On October 5, 2025, the Riverside Pride Festival made its highly anticipated return to New Braunfels, Texas, drawing a vibrant crowd of LGBTQ+ community members and allies for a day of celebration, unity, and pride. Held at the Comal County Fairgrounds, this annual event has become a cornerstone of visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community in the region. It was a day filled with joy, solidarity, and the shared goal of creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for everyone.
The festival was a dynamic celebration, featuring an exciting lineup of live music, drag performances, and more than 50 vendors offering everything from food to art and merchandise. The festival’s organizers also ensured that there were a variety of family-friendly activities, making the event accessible to people of all ages. This aspect of the festival helped foster an atmosphere of inclusivity, where people from all walks of life could come together and celebrate diversity in a safe and welcoming space.
A particularly significant moment of this year’s festival was its coinciding with National Coming Out Day. This timing allowed individuals to share their personal stories and experiences of coming out, creating a deeply emotional and empowering environment for those who participated. National Coming Out Day has long been a pivotal occasion for raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and fostering open dialogue around identity and acceptance. The festival provided a powerful platform for these conversations, helping to break down barriers and offer support to those on their journey of self-discovery.
The Riverside Pride Festival saw a record turnout in 2025, signaling the growing support and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in New Braunfels and the surrounding areas. The event’s success reflects not only the increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals but also the important role that pride events play in fostering connection and community. With more people attending each year, the Riverside Pride Festival has clearly become a vital space for celebrating love, identity, and equality.
For many attendees, the festival was a reminder of the ongoing journey toward full equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. It was also a celebration of the resilience and strength of those who have fought for progress and the continued visibility of marginalized groups. The day’s events were a testament to the power of coming together as a community to create a future where everyone can live openly and authentically, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
As the festival wrapped up, organizers and participants alike felt hopeful for the future. The Riverside Pride Festival continues to be a beacon of support and celebration, offering a sense of belonging to all who attend. It is clear that this event has grown into a significant annual tradition for the region, and its impact will continue to resonate long after the festivities have ended.