Pride in the CLE 2026

A Community-Focused Celebration

Pride in the CLE is first and foremost a local community celebration, and we prioritize Northeast Ohio applicants as part of that commitment. With the high volume of applications, we’re not able to offer placements to out-of-state applicants at this time.

Family-Friendly Event

• Please note that this event is free and open to the public, and designated as a Family-Friendly Event.
• For Pride in the CLE, “family-friendly” means programming that can be enjoyed by folx of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. Performances should be welcoming, respectful, and appropriate for a broad public audience, including youth and multigenerational attendees.
• This does not mean limiting queer expression, artistry, or cultural authenticity. We celebrate entertainment that reflects the full diversity of our community across race, culture, gender, ability, and performance style, while avoiding explicit sexual content, graphic imagery, or themes intended exclusively for adult audiences.
• Family-friendly acts can be joyful, bold, funny, musical, theatrical, or thought-provoking. This includes drag, dance, music, spoken word, cultural performance, and more, as long as they contribute to a space where everyone can feel comfortable, included, and affirmed.
• Please note that, per city laws while operating under an F-2 permit, performers are not permitted to be nude or mostly undressed.

Selection

To help ensure a fair, thoughtful, and community-centered selection process, all entertainer applications are reviewed using a standardized rubric. Entertainment decisions are made by a dedicated committee composed of community members and staff at the LGBT Center Cleveland who bring diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and a deep commitment to creating an inclusive and affirming Pride celebration.

Stage Preferences

Please note that the selection committee will take stage preference into consideration, but has a limited number of time slots available on each stage. Offers to perform should be reviewed carefully before accepting an invitation to perform.

MAIN STAGE

Our largest stage with ADA access, backline, and a full technical team. Best suited for polished, show-forward performances and larger groups or ensembles. Ideal for acts with multiple inputs, larger footprints, or more complex staging needs.

SPEAK OUT STAGE

A smaller, more intimate stage with on-site technician support and a community-forward focus. Best suited for solo acts through trios, DJs, spoken word, dance, and interactive or engagement-driven performances.

TIMELINE

Entertainment applications are due by March 19th, 2026. We anticipate alerting all applicants of selection decisions by early to mid April. We thank you for our patience as the selection committee processes high volumes of applications.