Kent Rainbow Weekend takes place in October (rather than June, the traditional Pride month) because it’s important to have our Kent State University community here with us to celebrate as ONE community. October is LGBTQ History Month, and we like to share the love and celebrate our inclusive and diverse town throughout the year! Rainbow Weekend 2026 is presented by Acorn Alley.
OCTOBER 16-18
The Rainbow Weekend committee is planning a weekend of events, entertainment, a makers’ market, the Rainbow Weekend 5K, Courageously Queer storytelling, a kickball tournament and exciting, engaging activities for all ages.
Stay tuned for further details!
Portage County Pride Fund
Weekend activities will help support the Portage County Pride Fund. Our friends at the fund graciously accept donations to help with their mission. This fund exists to serve the Portage County community—students, young adults, families, and local organizations—by helping meet essential needs with timely and practical support.Â
Safe Space 101: LGBTQ+ Cultural Competence Community Training, Oct 13, 6pm
Safe Space: LGBTQ+ Ally Training is an interactive training designed to help create safer, more welcoming communities for everyone, regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Wherever you work, live, learn, or interact with others, you will encounter people with diverse identities and experiences—including people who identify as LGBTQ+. Understanding respectful terminology and learning what it means to be an ally can help create environments where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported.
If you’ve ever wanted to become a better ally but weren’t sure where to start, Safe Space: LGBTQ+ Ally Training is a great place to begin.
Rainbow Weekend 5k – Oct 17, 11am
Join your community of LGBTQ+ folks and allies on Saturday, October 17, at 11:00 am for a 5K walk and fun run. The route will take participants through the trees of the Portage Hike & Bike Trail and will start and end at North Water Brewing Company, where an End of the Rainbow Party will be taking place at the finish line.
We’re excited to announce that the 2026 beneficiary of Rainbow Weekend will again be the Portage County Pride Fund (PoCo Pride Fund)! Offered through The Portage Foundation, this fund exists to serve the Portage County community—students, young adults, families, and local organizations—by helping meet essential needs with timely and practical support.
Born This Way: How Popular Music Came Alive with LGBTQ Artists and Allies
Oct 17, 4pm
A brief look at the extensive history of music by LGBTQ artists and allies and how it put music we love from the 1950s to today on the right track. Join Mark Bednar, former Record-Courier music editor, as he walks on the wild side to explore the lives of LGBTQ music icons and even count down some mighty real anthems.
Courageously Queer Storytelling:
Generations of Pride, Oct 17, 6pm
Some stories make us laugh. Others remind us how far we’ve come. The best ones help us imagine what’s possible next. Join us for an evening celebrating the voices, experiences, and journeys of LGBTQ+ people across generations. Throughout the evening, queer elders will share personal stories of courage, joy, friendship, love, advocacy, and belonging in an intimate, live storytelling experience.
Hosted by Amanda Cole, Plexus LGBT + Allied Chamber of Commerce | Executive Director
at Board & Bevy, 141 E. Summit St.
Kick the Hate Kickball Tournament
Date, time, location and team info coming SOON!
          2026 Generous Sponsors
Acorn Alley
Andra & Mark Polasky
Bella Vita Wellness
Board & Bevy
Brimfield Insurance Group / Ohio Mutual InsuranceÂ
Chrystal Shook
Embrace Pet Insurance
Flourish Plant Market
Franklin School of Dance
Franklin Square Deli
Hazelmade
Hometown Bank
Keleigh Veraldo-Zucchero
Ken Ditlevson
Kent State HotelÂ
North Water Brewing
OmniFiber
PFLAG Akron
Portage Community Bank
Route 8 Studios
Summit County Public Health
Summit FM
Sun in Leo
The Performance Collective
The Portager
The River Merchant
