Pint Of No Return: Anheuser-Busch Ditches St. Louis Gay Fest After 30 Years Of Support

Anheuser-Busch pulled its sponsorship for a St. Louis LGBT event, breaking its 30-year streak of support for the festival.

A slew of companies have recently cut ties with LGBT events and parades, with some corporate sponsors scaling back their budgets or else delaying their announcement in support of the events. Anheuser-Busch, the makers of Budweiser and Bud Light, has decided to pull its sponsorship for St. Louis’ 45^th annual PrideFest, an LGBT pride parade, local NBC affiliate KDSK reported Tuesday. (RELATED: San Francisco Gay Pride Festival Scrambling For Funds After Corporate Sponsors Jump Ship)

PrideFest is now experiencing a $150,00 funding shortfall compared to 2024. In an attempt to recoup their loss, event organizers have launched a fundraising campaign called #45for45, in which eventgoers and supporters are urged to donate whatever they can.

PrideFest will take place on June 28-29 at Soldier’s Memorial Park in downtown St. Louis.

“While we are deeply disappointed that Anheuser-Busch has chosen to step away from supporting PrideFest this year, we remain hopeful that the community will step up where they have stepped down,” Pride St. Louis president Marty Zuniga said. “The #45for45 campaign is an opportunity for everyone, whether you’ve marched in the parade, attended our events, or simply believe in equality, to help ensure that these efforts continue for years to come. The community and our board are clear—canceling PrideFest is not an option.”

Anheuser-Busch also ceased its support for San Francisco Pride, which claims they have lost $300,000 in corporate sponsorships.