Tucson Pride Moves Festival to November to Beat the Heat

Tucson Pride has announced a shift in the dates for its annual fall festival, moving the event to mid-November in response to rising temperatures. Traditionally held in late September or early October, these months have seen increasingly uncomfortable weather, prompting the change.

Alliance board president Jeff Myers-Fulgham noted last year’s response to the heat: “We didn’t have that many people due to the high temperatures. We barely sold any alcohol. It was too hot.” Following this, he conducted a survey to ascertain community preferences, with November emerging as the favored option.

Data from the National Weather Service confirms that 2024 recorded the hottest September and October on record. Previously, Tucson Pride transitioned from its original June timeframe to late September to escape the oppressive summer heat. This year, the festival is set for November 14-16.

Reflecting on last year’s experience, Myers-Fulgham remarked, “The historic heat wave during Tucson Pride Weekend presented significant challenges for attendees, vendors, and volunteers.” He expressed the need for a date adjustment, explaining that planning occurs nearly a year in advance, making it impossible to predict the extreme weather.

The November dates promise not only cooler weather but also the potential to attract attendees from colder regions seeking a reprieve from winter conditions. Myers-Fulgham emphasized the goal of making Tucson Pride a destination event for the LGBTQIA+ community in frostier cities.

“We are working on international advertisements,” he shared. The moderate November climate, unlike the sweltering heat that forced early departures in previous years, is expected to draw a larger crowd. Past events saw participants leave early due to health concerns linked to the heat, leading to initiatives like providing complimentary water bottles to enhance safety.

Tucson Pride, also known as the Tucson Lesbian and Gay Alliance, operates as a volunteer-driven nonprofit aimed at offering both festive and educational experiences for the Tucson community. Their annual Pride in the Desert serves as the central hub for the Pride in the Park Festival and the accompanying Pride Parade.

Looking ahead, Myers-Fulgham noted possibilities for smaller indoor events leading into the November festival. Discussions for a potential September event are underway, but he affirmed, “Pride in June is simply not feasible due to the heat.”