The upward civic mobility of The Woodlands has distinguished the Township from Houston for years, but their momentum has increased even more as of late. Once known by many Houstonians as the location of big concert acts at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, recent community planning efforts have turned the wooded suburban area just north of Houston into something that looks, acts, and feels just like another bustling Texan city. While The Woodlands is technically not a city in name, it is certainly a thriving master-planned community with stunning parks, waterways, shopping, fine dining, and nightlife. And just like any other hip and diverse metropolitan area, The Woodlands is home to many LGBTQIA citizens and allies—enough for an entire festival.

The first pride festival for The Woodlands is a highly anticipated event headed up by nonprofit organization, Woodlands Pride. On Saturday September 8th at Town Green Park, festivities are due to ramp up from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission by ticket. Revelers can expect a whole rainbow of glittery visual spectacles including drag performances, live music and DJs, games, vendors, and even flame throwers. Also available are tickets for a pre-pride kickoff event and pool party held at The Westin at The Woodlands on Friday September 7 from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. All tickets purchased for the kickoff event on Friday automatically enter the ticket holder to win a weekend escape for two to The Westin at The Woodlands and include a free first drink and a chance to win a $50 bar tab. VIP tickets for the Pride Festival itself include admission to the festival along with access to private restrooms, open bars, hors d’oeuvres, and even a meet and greet. 

The progressive social momentum in The Woodlands is indicative of the progressive social momentum seen all over the country right now—a call to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and every unique expression of love and identity from all walks of life. LGBTQIA identity is not a pigeonholed existence on the outskirts of urban cities, but a massive and colorful community of families and individuals living all over the world, in suburbs and tiny towns alike. Behind us are the days of quietly living in fear or shame. We are your friends and your neighbors, your bosses and your employees, your doctors and your lawyers, your teachers and your students, your artists and your performers, your parents and your children. Out of the closets and into the streets, The Woodlands Inaugural Pride Festival puts suburban gay living front and center to proclaim joyfully, “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’d like to say hello!” 

Come and say hello at The Woodlands Pride Fest on Saturday, September 8th, at 2099 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX.