After learning from the inaugural celebration last year, The Woodlands Pride CEO Jason Rocha said there will be minor changes to the formula for this year’s event, which will be held Sept. 28 in Town Green Park.

While Pride celebrations have been going on for years in Houston, Rocha said the idea to host one in The Woodlands came together in the span of about four months last year.

“My partner and I were sitting on a park bench in Town Green Park, and I said I wanted to have a Pride festival,” Rocha said. “That was in April. Four-and-a-half months later, we had our first festival.”

During that time, Rocha said vendors, sponsors and the township were all supportive and cooperative during the organizing process, leading to the festival coming together in a timely fashion.

With the second celebration rapidly approaching, Rocha said The Woodlands Pride has grown its organizing board and become involved with other community committees. However, he said they do not plan to outshine other celebrations in the surrounding areas.

“It’s really just to give the [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer, intersex and asexual] community in the surrounding area a chance to come together and be free in public,” Rocha said.

The Woodlands Pride is still seeking volunteers and vendors to help with this year’s celebration. Information about how to get involved in planning this year’s event can be found at the group’s website, www.thewoodlandstxpride.org.

What’s different this year?

The 2019 event will see the following changes: Tickets are still free, but VIP tickets are available for $100. VIP tickets will include alcohol and food in the VIP area of the event. While general admission tickets are free, attendees will have to register and present a ticket in order to enter.

What is there to do at The Woodlands Pride?

There’s more to do at The Woodlands Pride than watching a parade. The Woodlands Pride CEO Jason Rocha said attendees can: Eat at food trucks Visit event exhibitors See drag kings and queens Listen to local musical acts Register to vote Celebrate LGBTQIA pride