Hundreds of people filled Riverfront Park on Saturday, Sept. 19, for Salem Capital Pride's 49th annual Pride in the Park celebration.

More than 200 vendor booths lined the park along Front Street SE, offering handmade goods from queer vendors, free community resources and services. Drag shows, live concerts, a best-dressed pet contest and food carts kept the crowd moving from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to a Salem Reporter photo gallery published Sept. 21.

Eleven-year-old drag performer Whatsah Gendah took the stage, as did Big Bawdy Benz, who waded into the crowd mid-performance, the Statesman Journal reported. Lylac and RiRi Caliente emceed and performed throughout the day.

Johnny Foxx, crowned Mr. Oregon Gay Pride Reign 48, attended alongside Stephanie Foxx, Miss Oregon Gay Pride Reign 48.

The event drew participation well beyond the main stage. Author Adam Andrews Johnson spoke about their books at a booth. Vendor Carly Gascon helped customers try on wares. Sage Abel, a volunteer coordinator with Salem Pride and Resource Center, walked attendees through the meanings of LGBTQIA2S+ flags.

Four members of the 2026 Salem-Keizer Public Schools P.R.I.D.E. Council staffed a booth at the festival. Eloise Gonzales, Nadia Chapman, Xylo Arebalo and Lauren Ferrell represented the student organization, which operates under Salem-Keizer School District. Staff from the district's Office of Student Equity Access and Advancement also handed out stickers nearby.

A traveling photo exhibit, Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and their Families, was on display at the park. Salem Capital Pride brought the exhibit to Salem for the event.

The celebration was free to attend. Salem Capital Pride, a queer-led nonprofit, relies on donations to keep Pride in the Park and its other programs open to the public. Capitol Subaru sponsored the event.

Salem Capital Pride's next gathering is Pride Potlucks in the Park on Sunday, Sept. 27, from noon to 2 p.m. at Minto-Brown Island Park, 2200 Minto Island Rd SW, at the shelter near parking lot No. 3.