The Ithaca Pride Alliance exists to create new and uplift existing safe, inclusive, accommodating, educational, and accessible spaces for the LGBTQ+ community in Ithaca and throughout Tompkins County
Our Story
For decades, Ithaca, NY has been a safe haven for queer people and their families, from “Ithaca is Queer” stickers to the Famous 25 who lobbied for same-sex marriage protection long before it became legal in the U.S. More recently, queer community organizers have made many attempts to establish a permanent resource group for the local community. This need was sparked by the lack of one central place to learn about queer events, resources, and community education. While the local colleges each have LGBTQ resource centers and local businesses have events throughout the year, there was a deficit in variety and community focused events. The colleges were isolated from the community and most events were focused on night-life, which is not for everyone, nor does it permit everyone and serve other needs.
In response to this history and lack of community organizing, the Ithaca Pride Alliance was formed after years of efforts that never fully took hold. IPA exists as a project of the Tompkins Chamber Foundation 501(c)3 non-profit, administered by the Tompkins Chamber, which supports the centralized and educational focus of IPA. The organization’s founding board consists of community builders from a variety of backgrounds and identities. IPA seeks to grow its reach and volunteer base through community connections, support, and programming.
Image Credits: "Vertical Ithaca" by Andrea Pagani is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Street Parking
On-street parking is $1.50/hour during the week until 6pm. Free on the weekends. Pay for parking using the Paystation Kiosks on each block, or using the Park Mobile App.
Garage Parking
Visitors can park in the Seneca and Cayuga garages and walk to any part of the festival. Parking is $1.00/hour inside the garage on during the week.
FREE PARKING inside both garages: Saturday & Sunday during the festival. The Green Garage is CLOSED for construction.
Ride the Bus
Avoid the hassle of parking altogether and ride TCAT to Downtown. Both Green Street and Seneca Street bus stations are part of most major routes. Find a complete list of TCAT bus routes and schedules here.
GO ITHACA Park n' Ride
Use the Go Ithaca Park n' Ride spots at Wegmans and ride TCAT Downtown. Look for the Go Ithaca Park n' Ride signs on light poles in the Southeastern corner of their main lot. TCAT bus stop is located near the deli entrance.