Pride Houston 365 looking for local artists to create logo for 2026 parade and festival

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Calling all creatives!

Pride Houston 365 is looking for local artists, designers, and visionaries to create the group's next logo for its 2026 parade and festival.

The themed logo will appear on official merchandise, promotional material, the organization's website, and festival branding as Pride celebrates 48 years next year.

"This contest is more than a design competition, it's an opportunity for our community to set the tone for one of the most powerful celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride in Texas," said Isaiah Mcswain, Pride Houston 365's director of marketing. "We can't wait to see the creativity and passion that will come forward."

Here's what to know about the challenge if you're interested in participating.

• Submission period is Sept. 1 - Oct. 10, 2025

• Public voting is Oct. 20 - Nov. 1

• The winning designer will receive public recognition through Pride Houston channels and a dedicated article in OutSmart Magazine

Eligibility:

• Participants must be at least 18 years old

• Have a verifiable affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community

• All submissions must meet specific technical requirements

• All submissions must be original artwork

To submit your work and read detailed rules regarding eligibility and judging criteria, technical requirements, submission guidelines, and more, visit this page on the Pride Houston 365 website.

The 2026 festival and parade is set for Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Houston City Hall on 901 Bagby St. in downtown Houston.

Registration opens Oct. 1, 2025 and ends April 30, 2026.

An estimated 200,000 people united for 2025's event, which again included a festive array of floats, performers, and community groups.

Considered one of the largest Pride events in the South, the parade and festival are far from the only way the LGBTQIA+ community and allies celebrate.

Events surrounding the parade usually include a festival, which focuses on providing community resources, plus a fashion show and reception.

This year, nine grand marshals were called to lead the charge as Pride Houston continued its mission of celebrating strength, resilience, diversity and freedoms for all.

Of the grand marshals, three were part of the new "Distinguished" category.

The first Houston Gay Pride Parade happened back in 1979, commemorating the raid on New York's Stonewall Inn 10 years earlier.

With each successive year, Pride events have helped move acceptance and inclusion forward for our LGBTQIA+ community.

Pride Houston is the third largest pride event in the U.S., and among the top 20 internationally. It is also the second largest event in Houston annually, just behind RodeoHouston.

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