Featured Photo by Capital Pride

Best LGBTQ+ Festivals & Events On Rivers To Celebrate Pride Month During June

June marks the kick off of Pride Month, an entire month of events, festivals, and parades dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ+ voices and culture, and the support of LGBTQ+ rights. Pride events are happening all around the US and are a great way to celebrate Pride or show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re seeking places to celebrate Pride this year, there are many cities that hold events throughout the month of June and offer welcoming spaces for everyone. Here are a few of the largest and most well-known pride events along rivers for celebrating Pride Month this year!

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Photo by Capital Pride

Pride Month Festivals: Capital Pride (Washington D.C.)

Best For Variety Of Events
From June 3rd to June 22nd, Capital Pride hosts and presents pride events throughout DC, a city that houses one of the most diverse LGBTQ populations, making it a great location for a trip full of Pride events and entertainment. The events cover a range of interests and allow visitors to celebrate, learn, support, and enjoy Pride. There is a 5k run, a variety of Pride parties including a Latinx Pride party and a Pride womxns party, as well as a Pride night out at the Nationals baseball field and much more. Capital Pride also offers some main events that are held and celebrated each year. The Capital Pride Rooftop Pool Party, RIOT! The Capital Pride Official Opening Party, the parade, and the festival & concert are a few you might not want to miss!
Capital Pride Trip Tips
LQBTQ+ Friendly Lodging: The Dupont Circle Hotel, The Darcy Hotel, Swann House B&B, Can’t Miss Pride Events: Capital Pride Rooftop Pool Party, Pride Festival, Local LGBTQ+ Eateries & Bars: A League of Her Own, Red Bear Brewing, Three Fifty Bakery and Coffee
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Pride Month Festivals: Nashville Pride (Nashville, TN)

Best For Family Friendly Events
Nashville Pride has been strengthening and celebrating the LGBTQIA community since 1988 and continues to do so this year with their pride festivities. The main events will be held on June 25th and 26th, including the Nashville Pride Festival and Parade. There will also be a vendors market, over 250 acts performing on three stages, a kids and family zone, and a youth area, so everyone can enjoy the Pride festivities. But there are events held throughout the whole month of June, like the Bath & Body – Pride Month Kick Off on June 4th, the Pride Pageant on June 12th, and more!
Nashville Pride Trip Tips
LQBTQ+ Friendly Lodging: Hutton Hotel, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Can’t Miss Pride Events: Pride Festival, Local LGBTQ+ Eateries & Bars: Canvas, Suzy Wong’s House of Yum, Pecker’s Bar & Grill
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Photo by Denver Pride

Pride Month Festivals: Denver Pride (Denver, CO)

Best For Overall Inclusivity
Denver is another city that goes all out for Pride and features a two-day festival along with LGBTQIA events all month long. Denver Pride is recognized as one of the top 10 Pride events in the country and typically draws more than 500,000 attendees over a range of two days. The festival, which is held on June 25-26th, kicks off with a Pride 5k followed up with Denver PrideFest Civic Center Park. The fest features over 250 exhibitors, 30 food & beverage vendors, and live performances all weekend. PrideFest attendees can also head to the annual Coors Light PrideFest Parade on Sunday to watch the floats and marchers. Other Pride events in Denver throughout the month include the Queer Capitol Hill Walking Tour, Denver Dyke March, and much more!

Denver Pride Trip Tips
LQBTQ+ Friendly Lodging: The Curtis, Can’t Miss Pride Events: Denver PrideFest, Local LGBTQ+ Eateries & Bars: Hamburger Mary’s Denver, Triangle Denver

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Photo by Mixmike

Pride Month Festivals: Portland Pride (Portland, OR)

Best For Unique Pride Events
Portland is another great city to visit for Pride Month with many unique Pride events on the docket all month long. From educational panels and nights at the museum to family-friendly events, outdoor film experiences, and all out Pride parades and festivities, Portland Pride has something for everyone to enjoy this Pride Month. Starting out in early June, you can check out the 25th All-Ages Show Matinee, Pride at the Museum, and an educational panel called History of Black Drag In Portland: An Evening Of Conversation & Performance. Other popular annual events include the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival, Dyke March, Pride Pics, and the Portland Pride Parade.
Portland Pride Trip Tips
LQBTQ+ Friendly Lodging: Hotel Rose, McMenamins Crystal Hotel, Can’t Miss Pride Events: Portland Pride Waterfront Festival, Portland Pride Paddle, Local LGBTQ+ Eateries & Bars: Escape Bar and Grill, Shine Distillery & Grill

Content Writer and Social Media Coordinator. I paint, listen to music, and play with my dogs a lot. When I’m not doing all that, I love to read and try new things.

Maeve Miller

Writer, River Travel Magazine