Rainbow Weekend 5K

The Rainbow Weekend 5K is returning during Main Street Kent's sixth annual Rainbow Weekend, which takes place each October in Kent, Ohio, to celebrate our local LGBTQ+ community. This year's theme is Pride and Joy—two powerful reminders of what our LGBTQ+ community represents.

Join your community of LGBTQ+ folks and allies on Saturday, October 17, at 11:00 am for a 5K walk and fun run. The route will take participants through the trees of the Portage Hike & Bike Trail and will start and end at North Water Brewing Company, where an End of the Rainbow Party will be taking place at the finish line.

Whether you’re running, walking, strolling, or rolling, the Rainbow Weekend 5K is open for all. The race and End of the Rainbow Party are family-friendly. We welcome children to run in the race with an adult and/or cheer on participants at the finish line! Please note that the race route is accessible, but the path from the finish line to North Water Brewing Company is not. Our event organizers are happy to work with individuals who need assistance navigating the course day-of. Please contact us if you have any questions.

We’re excited to announce that the 2026 beneficiary of Rainbow Weekend will again be the Portage County Pride Fund (PoCo Pride Fund)! Offered through The Portage Foundation, this fund exists to serve the Portage County community—students, young adults, families, and local organizations—by helping meet essential needs with timely and practical support.

Pricing: August 1 - August 31: $25.00 + $2.50 registration fee September 1 - September 15: $30.00 + $2.80 registration fee September 16 - October 17: $35.00 + $3.10 registration fee Children 12 and under: free (Registration required)

Each ticket includes participation in the 5K, a race bib, a fabulous T-shirt (please note that although we will order extra, we can no longer guarantee a T-shirt, especially of a certain size, after Sept. 16), and additional giveaways and snacks at the event. After the race, join us for the End of the Rainbow Party at North Water Brewing Co., during which a portion of the proceeds from drink purchases will be donated to the PoCo Pride Fund.

As we run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, we're doing more than crossing a finish line. We're supporting programs and resources that uplift LGBTQ+ individuals and families while creating a space where everyone is welcomed, valued, and celebrated. Whether you're participating to honor someone you love, to support an important cause, or simply to stand in solidarity, your presence makes a difference. Together, let's fill every mile with pride, every step with purpose, and every moment with joy. We can't wait to see you at the starting line!