11 Top Pride Parades and Celebration Cities in the US

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Pride has a rich history. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn in NYC’s Greenwich Village, leading to nearly a week of protests by LGBTQ individuals tired of frequent raids and harassment. This iconic event was built on years of activism, like the uprisings at San Francisco’s Gene Compton’s Cafeteria in 1966 and Los Angeles’ Cooper Do-nuts in 1959.

On Stonewall’s anniversary in 1970, the Christopher Street Liberation Day march commemorated the uprising, sparking annual June Pride celebrations. Today, amidst ongoing threats to LGBTQ rights, Pride events symbolize unity and solidarity. 

Here are 11 of the top destinations where you can still celebrate Pride before the end of the month.

1. New York City: June 30

Head back to where it all started and celebrate Pride on June 30th at New York City’s annual Pride parade and celebration. The Big Apple is known for throwing one of the most significant pride events in the nation. In 2019, the city hosted WorldPride, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and brought in approximately 5 million to the city.

This year’s NYC Pride will honor the 40th anniversary of Heritage of Pride, the nonprofit organizing NYC Pride events, and the 55th anniversary of Stonewall. Although there won’t be a Pride Rally or Pride Island concert, many ways exist to celebrate Pride in the city in 2024.

2. Providence: June 15

With its small-town charm and thriving arts scene, Providence has a rich history of LGBTQ pride. Following a landmark court ruling, the inaugural Pride event in 1976 saw a modest but determined group of 75 marchers. Today, this celebration, known as the annual PrideFest, draws a staggering 125,000 attendees.

The 48th Rhode Island PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade is on June 15. During the day, enjoy over 250 nonprofit vendors, live entertainment, and food. The Rhode Pride Illuminated Night Parade, New England’s only nighttime LGBTQ parade, features buildings and floats lighting up as participants enter downtown Providence after dusk.

3. Baltimore: June 15

Baltimore is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the US, with its historic Mount Vernon neighborhood serving as a significant gay haven for decades. Baltimore Pride, one of the nation’s oldest events, has been running since 1975. Hosted by the Pride Center of Maryland, several events will occur from June 10 to 16.

On June 14, attend the annual Twilight on the Terrace gala and enjoy music, food, and vendors in Mount Vernon. The B&O Railroad Museum will host Ridin’ The Rail: Pride Train & Party. The Baltimore Pride Parade on June 15 leads into the Block Party. The week ends with Pride in the Park on June 16 at Druid Hill Park, featuring live music, food, and drag performances.

4. Norfolk: June 22

The first community Pride event in Virginia’s Hampton Roads area was a potluck picnic in June 1986, organized by the Mandamus Society, now Hampton Roads Pride. Since the 1990s, they have hosted annual Pride events. This year, Norfolk’s historic Ghent neighborhood will host the Ghent Pride Party at the Palace Shops on June 17, featuring food, cocktails, a silent auction, and live music.

The free PrideFest & Boat Parade is June 22 at Town Point Park. Enjoy boats decorated in Pride colors, food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The NorVa theater will host the Camp Pride Block Party on June 21, and Pride at the Beach will be in Virginia Beach on June 23.

5. San Antonio: June 29

San Antonio’s LGBTQ history has evolved significantly since the drag performances of the 1930s, culminating in the monthlong Pride celebration we see today. The 2024 festivities are set for June 29. By day, enjoy live performers, a Pride wedding event, a health fair, and food at the Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival. At night, watch the free Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade.

Other events include Pride Night at Toyota Field with San Antonio FC and the Y’all Means All Pride 5K Race on June 15. Six Flags Fiesta Texas will host Pride after-hours celebrations on June 15 and 22. For admission info, check out Pride San Antonio’s website.

6. Columbus: June 15

Ohio’s capital, Columbus, is one of the fastest-growing and most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the US, hosting the Midwest’s second-largest Pride march, with over 700,000 spectators. The Stonewall Columbus Pride March is on June 15.

Watch from one of the three eateries that form Pride on High for a great view. Proceeds benefit local LGBTQ charities. The Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival on June 14 and 15 will feature over 200 vendors, two performance stages, a wellness area, and a dance section.

7. Chicago: June 30

Chicago, home to the first US gay rights organization, The Society for Human Rights, founded by Henry Gerber in 1924, hosts the Midwest’s largest Pride parade on June 30. The parade attracts over 1 million spectators and runs through the “Boystown” neighborhood, recognized as an official gay village in 1997.

The weekend before (June 22-23) is the Chicago Pride Fest, which draws 60,000 attendees for music, food, drag shows, and arts and crafts. They suggested a $15 donation at the gate. Other events include Queer Fam Pride Jam on June 2, Navy Pier Pride on June 29, and the Pride Race 5K and 10K on June 30.

8. Minneapolis & St. Paul: June 30

In 1975, Minneapolis became the first US city to pass a nondiscrimination ordinance, earning a reputation as one of the friendliest and “gayest” cities in the country. The Twin Cities Pride Parade, one of the largest in the Midwest and nationwide, began in 1972.

This year’s parade on June 30 starts on Third Street and Hennepin Avenue and ends in Loring Park, where the three-day Twin Cities Pride Festival continues. Beginning on June 28 with Youth Night, the festival features music performances, diverse food and drink options, and over 650 vendors.

9. Denver: June 23

Denver boasts a vibrant LGBTQ scene with numerous gay-friendly bars, hotels, and Pride events. The annual Denver PrideFest, the largest in the Rocky Mountain region, attracts over 500,000 participants. In 2024, Denver celebrates 50 years of Pride.

PrideFest on June 22-23 will feature drag performances by Alyssa Edwards, Shea Couleé, and Mirage from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” along with drag queen and environmentalist Pattie Gonia. The Coors Light Denver Pride Parade on June 23 will showcase marchers, dancers, and floats down Colfax Avenue, the longest commercial street in the US.

10. San Francisco: June 30

San Francisco Pride includes one of the nation’s largest Pride parades, with LGBTQ community members and allies parading on June 30. The two-day Pride celebration from June 29-30 features multiple stages and live entertainment.

Catch the San Francisco Giants’ Pride Day game at Oracle Park on June 15. Music enthusiasts can enjoy the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus with the San Francisco Symphony on June 18.

11. Seattle: June 30

Seattle is one of the most gay-friendly cities. Its LGBTQ hub is Capitol Hill, with numerous bars and clubs hosting year-round Pride celebrations. Seattle Pride will mark 50 years in 2024.

On June 30, join the drag brunch and viewing party before the main event—the Seattle Pride Parade. As the largest march in Washington, it draws up to 300,000 participants and spectators along Fourth Avenue downtown.