PrideFest kicked off with a 5K run that ended at the Capitol, across the street from the festivities. The park was lined with food trucks, live music and vendors. Some booths were recruiting police cadets or distributing LGBTQ-centered health information — or selling books about lesbians in space.
Later in the afternoon, on the Capitol steps, the ninth annual Denver Dyke March and Rally promised a less male-centric area for people to be heard.
The festival’s promotion of unhindered self-expression was evident in the wild costumes, dance moves and hair colors.