses will be on site to provide basic medical care.
