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Celebrate Pride in Cincinnati: What to Wear, Eat, and Do

By June 16, 2025No Comments7 min read
A pride parade is happening in Cincinnati near the Taste of Belgium restaurant.

Cincinnati Pride weekend brings a sense of magic to the air. Maybe it’s the streets showered with rainbow flags, the music flowing down the streets of Over-the-Rhine, or the way people become friends over mimosas and waffles. Regardless, it’s bold, fun, and full of heart!

We’re happy to be your guides unofficially (and hype crew). From what to wear, where to dance, where to march, and where to go for brunch–we have some insider tips that’ll hopefully not leave you waffling (haha, get it?) on where to go. It may just be your first pride parade or the hundredth time, we’re here to help you celebrate love in all its beautiful forms. Yes, waffles are included, a lot of them too.

When is Pride Weekend in Cincinnati, and What is Happening?

Cincinnati Pride Weekend begins on Friday, June 27th, 2025, and extends up to June 29th, 2025. The main parade is expected to start at 11 a.m. on the 28th of June, 2025, followed by the all day Pride Festival at Sawyer’s Point from 12 – 8 p.m. Expect to see amazing drag shows, lively music, and some delicious local food, and a few too many rainbows, although is there such a thing as too many rainbows?

There are also plenty of events happening throughout the weekend, including some entertaining drag brunches, raving block parties, and the Pride in OTR street festival. If you’re into crafty stuff, Findlay Market has a Dance & DIY Night to kick off the weekend on June 6.

Pro tips: 

  • Get downtown before 10:15 a.m. for a decent parking spot.
  • Stop for breakfast at Taste of Belgium OTR (what better way to start the day?), which is conveniently just blocks from the parade.
  • Check the official event calendar for notes and a full line-up for everything happening.

What to Wear to Cincinnati Pride: Dress Loud, Light & Love-Filled

Whether you’re marching in the parade or getting brunch with waffles and drag queens, choose bold, breathable, and unapologetically you. Think rainbow tanks, glitter kicks, and shades that scream “main character” energy. For bar crawls or rooftop hangs, it’s all about the flowy, breathable fabrics and comfy shoes—because pride doesn’t end at sunset. Do make sure whatever you’re wearing is comfortable enough, cause it’s going to be a long day.

Late June in Cincinnati means bright, sunny days, with the chance of an unexpected rain shower, so dress reasonably for the parade. A light jacket, sunscreen, and a spare tee are your friends.  Steak frites paired with a Belgian draft beer served at the bar at Taste of Belgium, featuring house taps in the background.

Waffles to Celebrate With: Pride-Worthy Picks from Taste of Belgium

Pride Weekend is a time for waffles that are just as jubilant as the occasion itself. While Taste of Belgium’s Liège-style waffles are already an experience unto themselves, here are some selections that elevate the experience further.

Let’s start with a huge one. The Over-the-Top Waffle comes with a pile of lemon curd, sweet and fresh berries, maple-Ricotta whipped cream (hard to resist), and a sprinkle of black pepper nuts. The pairing may seem audacious to some, but the flavors of this dish are staggering. It’s practically made for brunch photos.

Looking for something simpler but want to feel equally festive, hop on the Strawberries and Cream Waffle, delivering subtle creamy goodness in every bite. Or you’re an adult and lean into dessert-for-breakfast with the S’more Waffle, with layers of melty chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and the salty graham cracker crunch! 

Explore our menu and find the best flavors for yourself.

Sip Something Bold: Pride-Perfect Drinks You’ll Love at ToB

Whether you’re toasting to love, unity, or simply surviving a parade without losing a single sequin, Taste of Belgium has drinks that you will want to clink glasses over. 

Mocktail lovers, we see you! The Wildest Dreams is a light, mocktail that combines the classic lemonade and the floral essence of lavender, exactly what you need on a sunny June afternoon. If you’re more into tropical flavors, you are bound to love Beach Vibes, a mango-pineapple concoction that is basically vacation in a glass. 

If you are leaning more toward cocktails, the Fiery Fresca brings the heat back in drinks with jalapeño tequila and the acidity of white grapefruit. Or the Summer Vibes, a bright mixture of berry rum, pineapple, and mango that is essentially liquid sunshine. 

Interested in Belgian beer? Check out the Belgian 101 flight! It’s a great introduction for new palettes while trying a mix of styles.

Where to Watch the Pride Parade in Cincinnati and Where to Eat After

The parade begins at 7th & Plum and then heads toward Sawyer Point along Vine Street but the city lights up long before that. Grab your clip clop at a downtown location near Court Street Plaza, at Washington Park, or anywhere on the Vine Street route, each location offers its exuberating energy 

If brunching is your spirit animal, Taste of Belgium OTR at 1135 Vine St is your parade-day match. Only a couple of blocks from the route and Washington Park, it is the place to be before or after the march. We also have locations at The Banks and Findlay Market, perfect for pre-march fuel or after-march refuel. 

Bartender pouring a draft beer from a colorful tap wall at Taste of Belgium, surrounded by waffle snack displays.

FAQ: What People Ask About Cincinnati Pride 

Here are some of the most common questions that people have regarding the Pride Weekend in Cincinnati. 

What’s the Date for Cincinnati Pride 2025? 

Cincinnati Pride is scheduled to happen on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with events leading up to the Pride all week long. Save the date and come enjoy rainbows, rhythm, and waffles with us!

Are Taste of Belgium Restaurants Open during Pride? 

Yes. All of our open locations will be serving Pride weekend realness brunch-style! Just a reminder, it will be one of our busiest weekends, so get here early or plan on waiting while sipping a mimosa.

Can I Bring Pets to the Pride Parade? 

Yes, but please keep your furry friends cool, hydrated, and comfortable in the crowd. Washington Park is a shaded area and a good place to watch the parade if you are walking your dog.

What Waffles are Best for First-Timers?

We always say, start with the Over-the-Top Waffle or the Strawberries & Cream. They are brunch legends for a reason! Liège-style caramelized pearl sugar, and 100% photo worthy!

So whether you’re here for the love, the parade, or the Liège waffles, we’re here to make your Pride weekend unforgettable. Come celebrate the sweet side of being yourself, with syrup on top.

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