GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — June is Pride Month, and communities all across the nation are planning celebrations, parades, family-friendly events and more to recognize the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride Month was first celebrated in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall riots. The Stonewall Inn was a gay bar that was raided by New York City police on June 28, 1969. The community fought back through five days of riots calling for LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms.
The Library of Congress said the first Pride marches were held in June 1970 to remember Stonewall.
Now, Pride events range from parties and community celebrations to discussions on LGBTQ+ experiences and freedoms.
If you're looking for somewhere to celebrate, there are a variety of options for you to choose from! Here's a closer look at Pride events in West Michigan:
Kent County
- Grand Rapids Pride Festival — June 22 at Calder Plaza
- Live music, vendors, local artist booths, drag shows and more
- Lowell Pride — June 1 at the Riverwalk
- Drag performances, live music, poetry readings, kids' activities, games, food trucks and more
- Michigan Drag Brunch — June 23 at Canopy by Hilton GR
- Drag performance, brunch and drinks
- West Michigan Gay Men's Chorus Pride Concert — June 14 at St. Cecilia’s Music Center
- Pride Pawty — June 29 at A Pleasant Dog
- Paw printing, nose work and more
Ottawa County
- Pride Month Pre-Party — May 29 at Grand Armory Brewing Company
- Live music, drinks and food by Righteous Cuisine
- Proceeds benefit Grand Haven Pride
- Grand Haven Pride Festival — June 8 at Lynn Sherwood Stadium
- Kids' activities, food trucks, Pride market, drag shows, live music and more
- Holland Pride Festival — June 29 at Centennial Park
- Entertainment, activities, food trucks, vendors, resource booths
- Holland PRIDE Open Mic Night — June 1 at Herrick District Library North Branch
- Open mic poetry night featuring Holland PRIDE Poetry Contest participants and local poets
- Kick-Off Holland PRIDE — May 28 at Big Lake Brewing
- Live music, LGBTQ-themed trivia, food and drinks
- Continuing the Conversation - Diverse Voices Speaker Series — June 3 at the Brew Merchant
- Panel discussion about LGBTQ experiences, identities and freedoms
- Run with PRIDE 5K — June 8 at Helder Park
- Timed race, fun run, walk or roll 5K
- Registration will remain open through June 8
- PRIDE Party — June 8 at Park Theatre
- Drag performances, live music, drink specials and burlesque
- PRIDE Drag Show — June 29 at Virtue Cider
Muskegon County
- Muskegon Pride Festival — June 1 at 360 Western Avenue
- Parade, drag performances, live music, family activities and more
- Pride Fest After Party — June 1 at Unruly Brewing Company
- Drag performances, dancing, drinks and more
Allegan County
- LGBTQ+ Political Update/Speakers session — May 30 at The Kirby Hotel
- Discussion on LGBTQ+ rights with speakers from the ACLU, ACCF, Equality Michigan and more
- Pride Bowling Party — May 30 at Alley's Pizza at Lakeview Lanes
- Bowling, food, drinks and awards
- Lecture at the Library — May 31 at Saugatuck-Douglas District Library
- A discussion about how the history of LGBTQ+ teachers shapes the current school battles teachers are facing
- Jazz for Justice — May 31 at All Saints' Episcopal Church
- Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, street party, food and cash bar
- Pride Care-a-Van Parade — June 1 from Saugatuck High School to downtown Douglas
- Pride in the Park — June 1 at Beery Field
- Live music, drag performances, food and drinks, classic cars and more
- Tea Dance — June 2 at The Dunes Resort
- 21+ event
- Pride Champagne Club — June 5 at Ivy House
- Food and champagne tasting.
This is not an exhaustive list. If there's an event you'd like to see included, send us an email at news@13onyourside.com.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.