ROCK ISLAND, Illinois (KWQC) – Several people gathered at Schwiebert Riverfront Park this weekend for the 2026 Quad Cities Pride Festival, a two-day celebration of community, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ pride.
The festival took place Saturday and Sunday, featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and more than 100 local businesses and organizations. Organizers said the event continues to showcase the diversity of the Quad Cities while bringing people together from across the region.
“It really shows our whole region who we are and that we’re a great place for businesses to come into and build, and families to come and build their families here and settle down here in the Quad Cities,” said Daniel Gleason, president of Quad City Pride Alliance.
José Manuel Pavez, a festival attendee, said he was glad the Quad Cities hosts the event each year.
“I’m really happy that it continues happening here so people still have a chance to go out and be together,” Pavez said.
The event featured live music, drag performances, food vendors, and community organizations. For many, the festival provided a place to celebrate their identity, share their talents, and connect with others.
Lauren Mentado, a festival performer, said she sang a song in Spanish by Juan Gabriel, a famous Mexican artist.
“It was really great that I had the opportunity to share my talent with the community,” Mentado said. “After performing, having people stop and tell you that you did a great job is always heartwarming to someone who is trying to share a little bit about themselves. It goes back to the inclusion and welcoming of all different types of people. I think that’s what makes a day like this so special.”
Attendees said Pride is more than a celebration. They said it goes back to the original meaning of the movement — it’s not just a party, but a statement.
“It’s important that, especially in light of some of the things going on government-wise, that we support Pride here,” said Jim Lynch, a festival attendee.
Wayne Knockel, also an attendee, said the community is not going away.
“They can do as many laws as they want, but I’m sorry — no, you’re not erasing me,” Knockel said.
The Quad Cities Pride Festival is held annually during the first weekend of June.
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