June is Pride month and that means I'm getting ready for Pride festivals! So far this year, I've signed up for three in June. Here's a little bit about each of the festivals and what you can expect.
Burien Pride - Saturday, June 3: While I'm still waiting for the official word that my application has been processed, one of the organizers was sweet enough to reach out and invite me personally to have a booth at this brand new festival. It means a lot that I'm visible enough in the community that a festival reached out to me, and I'm excited to help the City of Burien celebrate its very first Pride. The festival is being held at Burien Town Square Park. It's free, but any and all proceeds are being donated to Burien C.A.R.E.S., a local nonprofit animal shelter, and Camp Ten Trees, a nonprofit summer camp LGBTQ youth and youth of LGBTQ families. Hours: 10am-10pm.
Pride Northwest - Portland - Saturday & Sunday June 17-18: I'm looking forward to my third appearance at Portland Oregon's Pride festival. This Festival is in the beautiful, grassy, tree-lined McCall Waterfront Park. It's well attended by families and young folks as well as adults, and there is plenty to see and do for everyone. A large stage with performances dominates the center of the park, while just outside it on Saturday, attendees can stop by the regular farmer's market. The Portland Pride Parade ends at the Festival on Sunday, after stepping off from W. Burnside & NW Park Ave at 11am. Cost: $7, Hours: Saturday 12-8pm, Sunday 11:30am-6pm.
Seattle PrideFest - Saturday & Sunday June 24-25: Once again this year, I will have booths at both PrideFest Captiol Hill on Saturday and the main Seattle PrideFest at Seattle Center on Sunday. I have not received my booth locations just yet and will keep you posted when I do. The Saturday event has two components - a youth and family pride event at the park, and a more adult street fair and festival on the street and in the parking lot next to the light rail station. It's a fun, community festival occasion that is less crowded and more accessible for folks who want to avoid the rush and busyness of the Sunday event. The main Seattle PrideFest event on Sunday occurs both during and after the Seattle Pride Parade. The Parade begins on 4th & Union at 11am and dead ends into the Seattle Center area, so if you're marching you can stop by, or if you're spectating you can catch some of the parade action near the Center before heading into the Festival. In recent years they have done a better job of crowd control and keeping traffic flowing between the various stages and areas of the Festival, but still be prepared for large crowds and congestion. Be sure to hydrate and eat and make space for yourself if you need to! Bring a swimsuit if you feel like playing in the fun International Fountain water spray. Don't forget your sunscreen! Both events are free admission. Hours: TBD
BONUS: On June 11, cities around the country will be marching in solidarity with the Equality March for Unity & Pride in DC. If you're in the Seattle area, there are two options for participating, one that will stay on Capitol Hill and the other, (organized by Seattle PrideFest) which will start on the Hill and march to Seattle Center. I will be participating in the latter and most likely have a limited supply of flags and shirts with me for those who are interested.