2018 Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival brings color and inclusion to the streets

WAIKIKI (HawaiiNewsNow) - More than 30,000 people were expected to hit the streets to celebrate gay and gender identity pride in the 2018 Honolulu Pride Festival and Parade Saturday.

And they surely showed up.

Filled with colorful floats, rainbow flags and balloons, the annual Pride Parade kicked off at 11 a.m., headed down Kalakaua Avenue through Waikiki to the finish line at the Waikiki Shell.

The parade featured more than 100 moving parts from floats to cars to trolleys, and marching bands. Kelly Sanders, recognized for his work in hospitality and dedication to serving the LGBTQ community, served as the grand marshal of the parade.

And what pride parade would be complete without drag queens? There was no shortage of glamour in this year’s parade.

The Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation is a key organization in putting on the festival every year.

At the Waikiki Shell following the parade, a festival kicked off at 11:30 a.m. It featured an entertaining line-up that was emceed by popular designer, Andrew Christian and West Hollywood model and bartender, Cory Z.

Festival go-ers were treated to entertainment from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu, performer Sasha Colby, DJ TittaByte and more. Booths and food vendors are also open for those in attendance.

The annual event celebrates inclusion and equality for the LGBTQ community.

Watch the full parade below:

Copyright 2018 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.