GUIDE to PRIDE
Rhode Island Pride Celebration
The forty-eighth annual festival lights up the Capital City on June 15 . BY DANA LAVERTY
RHODE ISLAND ’ S PRIDE CELEBRATION has come a long way since 1976 , when approximately seventyfive LBGTQ + trailblazers sued for the right to march through downtown Providence . Now , more than 125,000 people descend on the Creative Capital every June to take part in what U . S . News & World Report calls one of the country ’ s top Pride festivals .
This year ’ s Pride Celebration and Illuminated Night Parade — the forty-eighth annual — takes place June 15 at 195 District Park in Providence . Gates open at noon , with the parade kicking off at 8 p . m .
This year ’ s theme , Thrive !, perfectly describes the state ’ s vibrant LGBTQ + community and the annual fete , says Rhode Island Pride President Rodney Davis .
“ There ’ s something magical about coming to a city like Providence and being able to feel safe , feel accessible and be treated with hospitality and warmth ,” he says . “ People can come and be their authentic selves — that ’ s the secret sauce of Pride .”
As in years past , there will be local and national headliners on the main stage , along with a party atmosphere packed with food trucks , more than 250 businesses , artisans and organizations , a kids ’ area and nonalcoholic mocktails — as well as more potent potables — available in the beer , wine and spirits tent .
RI Pride is working with local artists and the hospitality community to try to turn the one-day affair into a weekend extravaganza , with the possibility of Friday night and Sunday programming , Davis says .
And , of course , what ’ s Rhode Island Pride without an illuminated parade ? The signature event starts at 8 p . m . and winds through Dorrance , Washington and Empire streets before ending at the reviewing stand under the Providence Performing Arts Center ’ s glistening marquee . prideri . org / pridefest
All are welcome at Rhode Island ’ s Pride celebration , taking place June 15 at 195 District Park in Providence .
68 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l JUNE 2024