WHEELING, W.Va. – The heart of downtown Wheeling will come alive with color, creativity, and community spirit on Friday, June 14, as Pride on the Plaza returns to Heritage Port for its third year. Hosted by The Friendlier City Project, this family-friendly celebration of Wheeling’s LGBTQ+ community runs from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and marks the unofficial kickoff to the city’s summer festival season.
With Water Street closed down for the occasion, the event will transform Heritage Port into a vibrant showcase of art, music, food, and community engagement.
Bigger, Bolder, and Full of Heart
“This year’s Pride on the Plaza will be bigger and better than ever,” said Mikaya Green, chair of the Friendlier City Project. “We have more vendors, more artists, more performers, and a larger-sized venue—It’s going to be a day to remember.”
The 2024 lineup includes a stellar roster of local artists such as Cats Paw Art Studio, East Wheeling Clayworks, Logan Schmitt Illustrations, Shapeless Flame, and Spore Print Press. Attendees can expect an exciting array of food trucks and vendors like The Gringo, Tacet Coffee Cart, and Midge’s Hot Dogs to keep them fueled throughout the day.
Community Connections and Creative Expression
Pride on the Plaza is about more than just celebration—it’s about connection. A wide range of community and service organizations will be on-site, including the ACLU of West Virginia, Legal Aid of West Virginia, Ohio County Public Library, and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.
The event also emphasizes mutual aid and inclusivity, offering access to free supplies, a gender-affirming hairstylist, and a clothing swap designed to support and uplift attendees of all gender identities and expressions.
A Full Day of Music, Comedy, and Celebration
The main stage will host an eclectic mix of musical and performance talent throughout the day. Featured acts include:
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Comedians Isaac Crow and Amy Essington
Adding to the celebration, the event will also feature weddings and vow renewals—a heartfelt nod to love in all its forms.
When the sun sets, the fun continues with “Pride After Dark”, a high-energy drag show featuring four local entertainers ready to light up the night.
Honoring Lives Lost: The AIDS Memorial Quilt
In a moving tribute, two panels of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display. This national memorial honors those lost to AIDS-related illnesses. With the full quilt spanning more than 1.3 million square feet and weighing an estimated 54 tons, the inclusion of these panels—shared courtesy of Jay Adams and the Upper Ohio Valley AIDS Task Force—adds a powerful layer of remembrance to the festivities. These two panels will be on display in the lobby of Wesbanco Arena.
Living Up to “The Friendly City”
“The variety of artists, organizations, food vendors, musicians and other talent featured during Pride on the Plaza is a testament to this community’s support for their LGBTQ+ friends, family and neighbors,” Green said. “It’s critical, especially now, that our community shows up in support of the people, including the LGBTQ+ community, who call this place home. It’s one way we help Wheeling live up to being ‘the Friendly City’.”
About the Friendlier City Project
Founded in 2022, The Friendlier City Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Wheeling’s LGBTQ+ community through inclusive partnerships, educational outreach, and year-round programming. The group launched Pride on the Plaza in its inaugural year and has since grown the event into one of the most anticipated celebrations in the city.
Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and come celebrate Pride, inclusion, and community on the riverfront. Wheeling’s Pride on the Plaza promises to be a day—and night—you won’t want to miss!
