Rainbow Connection

Rainbow Connection

Seattle Pride Parade 2026

resting our feet at the Seattle Center’s International Fountain, author’s photo

This was my second year walking in the Seattle Pride Parade with fellow employees. My ten-year-old granddaughter joined me this time. Kermit the Frog also came along again.

This was my granddaughter’s first time being in a parade. We took the light rail to downtown to meet our group. She enjoyed seeing all the people heading to the parade. The train was filled with rainbows and glitter. When we arrived there were bands playing, people dancing and flags waving.

The air was filled with so much love. The theme this year was “Rally.” Over 300,000 people attend every year. It’s one of the largest in the country.

Seattle is proud of our welcoming community.

Space Needle view from parade, author’s photo

This year Seattle is host to FIFA World Cup games. The game this past Friday was named a Pride Match way before the teams were chosen.

Iran and Egypt were the two chosen to play the game. These countries voiced their opinions, but our city held strong. Seattle is a welcoming and inclusive city.

all the major players showed up, author’s photo

At 11 am we all started walking the three miles towards Seattle Center. The size of the crowd is intimidating, but walking down the street with people on either side is no problem. It’s so fun to see everyone.

I had a really hard day on Saturday. My heart took a big hit. I was contemplating not going to the parade. But the parade theme this year, Rally, came to mind. It’s so important to show up. I needed to go.

I’m glad I went. People were happy to see Kermit. He was excited to be recognized. It warmed my heart to see so many young people. There were so many families, friends, couples, people of all ages, dogs, a cat and even a ferret!

I loved reading all the shirts and signs. The unadulterated joy was palpable. It’s wonderful. The dogs were dressed up too, with rainbow wings, bows and even skirts.

It was such a joyous time. My granddaughter did great, and she loved being there.

At the end of the parade, we walked around Seattle Center to see all the vendors, then grabbed a bite to eat before making our way back. It was hard to leave.

We walked 8,187 steps in total in just a couple of hours. We took the Monorail from Seattle Center back to the light rail and home.

on the Monorail heading back home, author’s photo

We were tired, but felt great. It’s hard to put into words how meaningful it was that she went with me.

Kermit had a great time too.

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