Utah Celebrates Pride Week 2025: Rallies, Marches, and Road Closures

Why this matters: Pride Week celebrations provide a vital platform for advocating LGBTQ+ rights, fostering community support, and promoting inclusivity. The changes to the parade route reflect efforts to make the event more accessible and safe for all participants.

Pride Week in Utah is an annual event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for equal rights. This year's events included a rally at the Utah State Capitol, followed by a march to Washington Square Park. Despite anti-trans laws passed in Utah, including a ban on pride and transgender flags at government buildings and schools, community members showed up in force to express their support.

The Pride Parade, a highlight of the week, took place in downtown Salt Lake City. The route was adjusted this year to enhance accessibility and safety. The parade commenced at 100 South and West Temple, proceeded east to 400 East, and concluded at 300 South and 400 East. This shorter route, compared to previous years, aimed to reduce strain on participants and avoid crossing the TRAX line along 400 South.

Salt Lake City Police Department announced temporary road closures to facilitate the Pride Festival and Parade. These closures, affecting streets near the City and County Building, were in effect from June 7 to June 8. Authorities advised drivers to exercise caution and encouraged the use of carpooling, public transportation, or rideshare services.

Local officials emphasized their commitment to investigating hate crimes and providing resources for survivors. They urged anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime to report it to the appropriate authorities.

The route was shortened to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities and to avoid crossing the TRAX line.

Several streets near the City and County Building in Salt Lake City experienced temporary closures from June 7-8, including 200 East between 400 South and 500 South.

You can report a hate crime by calling 9-1-1 if the crime is in progress, filing a police report at 801-799-3000, or requesting assistance from an SLCPD Victim Advocate at 801-799-3000 or 801-580-7969.

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