AUSTIN, Texas - The 33rd annual Austin Pride Parade is happening this weekend, expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to downtown Austin to celebrate the city's LGBTQ community.
The parade is open and free to the public, and will feature appearances from organizations across Austin's LGBTQ community.
The parade will begin at 8 p.m. in front of the State Capitol and will make its way down Congress Avenue, ending at the Ann Richards Bridge at Cesar Chavez.
Last year's parade drew 400,000 spectators, and parade organizers expect the crowd to be even larger this year.
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Austin Pride Parade & Festival this Saturday
Austin Pride Week continues with parties, performances, and a parade on Saturday. Joining us to talk more about it is Ricardo Martinez, executive director of Equality Texas.
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Road closures
Road closures and lane reductions associated with the parade will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 12.
All closed streets will reopen no later than midnight, except for Fourth Street from Lavaca Street to Congress Avenue.
There are alternative traffic routes around downtown drivers can take:
- Northbound/southbound traffic: Red River Street and I-35
- Northbound traffic only: Trinity Street and Lavaca Street
- Southbound only: Guadalupe Street
- Eastbound/westbound: 15th Street, Riverside Drive, Barton Springs Road
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APD, AFD, EMS prepare for Pride Parade
Austin's police and fire departments, as well as EMS, are teaming up with local bars to prepare for the Austin Pride Parade.
Staying cool during the parade
Austin-Travis County EMS will have ambulances, motorcycle medics and special response units along the parade route to assist with medical emergencies.
ATCEMS advises spectators to take precaution when downtown, as it is going to be a hot evening. Take precautions before leaving for the parade:
- Pre-hydrate before going outside, and continue to hydrate throughout the day.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Learn the signs of heat-related illness and what you can do to help.
- Always know where you are. Download the what3words location app on your phone, so first responders can find ou quickly in an emergency.