Pride Month commemorates the impact of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals on history locally, nationally, and internationally. Here are some events happening throughout the month to celebrate.
Friday, May 31
Pride Flag Raising and LIYT Nights & Drag Duels
May 31 from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Veterans Plaza
1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring
LIYT Nights is a free, open-to-the-public event featuring a mix of live entertainment, an artists’ pop-up, an adult beverage garden, STI/health screenings, and health/awareness/education resources. The second half of LIYT Nights is Drag Duels, a Drag lip-sync competition, with the finale taking place during MoCo Pride In The Plaza. Find more information and purchase tickets for Drag Duels.
Saturday, June 1
MCPS Community Pride Day
June 1 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School
4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda
This family-friendly event will include a talent show, games, DJ and dancing, crafts, storytime, food trucks and prizes. There will also be a resource fair and workshops geared toward caregivers and staff. The keynote speaker is artist Hill Werth, former pro athlete and internationally recognized trans non-binary mixed media artist and activist, using their art and voice to spread visibility, awareness and representation to their community. Werth will speak to queer and trans joy, and resilience. Find more information
MoCo Pride Prom “Mad Hatter’s Ball”
June 1 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Center
1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring
High school and community college students (under age 21) and their dates are welcome. A valid ID (school or state) may be requested to verify age. There is plenty of free parking near the Civic Center and a bus stop is nearby. Pride Prom is a not-for-profit event allowing students to proudly attend prom, dress however they are most comfortable, and dance with whomever they choose without fear, as it should be. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance. Find more information and purchase tickets.
Sunday, June 2
Rockville Pride
June 2 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Rockville Town Square
131 Gibbs Street, Rockville
The city of Rockville celebrates the 8th Annual Pride Month with live performances, information booths, HIV testing, arts and crafts and children’s activities. Free, open to all ages. Find more information.
Watch highlights from Rockville Pride 2023.
Thursday, June 6
Pride in the Park: A Comedy Show
June 6 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Brookside Gardens lawn
1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton
Improbable Comedy is showcasing local queer comics. Some of the best LGBTQIA+ performers will make you laugh with their stand-up routines – touching on personal topics of relationships, family, love, and more. The event will begin at 6:00 pm with food and beverages for purchase. The comedy show will start at 7 p.m. on the lawn. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and picnic blankets for viewing. This event is intended for mature audiences ages 17 and up and is not recommended for viewers under 17. Free. Find more information.
Friday, June 7
Social Mixer Olney Theatre Pride Celebration
June 7 at 6 p.m.
Olney Theatre Omi’s Pavilion
2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
Join local councilmembers Dawn Luedtke, Evan Glass, and Artistic Director Jason Loewith for a reception to honor LGBTQ+ artists during Pride Month. Free with a RSVP to attend. Find more information.
Saturday, June 8
We are the Rainbow – The Colors of Pride Storytime
June 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Casey Community Center
810 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg’s “Tasty Books” storytimes series continues with the book “We Are The Rainbow! – The Colors of Pride” by Claire Winslow and illustrated by Riley Samels explores the colors of the flag and what each color represents. The event is recommended for preschool-aged children (ages 2 to 8). Adult supervision required. Tickets are $5 and advanced registration is encouraged. Find more information and purchase tickets.
Sunday, June 9
Takoma Pride Day
June 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Streetery
6929 Laurel Avenue, Takoma Park
Takoma celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a Kids’ Pride Parade and Street Fair on Laurel Avenue. The parade starts at 201 Ethan Allen Avenue at 10 a.m. and ends on Laurel Avenue. The Street Fair includes free face painting, Pride photo board, opportunity to share messages of Pride with chalk on Laurel Avenue, community tables, and food vendors. Drag queen Tara Hoot visits from noon to 2 p.m. Free. Find more information.
Saturday, June 15
Poolesville Pride Fest 2024
June 15 from 4 to 9 p.m.
Locals Farm Market
19929 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville
Poolesville’s first Pride Fest 2024 includes fun, music, art, and food. Sign up for the performing arts talent show and let your light shine bright. Enjoy and support local LGBTQIA+ artists and vendors, dig into some delicious locally sourced food and drink, and meet up with friends and family. End the evening with an all ages DJ dance party. Free to attend. Find more information and reserve a spot.
Friday, June 21
LIYT Nights & Drag Duel
June 21 from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring
LIYT Nights is a free, open-to-the-public event featuring a mix of live entertainment, an artists’ pop-up, an adult beverage garden, STI/health screenings, and health/awareness/education resources. The second half of LIYT Nights is Drag Duels, a Drag lip-sync competition, with the finale taking place during MoCo Pride In The Plaza. Find more information and purchase tickets for Drag Duels.
Saturday, June 22
Pride Family Day at Glen Echo Park
June 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Glen Echo Park Bumper Car Pavilion
7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo
Glen Echo Park in collaboration with Councilmember Evan Glass host the 4th annual Pride Family Park. Celebrate Pride Month with hands-on arts and crafts and temporary tatoos, free carousel rides, live music, rainbow treats, and special backdrop for family photos. Suggested donation of $10 is appreciated. Find more information.
Sunday, June 30
Pride in the Plaza
June 30 from noon to 8 p.m.
Veterans Plaza
1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring
Montgomery County Pride In The Plaza is the perfect place to celebrate Pride Month with a day of spectacular performances, queer-owned businesses, resources for LGBTQIA+ communities, and health/STI screenings and resources. From fierce drag shows to mind-blowing musical acts, this is an event not to miss. Free, registration requested. Find more information and register.