SIDE STREET
STUDIO ARTS
Where Elgin Creates
Volunteer with Us for Elgin Pride 2026
Join us as we prepare for and participate in this year’s Elgin Pride Parade and Festival! We’re looking for enthusiastic, creative, and community-minded volunteers to help us bring energy, color, and creativity to Pride events throughout the week.
There are several opportunities to get involved—whether you enjoy painting, decorating, organizing, or celebrating alongside the community.
Volunteer Opportunities Include:
Window Painting — Sunday, May 31 | 10:30 AM–2 PM @ 62 S. Grove Ave.
Help us transform our windows into bright, Pride-inspired displays. No professional experience is needed—just creativity and a willingness to help bring color and visibility to our space.
Van Decorating — Friday, June 5 | 5–9 PM during the RISE Exhibition Opening
Join us during the RISE Exhibition Opening to decorate our parade van with handmade signs, decorations, and colorful elements that celebrate Pride and community.
Pride Parade Crew — Saturday, June 6 | 10:30 AM–1 PM | Downtown Elgin
March with us in the Elgin Pride Parade! Volunteers will help carry signs, distribute materials to parade-goers, and share positive energy along the parade route.
Festival Volunteers — Saturday, June 6 | Approximately 2–5 PM (after the parade)
Support our booth at the Pride Festival, which will include a Mini-MADE retail station and a seed bomb making station where attendees can create seed bombs to take home.
This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, friend groups, and community members to celebrate Pride, support local arts, and help create a welcoming, creative presence at this year’s festivities.
Sign up to volunteer and help us make this year’s Elgin Pride celebration colorful, welcoming, and unforgettable! 🌈
Have an idea or want to offer feedback on Side Street?
As an ongoing goal, we want to know how YOU see us in our community, what we are doing well, and what we're doing that needs more work. Let us know your dreams, desires, and ideas for the organization, along with your ideas for our new facility at 62 S. Grove Ave. We wish to incorporate your visions for an Elgin where ALL are welcomed.