In a sea of rainbow, Ypsilanti community members gathered in Depot Town for Ypsi Pride on August 30, 2026.
With dozens of vendors, community members could purchase items, get information, and meet other residents.
Many small businesses offered pride items, Ypsilanti merchandise and homemade goods while informational booths such as Planned Parenthood, the Washtenaw County Health Department, Eastern Michigan University's LGBT Resource Center and Voters Not Politicians offered information and resources on sexual health, safe relationships, voting rights, and more.
A few vendors offered either free mom hugs or free dad hugs for attendees whose families may not accept them, are struggling with their identity or simply could use some human connection.
As attendees browsed the vendor shops, they could visit 734 Brewing Company, Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill and Maiz for a drink, as they are all a part of Ypsilanti DDA’s Depot Town Social District. These participating businesses can serve alcohol in a designated cup which can then be carried throughout specific outdoor areas in Depot Town.
Local businesses and restaurants were also open, many flying pride flags in support.
Throughout the action-packed day, Ypsi Pride offered performances in multiple locations. Attendees could see drag performances, the Ypsilanti Youth Choir, Out Loud Chorus, live DJs and dancers, drag story time and more. Stages were located on the street, in the Ypsilanti Freighthouse, and at Riverside Park.
At the end of the drag performance hour, host Zooey Gaychanel announced that next year’s Ypsi Pride will take place on June 27. She also said that for the next three years, Ypsi Pride will be the last Saturday in June.
