ORLANDO, Fla. — Several roads in downtown Orlando are closing ahead of Saturday’s Come Out With Pride festival and parade, with traffic impacts expected around Lake Eola through the weekend.

North Eola Drive, between East Robinson Street and East Washington Street, closed Thursday evening and will remain closed until 4 a.m. Sunday.

Additional closures are scheduled for Saturday. East Central Boulevard between North Rosalind Avenue and North Eola Drive will close at 7 a.m. East Robinson Street between North Rosalind and North Summerlin avenues will close at 8 a.m.

Organizers said they have been planning the event since November of last year and expect hundreds of thousands of people to attend.

“Saturday it is brought to you by incredibly dedicated and passionate volunteers,” said Tatiana Quiroga, executive director of Come Out With Pride. “And it’s absolutely crazy to see what people can do when they put their mind to it, when they’re following their passion project, and they really want to bring this entire thing together.”

The city said drivers should expect delays near Lake Eola and follow posted detours. Officers will be stationed along the parade route to help manage traffic.

Drivers heading downtown Saturday are advised to arrive early, park in a garage outside the closure area or use rideshare.

Road Closure Map:

Parade Roads Impacted: 

· East Robinson Street between North Rosalind Avenue and North Summerlin Avenue, 8 a.m. through 7:30 p.m.

· The westernmost lane on North Orange Avenue between West Colonial Drive and Concord Street will be open. All other lanes will be closed, 10 a.m. through 7:30 p.m.

· North Orange Avenue between Concord Street and West Washington Street, 10 a.m. through 7:30 p.m.

· North Orange Avenue between West Washington Street and East Central Boulevard, 1:30 p.m. through 7:30 p.m.

· East Central Boulevard between North Orange Avenue and North Rosalind Avenue, 1:30 p.m. through 7:30 p.m.

· North Rosalind Avenue between East Central Boulevard and East Robinson Street, 1:30 p.m. through 7:30 p.m.

Festival Roads Impacted:

· East Central Boulevard between North Rosalind Avenue and North Eola Drive, 7 a.m. through 10 p.m. 

· North Eola Drive between East Robinson Street and East Washington Street, starting Thursday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. through Sunday, October 18 at 4 a.m. 

Drivers may experience delays near Lake Eola Park and within the surrounding area. Please follow posted detours while traveling in the area. The Orlando Police Department will be along the route to assist with traffic.