Hillsboro Pride is thrilled to announce that Hollywood actor and LGBTQ+ icon Daniel Franzese, beloved for his role as Damian in the cult classic Mean Girls, will host the 2026 Hillsboro Pride Festival on Saturday, June 6th, at Liberty Park.
This year’s festival celebrates the power of visibility in rural Ohio. Hillsboro Pride’s mission is to support all individuals, especially those who identify as being LGBTQ+, by providing a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can feel free to be themselves. Franzese’s character embodies the spirit of this mission with his celebrated role in the 2004 movie ‘MEAN GIRLS’. Franzese will lead an afternoon of celebration that proves big-city pride has a vibrant home in Hillsboro.
“In a small town, showing up matters. Bringing Daniel to Hillsboro is a statement that rural LGBTQ+ communities deserve the spotlight,” said Hillsboro Pride President, Emily Winkelman. “We’re taking the nostalgia of the 2000s and turning it into a tool for radical inclusion. We want the whole region to know that at our festival, you can sit with us.”
The festival runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and features a diverse lineup of regional talent, including Tracy Walker, Khalivius, Male Manipulator, and Linwood. In addition to live performances, the event will host local food trucks, small business vendors, and a specialized VIP Meet and Greet opportunity where fans can meet Daniel Franzese and get a photo with him to commemorate the occasion!
Hillsboro Pride remains dedicated to creating a safe and celebratory space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. By securing a globally recognized host, the 2026 festival aims to draw visitors from across the Tri-State area, highlighting Hillsboro as a destination for inclusive community growth. 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- Admission to Hillsboro Pride free and open to the public. For more information on the music lineup, vendor sign-ups, or sponsorship, please visit click here.
- To access The Buckeye Flame’s 2026 Ohio LGBTQ+ Pride Guide, click here.
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