The Ultimate Guide to 2022 US Pride Celebrations

The countdown to 2022 US Pride celebrations has begun! Mark your calendars and get ready for the biggest LGBTG+ event. Pride celebrations are a time to come together and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. During Pride month, there is something for everyone, from parades and protests to parties and concerts.

The 53^rd Pride Months celebrations are set to commence on June 1^st in New York City- the site of the Stonewall Uprising. While San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago are also large metropolitan areas that will have their festivities, plenty of other events are going on across the country. From small-town celebrations to huge city parades, here is your comprehensive guide to US Pride in 2022.

Major City Celebrations

1. New York City

As the origin of the modern-day Pride movement, it is only fitting that New York City hosts some of the world’s largest and most well-known Pride celebrations. The Stonewall Uprising occurred on June 28th, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn- a gay bar in Greenwich Village. The raid sparked a series of protests and riots that lasted for days and is widely considered the beginning of the modern Gay Rights movement.

The main event during Pride Month in NYC is the annual Pride March, which will take place on Sunday, June 26th this year. The march route goes from 36th Street and Fifth Avenue down to Christopher Street– the location of the Stonewall Inn. An estimated two million people attend the march each year, making it one of the largest pride celebrations in the world.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back Pride experience, plenty of other events go on throughout the month. The Dyke March is a parade for lesbian, bisexual, crossdressers, and transgender women that takes place on the Saturday before the main Pride march. There are also numerous parties and events at gay bars and clubs throughout the city.

2. San Francisco

The San Francisco Pride celebrations are some of the oldest in the country, dating back to 1970, when they were first held in response to the Stonewall Uprising. Since then, the celebrations have grown significantly and they now attract over a million people each year.

The main event during Pride Month is the annual Pride Parade, which will take place on Sunday, June 26th. The parade route starts at Market Street and ends at 8th Street, making its way through the city’s iconic Castro District– home to many of its gay bars and clubs.

If you need something to do before or after the parade, there are also numerous events throughout the month. The Pink Saturday party is one of the most popular and takes place on the Saturday night before the parade. There are also several smaller parties and events at gay bars and clubs throughout the city and surrounding towns.

3. Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a long history of pride celebrations, dating back to 1967 when the first-ever “Gay-In” was held at Griffith Park. The event was created to bring together the city’s gay community and has since grown into one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world.

The main event during Pride Month is the annual Pride Parade, which will take place on Sunday, June 26th. The parade route starts at Hollywood Boulevard and ends at Sunset Boulevard, making its way through some of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city.

Before or after the parade, there are also numerous events throughout the month. The LA Pride Festival is one of the most popular and takes place on the weekend of the parade.

4. Chicago

The Chicago Pride celebrations are some of the largest in the Midwest, attracting over a million people each year. The celebrations are held in late June to coincide with the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and feature several events and activities throughout the city.

The main event during Pride Month is the annual Pride Parade, which will take place on Sunday, June 26th. The parade route starts at Montrose Avenue and ends at Diversey Parkway, making its way through the city’s iconic Lakeview neighborhood.

There are also numerous events throughout the month just before or after the parade. The Northalsted Market Days is one of the most popular and takes place on the weekend of the parade.

5. Boston

The Boston Pride celebrations are some of the largest in New England, attracting over a million people each year. The celebrations are held in late June to coincide with the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and feature several events and activities throughout the city.

The main event during Pride Month is the annual Pride Parade, which will take place on Sunday, June 26th. The parade route starts at Copley Square and ends at City Hall Plaza, making its way through the city’s iconic Back Bay neighborhood.

Many events are available before, and after the parade, So you won’t be bored. The Boston Pride Festival is one of the most popular and takes place on the weekend of the parade.

6. Dallas, Texas

The Dallas Pride celebrations are some of the largest in Texas, attracting over a hundred thousand people each year. The celebrations are held in late June to coincide with the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. They feature many events and activities throughout the city.

The main event during Pride Month is the annual Pride Parade, which will take place on Sunday, June 26th. The parade route starts at Oak Lawn Avenue and ends at Reverchon Park, making its way through the city’s iconic Cedar Springs neighborhood.

There are also numerous events available for those who need to stay active before or after the parade. The Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade is one of the most popular and takes place on the weekend of the parade.

7. Seattle, Washington

Here, the party is two-fold: the Seattle Pride Parade runs through downtown on Sunday, June 26th, while the Seattle PrideFest takes over Seattle Center on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26.

PrideFest is a free, all-ages event with stages featuring local and national LGBTQ performers, plus a beer garden, food trucks, and over 200 exhibitors and vendors.

The parade starts at 4th Avenue and Union Street, then winds its way through the streets of downtown before culminating in a rally at Seattle Center. There will be floats, marching bands, and more than 150 contingents representing different organizations along the route.

8. Minneapolis/St. Paul

This year’s Minneapolis Pride celebration will be held from June 24-26, 2022. The main event is the Pride Parade, which will take place on Sunday, June 26th. The parade route starts at 3rd Street and Hennepin Avenue, making its way through the city’s downtown area.

If you’re looking for something to do before or after the parade, many events are taking place throughout the weekend. The Minneapolis Pride Festival is one of the most popular on Saturday and Sunday in Loring Park.

Small City Celebrations

While many Pride celebrations are large and boisterous affairs, several smaller celebrations take place in towns and cities across the country. So, no matter where you are, you can find a Pride celebration to attend. Some of the smaller cities include:

1. Charleston, South Carolina

Here, the Charleston Pride Festival (Sept. 10-11) will feature live music, food trucks, and family-friendly fun along the scenic Ravenel Bridge.

2. Milwaukee

This city’s lakefront will be the setting for Milwaukee PrideFest (June 10-11), a two-day party with live entertainment on four stages, plus a market with over 100 vendors.

3. St. Louis

Pride St. Louis (June 23-25) will include a parade down Market Street, a festival in Soldiers Memorial Park and an LGBTQ film series at the Missouri History Museum.

4. Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico Pride (July 14-16) celebrates diversity with a rodeo, Drag Queen Story Hour, and “Brokeback Mountain” screening under the stars.

5. Grand Rapids, Michigan

This city’s Pride celebration (June 2-4) will include a 5K run/walk, a family picnic, and a drag show on Ah-Nab-Awen Park’s riverfront lawn.

6.  Strawberry Festival in Portland, Maine

This small city’s big celebration (June 10-11) includes live music, a parade, and all the strawberries you can eat.

7. Asbury Park, New Jersey

This Jersey Shore town will host its fifth annual Pride celebration (June 3-4) with a two-day festival featuring live music, food, and family activities.

8. Key West, Florida

Conch Republic Pride (June 4-11) is a week-long celebration that includes a parade, street fair, and Drag Race Extravaganza.

9. New Hope, Pennsylvania

This small town’s Pride celebration (June 10-11) will include a parade, live music, and an LGBTQ film festival.

10. Traverse City, Michigan

This city’s Pride celebration (June 17-18) will include a parade, live music, and a family-friendly picnic.

The clock is ticking to 2022, which can only mean one thing – it’s time to start planning your US Pride celebrations! This year’s festivities will be bigger and better than ever, so mark the date in your calendar and get ready for the party of a lifetime. We can’t wait to see you there!