09/17/2026
We're proud to be a sponsor for the 4th annual Disability Pride Festival today at the capitol from 10-2. Afterwards, head inside to the capitol rotunda for Celebrating Constitution and Citizenship Day, Independent Living and the Right to Vote from 2-3:45: https://mcil-mn.org/celebrating-constitution-and-citizenship-day-independent-living-and-the-right-to-vote/
Come celebrate disability pride, culture, and community at Minnesota’s Fourth Annual Disability Pride Festival. The festival will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Minnesota State Capitol.
Hosted by Advocating Change Together (ACT), the free event was rescheduled from July to protect community health during extreme heat and hazardous air quality.
This year’s theme, “Rooted In Pride. Growing Our Future.” reflects ACT’s commitment to “honoring our history while investing in the next generation of self‑advocate leaders.” The new date also aligns with Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW), September 14 through 18, 2026. DVRW is a nonpartisan, nationwide week of action highlighting voter registration, education, and accessible participation.
Event Details
What: Fourth Annual Disability Pride Festival
When: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul
What to Expect
Enjoy a welcoming day with music, community vendors, resource tables, and ways to connect with disability‑led organizations. The festival centers joy, visibility, and belonging, celebrating disability identity and the contributions of people with disabilities across Minnesota.
MCD will be on site with Treat People Like People campaign items, new poster art by Minnesota artists with disabilities, other materials, and giveaways.
Why It Matters
Did you know: About 12% of Minnesotans report having a disability, and more than 1 in 4 U.S. adults live with a disability. Events like this honor disability culture, challenge stereotypes, and build connection. Most importantly, they remind us that disability is a natural and valuable part of human diversity.
Disability Pride Month is observed each July to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law on July 26, 1990. It’s a time to reflect on progress, recognize ongoing barriers, and celebrate the leadership of people with disabilities.
More Information
Visit ACT’s Disability Pride Festival event page for more information.
https://www.selfadvocacy.org/disability-pride-festival
