Heartbreak for community as Tucson Pride Festival cancelled

The long‑running Tucson Pride Festival, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the United States, has been cancelled following the decision of its governing board to dissolve the organisation entirely. The event, which had been scheduled for 21 February 2026, will no longer go ahead after what board members described as a “difficult decision” reached after extensive deliberation. 

In a public statement shared on social media, the Tucson Pride Board of Directors said the organisation, founded in 1977, had served as a “space of visibility, advocacy, celebration, and resilience” for nearly five decades. The newly appointed board expressed its gratitude to the volunteers, sponsors, artists, activists and wider community who have supported the group throughout its history.

The festival’s cancellation marks the end of a turbulent period for Tucson Pride. The group had previously postponed its 2025 parade and festival to February 2026 due to logistical conflicts and financial strain, including losses from earlier events. Organisers also reported declining donations and sponsorship, reflecting wider challenges faced by LGBTQ+ non‑profits amid shifting political climates.

Financial and administrative difficulties appear to have contributed significantly to the collapse. Tucson Pride’s non‑profit status was suspended after the organisation missed tax filings for 2021 and 2022, compounding the pressure on already fragile operations. Meanwhile, concerns had mounted in the community after it emerged that no event permit for the February festival had been filed with city authorities.

The decision to close the organisation has been met with disappointment from local LGBTQ+ leaders. Scott Blades, executive director of the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network, described the news as “shocking and disappointing”, though not entirely unexpected given recent setbacks. He urged former board members to “step forward” and offer transparency about the circumstances that led to the shutdown. 

Festival organisers have confirmed that all vendor fees, sponsorships and prepaid contributions for the 2026 event will be refunded within 30 to 90 days. They emphasised the lasting legacy of the festival, stating that “Tucson Pride exists because of you, and its legacy will forever remain part of our city’s history.”

Despite the dissolution of the organisation, community advocates have expressed confidence that new leaders will emerge to continue Pride celebrations in Tucson. Blades noted that “Pride in our community is greater than one organisation”, adding that he believed others would step forward to build a stronger, more accountable successor.