Utah Pride ‘Radical Love’ headliners announced
David Archuleta, CupcakKe, and More to Headline Utah Pride 2025 in Celebration of “Radical Love”
Utah Pride organizers announced the entertainment lineup for this year’s Utah Pride Festival, set to take place June 7–8 in downtown Salt Lake City. The 2025 festival, themed RADICAL LOVE, will feature headlining performances from nationally acclaimed artists including David Archuleta, CupcakKe, Mindy Gledhill, and Marrlo Suzzanne & The Galaxxy Band.
These diverse headliners underscore the bold spirit of this year’s theme, which organizers say celebrates belonging, queer resilience, and love as a radical act of solidarity and joy. Two stages of entertainers and a third for karaoke will showcase queer talent.
“Music and performance have always been a powerful part of our Pride celebrations,” said Pride Director Chad Call, also the executive director of the Utah Pride Center. “This year’s lineup reflects the strength, creativity, and authenticity of our community. Whether it’s a chart-topping pop artist or a local drag band shaking the stage, every performer is here because they represent Radical Love in action.”
The festival kicks off on Saturday, June 7, with a 10 a.m. rally at the Utah State Capitol, followed by a march down State Street leading into Washington Square, where festival gates open at 11 a.m. From there, the entertainment takes over with a mix of live music, dance, drag, and spoken word across multiple stages. Visitors will also enjoy a full spread of local vendors, food trucks, interactive activities, and community art.
Among the most anticipated acts is David Archuleta, a Utah native and former “American Idol” finalist who has become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion since coming out publicly in 2021. His return to perform at Utah Pride symbolizes a full-circle moment for Archuleta and many local fans who have followed his journey.
Hip-hop artist CupcakKe, known for her unfiltered lyrics, powerful presence, and LGBTQ+ allyship, will bring high-energy beats and bold authenticity to the stage, while indie-pop singer Mindy Gledhill, long admired in Utah’s music scene, brings her thoughtful songwriting and fierce allyship to the celebration.
Anchoring the queer music presence is Marrlo Suzzanne & The Galaxxy Band, a genre-bending drag-fronted group beloved for their electric performances and stunning outfits.
The festival continues through Sunday, June 8, with the annual Utah Pride Parade beginning at 10 a.m. The parade route heads easy along First South from West Temple to Fourth East and then south to Third South. For the first time, parade participants will be allowed to distribute swag and hand-outs along the route — an update that makes this year’s event even more interactive and welcoming.
Festival gates reopen at noon on Sunday with another full day of performances, activities, and community connection.
“Radical Love isn’t just a celebration — it’s a promise,” said Chad Call, Executive Director of the Utah Pride Center. “It’s the way we show up for one another when it matters most. Our theme this year reminds me of the values and spirit that have held our community together through the good times and bad.”
In addition to headline entertainment, the festival features over 300 community booths, inclusive kids’ and teen zones, and new policy changes aimed at increasing accessibility and affordability for vendors and community partners.
The Utah Pride Festival is the largest LGBTQ+ event in the state and the flagship fundraising program of the Utah Pride Center. With the support of over 60 volunteer committee members and nearly a thousand on-site volunteers, the 2025 event is shaping up to be the most ambitious and inclusive yet.
Visit utahpride.org for full festival details, event schedules, and ticket information. Pride-related events begin as early as June 5 and continue through the evening of June 8.
QSaltLake Magazine’s official Guide to Pride goes to press soon. Those wishing to show their support for Utah’s LGBTQ+ community should email sales@qsaltlake.com or call 801-997-9763.
