‘Many Roots, One Rainbow’: Idaho Falls Pride returns this weekend
Par Kermani
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Pride organizers say this year’s celebration is about more than music, vendors and a parade. It’s about creating a place where people feel like they belong.
The 2026 Idaho Falls Pride celebration, themed “Many Roots, One Rainbow,” will take place Friday and Saturday with events designed to bring together members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies and families.
Mer Riah Goodsell-Hall, president of Idaho Falls Pride, said the theme was chosen to recognize people from all backgrounds while emphasizing inclusion.
“I just want everyone to feel included. And especially with the current political climate, you know, I just want to reach out to our folks of different ethnicities and different backgrounds and be like, we hear you. We love you. We accept you,”
According to Goodsell-Hall, Pride gives everyone a sense of belonging, family and community.
The weekend begins Friday with an 18-and-older drag show at the Elks Lodge. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m.
Saturday’s celebration begins with a parade. Lineup starts at 9 a.m., followed by the parade at 10 a.m. The Pride Festival opens at 11 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m. at the Greenbelt. Organizers say the festival will feature nonprofit organizations, community vendors, live entertainment, drag performers and educational presentations from groups including the ACLU and Trans Affirm.
Goodsell-Hall said Idaho Falls Pride also provides private security throughout its events to help attendees feel safe.
“We always have private security at all of our events… it just makes people feel at ease when there’s security there,” she said.
Looking beyond the festival itself, Goodsell-Hall hopes young people throughout eastern Idaho hear one message.
“It gets better,” she said. “Know that there is your chosen family, that you are loved and accepted for who you are. We are here for you. We are proud of you.”