Celebrate Diversity and Equality: Pride Month in Erie, PA
Monday May 22nd, 2023
June marks a significant month for the LGBTQ+ community, where people come together to celebrate, love, acceptance, and diversity. Erie, PA has numerous events lined up in June and throughout the summer for you to rejoice in inclusivity and self-expression. Regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity, everyone is welcome to join in and express their pride. Here are several upcoming events were you can show your support and embrace the spirit of pride in Erie, PA!
Pride Month Events
Sunday, June 11 and Friday, June 16: Debbie Drags a Brush: Enjoy an afternoon or evening of painting and laughter with Erie’s favorite queen and Miss Erie 2022 Debbie during this light-hearted, creative event inside Footlights Theatre Performing Arts Center. Sunday’s show (2 p.m.) is geared for all ages and will feature a colorful resist painting activity. Friday’s show (6 p.m.) features a whirling rainbow painting activity and is appropriate for tweens, teens, and up. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and snacks, however, alcohol is not permitted. Tickets for either show can be reserved here.
Sunday, June 18 – Pride Drag Brunch: Kick off a fabulous Pride weekend with a Pride Drag Brunch at Erie’s only LGBTQ+ dance club, The Zone Dance Club. Hosted by the dynamic duo DJ Tony G and Alysin Wonderland, Pride Brunch features a sensational line-up of performances by Scarlett Fairweather, Misty Michaels Kall, Rebecca Mae, and others! Each admission ticket includes the show plus a brunch buffet. This is a smoke-free, 21-and-over event. The show begins at noon with brunch available during intermission.
Saturday, June 24 – Erie Pride Parade and Pridefest 2023: The 2023 Pride Parade and Pridefest begins with a gathering at 11th and State streets at Noon, followed by the parade step-off to the festival in Perry Square at Noon. The festival includes information and merchant tables, performances by local drag entertainers, food trucks, guest speakers, and musical entertainment centered on the main stage. Free HIV/STI testing will be available in the Adagio Health and Wellness Zone. Pridefest is free, family-friendly, and smoke-free. Pridefest will begin around 1 p.m. upon conclusion of the parade, and will continue until 5 p.m. (Pictured - Photo by Dave Tamulonis, Erie Downtown Partnership)
Sunday, June 25 – Drive Your Pride: Be a part of a Pride-filled drive around beautiful Presque Isle State Park. Decorate your car or vehicle as your personal parade float--flags, streamers, signs, be creative, but make sure you are still able to safely obey the rules of the road. Participants should meet at the parking lot of the Tom Ridge Center at 1 p.m. and will "step off" at 2 p.m. Free event.
Thursday, June 29 - Pride Night with the Erie SeaWolves: Cheer on the Erie SeaWolves as they take on the Akron Rubber Ducks during a special Pride night celebration at UPMC Park! A special section will be reserved for LGBTQIA family, friends, and allies with a portion of ticket sales benefiting the NWPA Pride Alliance. It’s also Two-Buck Thursday night with $2 concession specials. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m. Click here for ticket information.
Celebrate Pride All Summer
Saturday, August 12 – 30th Annual Pride Picnic: Bring your buns to the beach and see what’s cooking during the annual Pride picnic at Presque Isle State Park from 1 to 6 p.m. at Rotary Pavilion, near Beach 7. Hot dogs are provided but please bring a dish to share. No alcohol is permitted in the park. Activities include the annual collection of non-perishable items for the Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA, information tables, free HIV/STI testing, raffles, and the traditional LGBTQ+ family group picture.
Sunday, August 13 - Pride Day at Waldameer Park and Water World: Spend the day with family and friends enjoying unlimited rides and slides at Waldameer Amusement Park, an Erie summertime favorite. Discounted combo tickets are available for $35 per person and include admission to Waldameer and Water World. NWPA Pride Alliance has reserved the Coaster 1 Pavilion for those needing to take a break from the sun or for cooking up something tasty on the grill. Ticket information can be found here.
