2026 guide
Letter from the 2026 Planning Committee Chair
This year, we celebrate 25 years of FargoMoorhead Pride! From bike rides to dance parties to reunions, this year’s festival truly has something for everyone.
Along with these celebrations, we honor the champions of change in our community who began working for their place at the table long before our first gatherings at Gooseberry Mound Park in 2001. We dream of the future of the Fargo-Moorhead LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Because we are not going anywhere.
To be transparent, this celebration almost didn’t happen. This past January, FargoMoorhead Pride was under serious financial strain, and our volunteers were burnt out. At the same time, our community is facing some of the most horrifying attacks on our basic human rights in recent history, and volunteer run LGBTQ+ organizations like ours are disappearing.
But we chose to do the one thing that felt hardest: we started talking about it. We talked with our community partners, sponsors, local artists, and advocates. We came out the other side with a plan and the resources to keep FM Pride up and running. Our board and volunteers put in the work to make that happen, and we cannot thank them enough.
On June 1st, we presented our brand new organizational structure to the community in our first ever stakeholders meeting, elected our inaugural board of directors, and officially set FM Pride on a new path: one that honors our history as an organization and clearly defines 2026 as the start of something new.
Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for believing in the power of Pride. Thank you for making Fargo-Moorhead a place we’re proud to call home.
In community,
C. Williamson
Charlie Williamson
They/Them/Theirs 2026 FM Pride Planning Committee Chair
Cheers to 25 Years of FM Pride!
About FM pride
FM Pride is a 100% volunteer run organization. Founded in 2001, we’ve grown into one of the largest Pride Festivals in the Upper Midwest, drawing attendees from across the region and Canada.
OUR MISSION is to empower and support LGBTQ+ individuals in Fargo-Moorhead and beyond through visibility and celebration.
2001 - Founded by local volunteers to establish dedicated representation and create safe, supportive spaces across Fargo and Moorhead.
2005 - Hosted the inaugural Pride Parade, bringing visible queer celebration and unity into downtown streets.
2025 - Officially incorporated as a North Dakota nonprofit organization to expand local advocacy, outreach, and annual celebrations.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Increased Visibility: Safe, vibrant spaces for queer self-expression. Community Support: Raising funds for local LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Empowerment: Strengthening individuals’ confidence and sense of belonging.
VOLUNTEER-DRIVEN
Our events are powered by passionate volunteers, whose tireless work behind the scenes, at booths, and welcoming attendees makes this celebration possible.
You Belong eloou n Y B
Letter from the Grand Marshall
Heather Keeler
Dear fellow Queerdoes and Allies,
I cannot tell you how absolutely jazzed I am to be your Grand Marshal for the 2026 Fargo-Moorhead Pride Parade. Being asked to be part of such a fun and meaningful event is a true honor. I intentionally moved to Minnesota in the summer of 2013 because MN had just passed same-gender marriage. I knew it was important to me to live in a state that really saw me and accepted me for the entirety of who I am. Seeing a state stand up for us in that way felt powerful, felt inclusive, felt like a place filled with love and acceptance. Within my first month of living in Moorhead I was looped into the Fargo-Moorhead Pride volunteer network
and started getting involved. Through this involvement I have met some of the most amazing humans I get to call my friends now. Here’s a shoutout to the volunteers who continue to make this week run so smoothly.
As an Indigenous Queer woman, I have had to fight against invisibility, dismissiveness and threats simply for trying to be a voice at the table to change. Being elected to the MN House of Representatives as the first Indigenous queer woman from Greater MN is a glass ceiling we broke through together. In my first term I was invited to participate in a Hulu documentary highlighting the power of LGBTQIA2+ elected leaders and the importance of representation at all tables. In my second term we were able to officially form a Queer Caucus and work towards an even more inclusive state. This is proof that when we create an inclusive, loving, welcoming community through local Pride events, we get used to seeing and uplifting leaders of all backgrounds.
Being your Grand Marshal is a full circle moment for me. As I retire from the MN House, I want to see your smiling faces as a reminder of the great work we were able to accomplish together.
To the younger version of myself in the crowd: I want you to see yourself in me, really believe that you can do the big things in the world. They will try to hide you and make you feel small, simply because they are afraid of your brown brilliance. But you go out and be BOLD, Be Brave and Be Brilliant.
Thank you to the committee, organizers, volunteers, and sponsors for all your hard work and dedication.
Cheers, Queers!
Heather Keeler
Heather Keeler
2026
Full festival schedule
Pride in FargoMoorhead
SATURDAY
JULY 25
FRIDAY
JULY 31
5-9 PM
Get Ready for Pride - Top Knotch Salon
Top Knotch Salon - 308 University Dr N, Fargo
Get your hair tinsel, hair feathers, flash tattoos, permanent jewelry, tooth gems, and art vendors!
5-8 PM
Pride Ride & Park Party - Swing Barrel
W.H. Davy Memorial Park
111 8th St. N, Moorhead
Gathering social at 5 pm, ride starts at 6 pm, and post-ride social from 7–8 pm
Join us for a family-friendly bike ride along the Red River path (45–60 mins). Music and limited seating (20 chairs, 5 tables) provided; attendees are encouraged to bring their own pop-up chairs.
SATURDAY
AUGUST 01
SUNDAY
AUGUST 02
Roller Derby Pride Game Double HeaderFM Roller Derby vs Wheat City Roller Derby League
John Carlson Coliseum - 807 17th Ave N, Fargo
$12 (cash) or $13 (card) adults, youth under 18 free
Doors at 4pm, 1st Whistle 5pm, 2nd Whistle 7pm
Featuring a half time drag show - all proceeds to FM Pride.
5 PM 7 PM
Drag King Bingo Night (18+)
Wild Terra - 6 12th St N, Fargo
MONDAY
AUGUST
MONDAY
AUGUST 03
6-8 PM
Volunteer Kickoff
RiverHaven, - 700 1st Ave N, Moorhead
TUESDAY
AUGUST 04
Celebrate 25 years of FM Pride by volunteering! Join our Volunteer Kickoff night to align on plans, schedules, and details to ensure an unforgettable 2026 festival.
Q’mmunity Night at Theatre B
Theatre B - 215 10th St. N, Moorhead
Donations welcome
Join Theatre B and Haus of Inferno for an evening of celebration, creativity, and community. Browse community resources, discover local organizations, find something new-to-you at our free clothing drive, or take the stage and share your voice during our community Open Mic.
5-8 PM 6:30-8 PM
A Pride of Our Own:
Coming Together in Fargo-Moorhead - HCSCC
Hjemkomst Center - 212 1st Ave N, Moorhead
Hosted by Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, Tammy Lanaghan of Red River Rainbow Seniors will be presenting on the history of Pride in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Followed by a history harvest, where people can share their stories of past prides and what it means to them today.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is proud to support pride and its goals of connection, empowerment and well-being.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY AUGUST
06
THURSDAY AUGUST 05 AUGUST 06
Movie Night at Broadway SquareShowing: Mamma Mia (2008) 7 PM
Broadway Square - 201 Broadway N, Fargo
Movie starts at 7pm, games and activities start at 6pm
6-8 PM
Drag Trivia & Karaoke Night
Rhombus Guys - 606 Main Ave, Fargo
Free entry
Start off the night showing off your smarts with challenging trivia questions, then finish the night singing your heart out to your favorite tunes! Whether you’re a trivia master or a vocal virtuoso, join us for a night of fun, laughter, and friendly competition at a local restaurant favorite!
Vinyl Night (21+) 8 PM - 12 AM
Front Street Tap - 614 Main Ave, Fargo
Free entry
Drinks, dancing, and live DJs SPiNLEY, Ali Noctis, and PoisonAvi! $1 of every drink ordered from our PRIDE menu will be donated to Fargo-Moorhead Pride.
eidebailly.com
7 PM
07
All Ages Drag Show
MSUM - CMU Ballroom - 615 14th St S, Moorhead
$10
Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7pm
Witness dazzling performances for all ages celebrating love, acceptance, and self-expression! Bring the whole family for an inclusive evening of glitz and glamour.
FRIDAY
8 PM
AUGUST 07 Stardust and Sin Drag Show (18+)
08 FRIDAY
SATURDAY AUGUST AUGUST
The Radisson Blu - 201 5th Street N, Fargo
$25 GA, $40 VIP
Doors at 7pm, Show at 8pm
VIP tickets come with two bottles of champagne. Some proceeds going to the Aliveness Project. Dance to follow.
8 AM
5K Fun Run
Viking Ship Park - Moorhead
Adult $43, Youth (12 & under) $22
Lace up your shoes and show your pride at the FM Pride 5K Fun Run! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking for a fun walk with friends and family, this event is for everyone. Join us for a morning of community, movement, and celebration!
SATURDAY AUGUST
08
11 AM - 4 PM
Pride in the Park
Civic Plaza - 207 4th St N, Downtown Fargo Free admission
Explore a rainbow of LGBTQIA+ friendly vendors, businesses, and organizations, as well as interactive activities in our Kidway, food truck deliciousness, and live entertainment outdoors!
SATURDAY
10 AM - 2 PM
Pride at the Red River Market
Broadway Square and 2nd Ave, Downtown Fargo
Red River Market’s mission is to create a place where all people can experience the joys of local food. Local vendors, cooking demo, Gay Men’s Choir, TBD Trio, & more.
SATURDAY
AUGUST 08
SATURDAY AUGUST 08
AUGUST 08
10 AM - 2 PM
“Neighborhood Pride Mural” Contribution by the Downtown Neighborhood Association
The Red River MarketBroadway Square and 2nd Ave, Downtown Fargo
The Downtown Neighborhood Association invites you to contribute to a “Neighborhood Pride Mural” combining the spirit of both Pride and neighborliness.
6-8 PM
PFund Happy Hour
North Bar and Terrace, 2nd Floor, Brewhalla
Celebrate FM Pride with PFund! The PFund Foundation strengthens LGBTQ+ communities across the Upper Midwest through strategic grantmaking, scholarships, leadership development, and inspiring giving.
SATURDAY
AUGUST 08
SATURDAY
AUGUST 08
8 PM - 12 AM
Drekker Brewing Company’s Pride Dance Party (21+)
Drekker Brewing Company’s Taproom, 1666 1st Ave N, Fargo
We’re busting out the neon, firing up the glowsticks and cranking the tunes to 11 to get your Pride weekend off to the perfect start. There’ll even be some specialty Sloosh to be slung to get you in the mood.
9 PM - 1 AM
Pride: After Dark (21+)
The Aquarium and Renegade Functions
The Aquarium - 226 Broadway N Upstairs, Fargo $7 presale tickets, or $10 at the door
Doors 8 pm, Show at 9 pm
An electric night of heart pounding bass and rythym to return to the queer roots that raving and EDM comes from.Welcoming in Eve from Minneapolis, along with Fargo Natives Bwompster, SPiNLEY, and Ali Noctis, this is one Pride celebration you do not want to miss!
SUNDAY
AUGUST 09
10 AM - 12 PM
Community and Crafts by St. Marks Lutheran Church and The Indigenous Association
The Indigenous Association - 702 1st Ave N, Fargo
Come and enjoy community, crafts and snacks from Tee’s Kitchen! Snacks and (free) project kits provided until they run out. Join usin celebrating 25 years of FM PRIDE!
SUNDAY
SUNDAY AUGUST 09 AUGUST 09
Drag Brunch (21+) by FM Drag United
Break an Egg: Over Easy with a Side of HOT DRAG
The Northern Cabaret - 325 10th St N, Fargo
$30 presale (Eventbrite), $40 at doors
Let’s ”party” before the big parade, and enjoy a yogurt and berry bar, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, and a full taco/nacho/breakfast burrito station.
SUNDAY AUGUST 25th Anniversary Pride Parade 2 PM
09
10 AM - 1 PM 3-6 PM
Downtown Fargo Free
Cheer loud and join us for an unforgettable Pride Parade! Get ready for a dazzling display of colors, music, and community as we march proudly through the streets of Fargo-Moorhead. Come be a part of the joyous festivities and show your support!
Rainbow Seniors 1980s and 1990s Reunion
Fargo Fryn’ Pan - 310 Main Ave, Meeting Room, Fargo
Red River Rainbow Seniors proudly host a 1980s and 1990s Reunion for people who were part of the community and their friends. Happy 25 years of FM Pride!
Happy 25th Anniversary to FM Pride!
The Red River Rainbow Seniors are excited and grateful that FM Pride exists!
The Oral History Project continues to be an important component of our group. Representatives attend Pride celebrations all over MN and ND, educate many, and represent us well. You can reach them at redriverrainboworalhistory@gmail.com or on Facebook.
facebook.com/BreakingBarriersLGBTQ
We have had a busy year: we continue to support youth in the community by offering grants of up to $250 for organizations or schools that have GSA’s. Being recognized as role models, it is a very rewarding experience.
Our men and women’s book clubs are finding opportunities to learn and share ideas.
We continue to explore ways to educate our members about long-term care facilities and providers.
We started two new activities to add to our social opportunities. “Community and Crafts” is a time to share and learn creative ideas. “Coffee with RRRS” is a relaxing social time. Both are open to all ages and genders.
We continue to financially support FM Pride, Pride Collective and Community Center, and ND LGBTQ+ Summit. All are worthy endeavors in our community.
We encourage you to stop by and visit our booth on Saturday at Pride in the Park and catch us in the Pride Parade on Sunday.
Cheers!
FIND YOUR DRAGON PRIDE
At Moorhead, every Dragon has the freedom to be their authentic self. We are fiercely proud of our LGBTQ+ students and want to create a community where you are supported and celebrated.
Access our resources to be an advocate and ally:
▸ Rainbow Dragon Learning Community
▸ The LGBTQ+ Rainbow Scholarship
▸ Safe Zone Training Program
▸ Dragon Pride Alliance
▸ Rainbow Dragon Center
▸ Preferred name procedure
What are some LGBTQ+-friendly businesses in the Fargo–Moorhead–West Fargo area?
Happy pride
Your 2026 FM Pride
planningcommittee
They/Them
2026 Planning Committee Chair
Disability Advocate, Board Member at Large She/They
She/Her Theatre & Arts Coordinator
She/Her
She/Her Pride in the Park Committee Parade Coordinator
Sponsorship Coordinator
To Our 2026 Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our supporters, including those who choose to give anonymously. Your generosity, in every form, helps make FM Pride possible and ensures our community continues to thrive.
Thank you!
If any donors are missing from this guide, we apologize for the omission. We see you, we love you, and we deeply appreciate your support.
Thank you to all of our gold, silver, and bronze level sponsors. See additional ads throughout our program.
silver gold bronze
Whether you’re showing up, helping out, or giving back, there’s a place for you in the FM Pride family. Here’s how you can make a difference:
ATTEND AN EVENT
Celebrate with us all week long!
Keep an eye out for brunches, shows, and more all year round!
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
We need you! FM Pride is 100% volunteer-powered. Join our team and help make Pride happen. Whether you’re setting up events, greeting guests, handing out programs, or working behind the scenes, every role is essential.
SUPPORT WITH A DONATION
Your generosity fuels the future of FM Pride. Donations help us fund inclusive programming, provide community resources, and keep our events accessible and vibrant. Every dollar helps us celebrate, support, and advocate for our LGBTQ+ community.
WANT TO DO MORE?
Reach out to us at info@fmpride.com to explore sponsorships, host events, or join a committee.
Shape the future of FM Pride Join Our Planning team
FM Pride is seeking passionate community members to serve on our board and planning committee. Whether you bring expertise in event planning, communications, or fundraising, your unique voice and lived experience matter here.
Together, we will build a welcoming, affirming Pride Festival that truly reflects the love, joy, and heart of the Fargo-Moorhead region.
Ready to make an impact?
Fill out the interest form here:
