About

Join us for the Howard County Pride Festival, a free, inclusive, and welcoming celebration of the LGBTQ+ community! HoCo Pride is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration that brings together thousands of community members, allies, families, and friends. This year, we’re celebrating with the theme “Exist, Persist, Love!” It’s a reminder of the strength, resilience, and joy of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the importance of creating spaces where everyone can show up, be seen, and celebrate who they are. Howard County Pride 2026 features: Phenomenal performers on the Chrysalis stage Over 130 vendors and exhibitors lining the pathways A dozen food trucks and stalls Games, crafts, and activities throughout the park So much more! Festival Rules: The following items are prohibited at the Festival: Large coolers / any hard-sided coolers (small soft-sided lunch bags and similar are acceptable); Wagons / dollies / carts (all strollers and mobility devices are welcomed); Lawn chairs (except for those brought in during load-in before guests are onsite and remaining at your table); Balloons; Inflatable balls; Confetti; Glitter; Uncooked Rice; Sparklers; Open flames; Lit Candles; Fake flowers / flower petals that do not remain within a container or vase; Nails / screws / tacks / staples / tape that are accessible to the public without supervision; Feathers / feather boas with feathers that fall off the boa; Loose beads that are not contained; Outside alcohol; Lawn chairs; Weapons of any kind; Toy weapons; Frisbees or other throwing items; Laser pointers; Pets (service animals always welcome); and And any other item deemed unsuitable for an outdoor venue. About the Inner Arbor Trust The Trust is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in Maryland. The mission of the Inner Arbor Trust is to promote and nurture a park in a unique natural setting for a variety of arts and culture experiences that enrich the entire community. The Trust works to develop Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods into a destination arts and culture park. In addition to operating the Chrysalis amphitheater, the Trust manages a substantial portion of the Park for recreational use.

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