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Little Apple Pride and K-State Drag Show bringing community, visibility and Pride to Manhattan

An image of a rainbow-colored geometric apple with the text "LITTLE APPLE BIG PRIDE," symbolizing celebration and inclusivity.
An image of a rainbow-colored geometric apple with the text "LITTLE APPLE BIG PRIDE," symbolizing celebration and inclusivity for this years K-State Drag Show.

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Little Apple Pride and the K-State Drag Show are returning this April, bringing celebration, visibility and a sense of belonging to the Manhattan community. 


The K-State Drag Show will take place Friday at McCain Auditorium doors open at 6:15 p.m. with the pre show starting at 6:30 p.m. and main show starting at 7 p.m. , while Little Apple Pride will be held April 25 at City Park with the parade starting at 10:30 a.m., featuring a daytime festival and parade followed by an after-hours event. 

Organizers say both events continue to grow each year, offering space for people of all backgrounds to come together and feel supported. 


Little Apple Pride co-chair Curtis Vogts said the event has expanded significantly from its early days. 


“It started small in Triangle Park with just people hanging out,” Vogts said. “Now we’re in City Park with vendors, performances, and a full day of events.” 

The K-State Drag Show has seen similar growth. What began as a small campus program now fills McCain Auditorium, giving performers a large stage and audiences a chance to experience drag in a new way. 


“We’re on our 22nd year,” said Lil Kim Chi, a coordinator for the drag show. “It’s an opportunity to bring queer culture to the forefront and give students an experience they might not otherwise have.” 


Both events aim to create a safe and welcoming environment, especially in a region where LGBTQ+ visibility can be limited. 


“I grew up in Kansas, and there wasn’t a lot of queer representation,” Kim Chi said. “Now I get to be that person someone sees and realizes they don’t have to be afraid.” 


For performer Tyler Woods, also known as Ty Woo, the impact often shows up in unexpected moments. 


“People will come up to you and say it was their first drag show and it changed how they see things,” Woods said. “That’s when you realize how important it is.” 


Little Apple Pride will include a daytime celebration open to all ages, featuring a parade, live entertainment and more than 50 vendors. Organizers said attendance continues to rise, with more than 1,000 people attending last year. 


“It’s about creating a space where people can just be themselves,” Vogts said. 


The event will also include an after-hours celebration geared toward college students, along with new additions like expanded performances and interactive activities. 


The K-State Drag Show will feature a variety of performers from different backgrounds and styles, combining entertainment with fundraising efforts. 


“Expect to have a really good time,” Kim Chi said. “There’s a lot of talent, and it’s all about bringing energy and community together.” 

Organizers emphasized that both events rely heavily on community support, including volunteers and attendees. 


“Show up,” Woods said. “That’s the biggest thing. Just being there makes a difference.” 

Both events are free for K-State students, making them accessible opportunities for students to engage with the community. 


Beyond the entertainment, organizers say the deeper purpose is about visibility and acceptance. 

“Pride means being able to exist without fear,” Woods said. “It’s about being out loud and out proud.” 


For many attendees, that message resonates. 


“It feels like a breath of fresh air,” said Anna, host of Wildcat 91.9’s Evening Drive talks on the past Pride events. “Everyone is just focused on being themselves and enjoying the moment.” 

As Little Apple Pride and the drag show continue to grow, organizers hope to keep expanding their reach while staying true to their mission. 


“If you see a gap, fill it,” Kim Chi said. “That’s how all of this started.” 

How to attend or get involved 


Little Apple Pride: 


K-State Drag Show / Tickets: 


Community members are encouraged to attend, volunteer or support through donations and partnerships. 

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