Explosions of color, outrageous outfits, Technicolor hairstyles and more will dominate the downtown landscape this weekend at the 36^th annual Pikes Peak Pride Festival.

Thousands of revelers from the Pikes Peak region and across the state are expected to visit Colorado Springs for the event, which celebrates not just the queer experience, but also the joy of living authentically, said Prism Community Collective site director Stoney Roberts.

“Pride is a great time for folks to come together and see themselves reflected all around,” Roberts said. “That’s important, especially in a political climate that sometimes tells us that we should hide who we are.”

A two-day jamboree complete with more than 100 vendors, food and drink, educational sessions and live entertainment will culminate with Sunday’s Pride Parade, which will proceed on its traditional route this year.

Last year, due to road work on Tejon Street, the parade started at America the Beautiful Park and proceeded along Colorado Avenue before turning south on Tejon Street and ending at Pioneers Museum/Alamo Square Park. Now that the road work is complete, the parade will start north of Acacia Park and proceed directly down Tejon Street to Alamo Square Park.

The Pride festival is an opportunity to talk about queer rights, identity and other important issues, but it’s also a chance to just have fun, Roberts said.

“Queer joy is really the antidote to some of the troubling things we see,” Roberts said. “Joy is the main thing — to be able to show up and be welcomed, and celebrated for who you are. It’s what makes Pride season unique and beautiful.”

The Pride Festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Pride Parade is scheduled to begin Sunday at 10 a.m.