Get ready for Pride. Here are the LGBTQ+ parades, festivals and events happening in RI
Katie LandeckPride in Rhode Island started small, when 75 lesbian and gay Ocean State residents marched through downtown Providence in 1976.
State and city leaders tried to block the parade, but supporters won out in the courts.
Four decades later, with legislatures across the country still trying to regulate LGBTQ bodies, Rhode Island Pride has grown to an annual event that attracts over 125,000 people to celebrate, with music, an illuminated parade, dancing and authenticity. Its example has led to other Pride events popping up all over the state.
Here’s your guide to 2023 Pride events in Rhode Island.
North Kingstown Pride Parade
When: Saturday, June 3, at 10 a.m.
What to know: The first pride parade in North Kingstown, the parade will start at the Wickford Town Docks and march to Harbor View Artisans. Families are encouraged to join the parade, and bring decorated bikes and strollers. The event is being held by Toward an Anti-Racist North Kingstown in partnership with other organizations.
Love Wins Coastal Pride Celebration
When: Saturday, June 3, 1 to 4 p.m.
What to know: There’s music, food, crafts, information tables and music at the 3rd Annual Pride Block Party at the Town Commons in Little Compton. Meant to stitch the community together and make people feel connected, there will be activities such as a community paper chain of positivity and other free family-friendly activities. There will be a brief speaking program at 2:30 p.m.
Woonsocket Pride 2023
When: Saturday, June 3, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
What to know: Expect live performances and local artistic talent, speeches from community leaders, entertainment, food trucks, booths, and vendors. The event will be at the World War II Veterans Memorial Park.
Youth Pride Family Day
When: Sunday, June 4, noon to 4 p.m.
What to know: An event geared toward family time, there will be field day activities, food and storytime for youth of all ages as part of this pride event held by Youth Pride Inc. The event will be at Colt State Park, Bristol.
Pawtucket Pride 2023
When: Monday, June 5, at 5:30 p.m.
What to know: After a flag-raising ceremony, there will be a family-friendly community social at Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration, 881 Main St., Pawtucket.
Big Pride Flea
When: Friday, June 9, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
What to know: Providence Flea, a gay-owned business, is bringing together over 85 artists and indie makers, bakers, vintage sellers, local nonprofits, craft cocktail and beer makers, food purveyors and drag queens at Farm Fresh RI, 10 Sims Ave. for this new, free event. The event will also support Haus of Codec, a nonprofit committed to ensuring an end to transition-aged youth homelessness in Providence.
Pride Karaoke
When: Friday, June 16, 6 to 9 p.m.
What to know: Gamm Theater, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Celebrate with a free, family-friendly karaoke night. The patio and concession stand will be open.
Rhode Island PrideFest and Illuminated Light Parade
When: Saturday, June 17
What to know: The biggest event in the state, as well as the oldest, PrideFest kicks off at 11 a.m. at the I-195 District Park with more than 250 nonprofit organizations, businesses, food vendors and, of course, entertainment.
When it gets dark, the party transitions to the Illuminated Night Parade at 8 p.m., starting at Washington and Dyer streets, and traveling northeast toward Dorrance Street. The view from the Providence Performing Arts Center is supposed to be prime. Expect a spectacle – brightly lit floats, marching groups and performing artists.
Newport Pride Weekend
When: June 23-25
What to know: The weekend starts out by setting sail on the Coastal Queen with a bunch of queens for the Newport Pride Cruise with the Trailer Park Girls. On Saturday, there’s the 2-mile Pride Ride for those who like to bike and then there’s the Newport Pride Fest and Market from noon to 6 p.m. at Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell St. The last event on Saturday is Afterdark at Parlor, an eclectic experience that goes from 9 p.m. until the music ends.
South County Pride
When: Thursday, June 29, from 3 to 9:30 p.m.
What to know: For the 3rd Annual South Country Pride Celebration, there will be booths, vendors, live bands, a drag show, the Rhode Island Black Storytellers and a DJ for a family-friendly celebration. The events will be on Main Street in Wakefield.
Block Island Pride
When: Sept. 14-17
What to know: It’s much later in the season, but the lineup is worth a (very early) heads-up. This four-day event includes tie dying, queer tarot, drag queen bingo, queer nature walks, drag queen brunches and a pride walk to name a few of the events.
If you have an event you think should be added to this list, please emailklandeck@gannett.com with the relevant information.