Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with These Events in and around Boston
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with These Events in and around Boston
From marches to drag bingo to movie screenings, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Pride 2023
Happy Pride month, Terriers! Boston has plenty of events lined up throughout June to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. What began as a single day honoring the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City has grown into a month-long celebration, complete with massive parades, parties, and events to honor an enduring, resilient, and diverse community. This year marks the first Boston Pride parade since 2019, and it’s sure to be better than ever. Our list of recommendations has everything from drag bingo to a gay 5K to a festival right on BU Beach.
Boston University Pride Festival: June 1, 3 – 6 pm
Celebrate the beginning of Pride month right on BU Beach. All BU students, staff, and faculty are invited to the fourth annual BU Pride Festival, where students can enjoy Jenga, cornhole, and other lawn games, as well as free food and drinks from 3 to 6 pm. Stop by anytime, but the first 300 attendees will receive a free T-shirt and a pair of sunglasses.
Photo by Cydney Scott
Boston Pride Kick-Off: June 1
Head to City Hall Plaza at 4 pm for the first Pride event of the season, hosted by the Mayor’s Office. The Boston Pride Kick-Off boasts an afternoon of performances, flag-raising, and the unveiling of the Portraits of Pride series: an LGBTQ-centric photography exhibition highlighting queer leaders. The series will be on display in City Hall Plaza through June. Also, check out performances from Big Body Kweeng, Neon Calypso, and other amazing acts.
Photo courtesy of City of Boston
Trans Resistance MA March and Festival: June 3
Returning for the fourth year, the Trans Resistance MA March and Festival takes place June 3. Trans Resistance MA was formed in 2020 to support trans, queer, Black and Indigenous people of color in Boston. The march and festival are free and visitors can expect food trucks and performances from Kandy Muse (a competitor on the current season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars), Big Body Kweeng, and more. The march begins at 11:30 am at Stony Brook Station on the Orange Line and ends at Franklin Park Playstead, where the festival will take place from noon to 5 pm.
Photo by Karollyne Videira Hubert/Unsplash
Love Conquers Ale Bash: June 3
Head to the Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom (60 State Street) for a daylong Pride celebration and the sixth annual release of the brewery’s Pride beer, Love Conquers Ale. The taproom is partnering with Men of Melanin Magic to host three parties in one day, with $5 from each ticket sale going directly to the Transgender Emergency Fund. Kicking off the party, at 11 am, is DragTease, a show bringing together some of Boston’s best drag talent. Then, check out DJs on two different floors, who’ll be keeping the records spinning until the bash culminates in a rooftop party with a performance by dance group Bucket Baddies. It’s nearly twelve hours of pure fun and celebration.
Photo courtesy of Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom
Boston University Pride Soirée: June 6
The LGBTQIA+ Center for Faculty & Staff and LGBTQIA+ Faculty & Staff Community Network are celebrating the beginning of Pride month with a swanky soirée at the Dahod Family Alumni Center. They will be serving hors d’oeuvres, as well as wine and non-alcoholic beverages, from 5 to 7 pm. Win special prizes in a BU/Boston LGBTQIA+ trivia contest. Please note: this event is only open to BU faculty and staff.
Photo by Jackie Ricciardi
Boston Pride For The People Parade and Festival: June 10
Following the dissolution of Boston Pride–the group who previously organized the city’s Pride parade–Boston Pride For The People announced the event’s return for the first time since 2019. Beginning at 11 am, the parade takes off from Copley Square and snakes through Boston, ending at the main stage festival in Boston Common, which will feature performers, speakers, food trucks, vendors, and much more. There will also be a festival with more performers, food trucks, and alcoholic drinks at City Hall Plaza for those ages 21 and older. This city-wide celebration is one of the biggest Pride events in Boston, so sign up as an individual or group to walk in the parade, or check out the parade map to spread cheer along the route.
Photo courtesy of Daniel James/Unsplash
Road of Rainbows 5K Run/Walk: June 10
Boston Theater Company’s third annual Road of Rainbows 5K takes place June 10 at 10 am in Boston Common. Inclusivity is at the heart of the run/walk 5K, which is the “first of its kind in Massachusetts where gender has no bounds.” All LGBTQ+ individuals and supporters are encouraged to participate. You can buy bib numbers at a variety of price levels, which also provides entry to a post-race festival. Get ready for lots of fun, with a side of exercise.
Photo courtesy of Road of Rainbows
Pride Fest Drag Bingo @ TimeOut Market: June 11
Where else can you find drag queens, DJs, food, drinks, and bingo? Look no further than TimeOut Market’s Pride Fest Drag Bingo. Drag queen Atlas will take the stage to host a night of performances from all-star Boston drag talent, plus numerous prizes for bingo winners. Tickets are free, so it’s a great way to bring a group of friends together for a celebratory and fun night.
Photo courtesy of TimeOut Market
CAS Pride Luncheon: June 13
College of Arts and Sciences Dean Stan Sclaroff invites CAS LGBTQ+ faculty and staff to a celebratory luncheon at 12 pm on June 13. The event will be held at the CAS Dean’s Residence in Brookline. Be sure to RSVP to secure your spot.
Photo by Ana Cruz/Unsplash
Red Sox Pride Celebration: June 13
Continue the fun of Pride month at Fenway Park. The Red Sox are playing the Colorado Rockies for their annual Pride Celebration. Make sure to show up early for the pregame social at 5:40 pm on the Sam Deck. Use the link below to buy tickets (starting at $32) and receive a special Pride-themed Red Sox jersey.
Photo courtesy of Fenway
Friday Night at the Movies: But I’m A Cheerleader (1999): June 23
In the millennial queer cult classic, Natasha Lyonne stars as Megan, a girl sent to conversion therapy when her parents suspect that she is a lesbian. Also featuring Clea DuVall, Michelle Williams, and drag superstar RuPaul Charles, the film is a campy dramedy that captures themes of identity and coming-of-age. Catch the film at the Loring Greenough House at 8pm. Seating is not provided, so be sure to bring a blanket to sit on. Ticket sales directly support the Loring Greenough House.
Photo by Christian Wiediger/Unsplash
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