‘The Biggest Little Festival in Utah’ – Davis County Pride returns with Disco Fever this Saturday
On Saturday, May 3rd, something groovy is happening in the heart of Davis County. From noon to 6 pm at Layton Commons Park, the trees will sway to music, kids will cut loose in the grass, and more than 4,000 people will gather under the theme “Shimmer, Shine, and Show Your Pride!” If you’ve never been, this is the year to go.
Admission is completely free, and in just one afternoon, festivalgoers will experience more than 100 vendors and community booths, a dozen food trucks, live entertainment, story sharing, poetry, and — more than anything else — an atmosphere of belonging.
“We’re the biggest little festival in Utah,” says Jake Boyle, Davis County Pride treasurer and board member. “We’re surrounded by amazing, multi-day pride festivals in Salt Lake City and Ogden, but we do something unique. We jam-pack all the energy and love of Pride into one powerful six-hour celebration.”
Born from activism, Davis County Pride began just four years ago as a response to a school district ban on Pride flags in classrooms. “We threw a rally in the park to show support for LGBTQ+ students and teachers,” Boyle recalls. “That one event grew into what we have now — a full-scale Pride festival that brings together people from all over northern Utah.”
“We like to think we kick off PRIDE Season in Utah,” says Boyle.
Davis County Pride appreciates the support of many who make the festival possible.
“Project Rainbow Utah provides us with a matching grant of $3,000 each year.” Boyle said. “We couldn’t do much of what we do without the support of Jacey and Project Rainbow.”
Additional support comes from On Pitch Performing Arts, who is providing sound equipment and managing the Rainbow Stage this year. Other supporters of the festival include QSaltLake Magazine, Imperial Rainbow Court of Northern Utah, Gearn Storytelling, and Ascent Signs.
This year introduces exciting new elements, including a second stage hosted by Gearn Storytelling, where guests can hear personal stories and enjoy live poetry. And for the first time, the festival welcomes The Lavender Menaces, Utah’s first queer marching band guaranteed to turn heads and crank up the celebration.
But even with all that shimmer and shine, the festival’s heart is unmistakably human.
“One year, a teenager ran over from the nearby pool and shared, ‘I’m not out yet and I can’t stay — but thank you for being here,’” Boyle shares. “That alone was enough. But there are so many stories — people have told us the festival saved their lives. Some found love here. We even had a wedding proposal at the park during the festival.”
Perhaps no moment captures the spirit of the festival quite like the “Hell Together” Mom & More Hugs. Inspired by singer David Archuleta’s emotional tribute to his mom, who embraced him when he came out, the festival invites moms, dads, siblings, and supporters to gather and share a hug.
“Strangers hug like family,” Boyle says. “It’s incredibly moving. Last year, I cried. A lot of people did.”
This year’s disco-inspired theme — “Shimmer, Shine, and Show Your Pride!” — was born from a desire to shift the focus from survival to celebration.
“Someone originally suggested a disco theme around ‘Staying Alive,’ which is very real in today’s political climate,” Jake says. “But we wanted to focus on light. A disco ball is made of mirrors. We may not always be in the spotlight, but we reflect each other’s light. That’s what our community does.”
This year, the festival is taking that idea of reflection and connection a step further. Color-coded bracelets will be handed out by city so attendees can spot neighbors from across Davis County. “We want people to build community — not just celebrate Pride, but actually meet the people who live near them and care like they do.”
Jake emphasizes that Davis County Pride is about more than a single day. It’s about challenging assumptions, creating safety, and promoting joy through visibility.
“PRIDE isn’t something scary,” he says. “It’s about visibility, love, and acceptance.”
So whether you’re a longtime ally, newly out, or just curious what a disco-themed afternoon in Layton feels like — this is your invitation, Boyle says.
Put on your shimmer. Let yourself shine. And show your pride.
2025 Schedule – Davis County Pride
Saturday, 03 May 2025
Noon to 6 pm, Layton Commons Park: 437 N Wasatch Dr, Layton, UT
RAINBOW STAGE
12 pm Festival Opens Disco Music
12:45 pm Opening/Davis County Pride Board Welcome
Genevra Prothero, Daniela A. Wolfe, Jake Boyle, Colleen Mewing, Tami Sorensen
Brandon Stauffer On Pitch Performing Arts Exec Director, Emcee
Dakota Wurth, Clearfield City Council, Speaker
1:15 pm OPPA! Theater Performances
1:30 pm Imperial Rainbow Court of Northern Utah Drag Performers
2 pm Aitch Alexander Military Veteran speaker
2:15 pm Imperial Rainbow Court of Northern Utah Drag Performers
3 pm OPPA! Theater Performances
3:15 pm Cheer Salt Lake Cheer Squad
3:30 pm Open Invitation to Receive Mom Hugs David Archuleta Song, “Hell Together”
3:45 pm Lavender Menaces Brass Band
4:15 pm Pride March March around Constitution Circle to song ‘Love Train’ performed by Lavender Menaces
4:45 pm OPPA! Theater Performances
5:30 pm DJ Disco Music
5:45 pm Festival Closing Davis County Pride Board
GEARN STAGE
1 pm GEARN Storytelling
3 pm GEARN Storytelling
More information at DavisCountyPride.org
