On June 28, 1969, when police raided The Stonewall—a popular gay bar in New York’s Greenwich Village—patrons fought back. That action led to a tipping point in the Gay Liberation Movement across the United States. One year later, New York City held the country’s first Pride Parade. Today, the entire month of June brings plentiful opportunities to celebrate love and acceptance with the LGBTQ+ community. From parades to parties to film festivals, we’re highlighting Pride Month happenings around the country.
Charleston Pride Parade
Where: Charleston, SC
When: Saturday, June 25
Always charming, Charleston’s historic King Street is lined with boutiques, restaurants and bars housed in pastel-colored architecturally significant buildings. Those soft shades of blue, peach and pink receive a brilliant makeover when the Charleston Pride Parade comes to town. Beginning at 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 25th, rainbow flags, multichromatic floats, and parade participants dressed from head to toe in vibrant costumes join forces in celebration. Through this event, sponsors carryout their mission “to promote the visibility of the LGBTQ community by educating society, honoring our heritage, advocating for our culture, and celebrating our diverse society.” Join the party! www.charlestoncvb.com
Cinema Systers Lesbian Film Festival
Where: Paducah, KY
When: Thursday, May 26 through Sunday, May 29
The only all lesbian film festival in the country, Cinema Systers returns to the small town of Paducah, Kentucky for Memorial Day weekend. From Thursday, May 26 until Sunday, May 29, filmmakers present their work with screenings. Following screenings, smart and engaging panels add to the experience. Located in western Kentucky, Paducah has an anti-discrimination ordinance aimed to protect the LGBTQ+ community.
In November 2013, UNESCO designated Paducah a UNESCO Creative City for its significant role in the connectivity of cultures through creativity. Cinema Systers uplifts the visions and voices of lesbian filmmakers by providing a dedicated space to publicly highlight their art amid a decidedly lesbian-centric vibe. www.cinemasysters.com
Sacramento Pride Festival
Where: Sacramento, CA
When: Saturday, Jun 11 – Sunday, June 12
Steeped in history and home to a vibrant arts, culture and culinary scene year-round, California’s Capital City always offers memorable experiences. But, from June 11-12, the Capital Mall will be transformed into an LGBTQ+ village with live music, food trucks, drag performances, bars with themed cocktails and much more during the Sacramento Pride Festival.
Keep the party going with a Drag brunch at local favorites including Badlands, Capital Garage, or Punch Line Comedy Club. While you’re in town, don’t forget to support LGBTQ+ small businesses and restaurants which you’ll find in abundance in the Lavender Heights area. www.visitsacramento.com
Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival
Where: Asbury Park, NJ
When: Sunday, June 5
New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration kicks off its 30th annual event on Sunday, June 5 from 12-7 PM in Asbury Park. Recognized as a top LGBTQ+ friendly town in the Garden State, visitors and residents gather for the festive parade, live performances, arts and crafts from 150-plus artisans, food and more. The LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations aren’t limited to Asbury Park, other festivals and events take place across the state including 5Ks and Say Gay Soirees. And, in New Jersey, the party continues throughout the year with the 21st annual Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival in August—recognized as one of the largest pride festivals in the Northeast. The family-friendly South Jersey Gay Pride Out in the Park continues the celebration on September 11th at the Copper River Park in Cherry Hill. www.jerseypride.org
Kentuckiana Pride Festival
Where: Louisville, KY
When: Saturday, June 18
In Louisville, KY, the Kentuckiana Pride Festival kicks off with the Kentuckiana Pride Parade. Starting at the intersection of Campbell and Market Streets, the free parade winds through the Nulu area as colorful revelers make their way to Big Four Bridge Lawn at Waterfront Park. For a $5 admission fee, the Kentuckiana Pride Festival offers a full day of festivities with over 125 vendors, food trucks, family-friendly programming and two stages with live music. Past headliners include Big Freedia, Lizzo, Martha Wash, Neon Trees, and Todrick Hall. www.gotolouisville.com/events
Naples Pride Fest
Where: Naples, FL
When: Saturday, June 4
Florida’s Paradise Coast embraces and supports diversity. As a result, it’s becoming an emerging destination for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and families to explore. On Saturday, June 4 from 11 AM to 5 PM, the 4th annual Naples Pride Fest comes to town. The public event combines entertainers, exhibitors, food and drinks, kids’ activities, musicians, performers and vendors. It’s a fun-filled day celebrating equality.
In support of Pride, the Holiday Inn Downtown Naples is offering a 25% discount on rooms for Pride weekend and the entire month of June – plus, complimentary transportation to and from Cambier Park, where Pride Fest takes place. The celebration continues with after Pride Party events such as a pool party at Bambusa Bar & Grill (June 4 at 6 PM) and a dance/pool party at Holiday Inn Express Downtown Naples (June 5 from 12-4 PM) www.naplespride.org/pride-2022
PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade
Where: Providence, RI
When: Saturday, June 18
What better place to celebrate Pride Month than Providence, RI? Founded on the pillars of tolerance and respect, the Creative Capital embraces the LGBTQ+ community with undoubted support year-round. On Saturday, June 18, the Rhode Island Pridefest and Illuminated Night Parade returns to town. One of Rhode Island’s biggest festivals, the annual celebration’s line-up includes eclectic entertainment and access to over 250 nonprofit organizations.
Beyond Pride Fest there’s more LGBTQ+ nightlife hotspots to keep the party going including EGO nightclub, The Alley Cat bar with drag shows and trivia nights, The Stable, Providence Eagle, Mirabar, and more. www.prideri.org/pridefest
White Mountains Pride Festival
Where: North Conway, NH
When: Saturday, June 25
“Life Free or Die!” New Hampshire’s motto speaks volumes. This beautiful New England state exudes inclusivity. When Pride Month rolls around, the state holds several events to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Among the most popular, the annual White Mountains Pride Festival returns on June 25. Held in North Conway’s Community Center Park from 10 AM to 5 PM, the event includes food, merchandise, vendors and non-profits that support the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
In 2019, Manchester formed Queen City Pride to recognize the struggles and contributions of the city’s LGBTQ+ community. This year, the Queen City Pride Festival will include a parade for the first time on June 18. Also in Nashua, the Nashua Pride Festival on June 25 is a free celebration of diversity, acceptance, music and fun focused on promoting equality and inclusion of all people. www.whitemountainspride.com
Perhaps Dr. Seuss said it best: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”