June 22, 2024

Calder Plaza

Since 1988, the Grand Rapids Pride Festival has celebrated local LGBTQ+ residents and their contributions to the fabric of our city. Today, it is one of the largest single-day events in the city – bringing LGBTQ+ community members, LGBTQ+ businesses, allies and supportive organizations together for a day of diversity, inclusion, fellowship and fun.  

The theme for the 2024 festival is “Unapologetically Proud,” encouraging community members to come out and celebrate exactly who they are. The event will take place on Calder Plaza from noon to 10pm on June 22. Plan on all-day entertainment – performers will be announced as the date draws closer – plus vendor booths, a food court, beer tent, children and family area, and more.

Celebrants often end the night at The Apartment Lounge, Michigan’s oldest gay bar, or Rumors Night Club, a rollicking dance and drag destination. They’re both within a 10-minute walk of Calder Plaza.

GR Pride is a safe, open and welcoming environment for every member of the 2-SLGBTQ+ to proclaim their personhood, without reservation and without apology. Stay tuned for more details to come – and consider signing up as a sponsor or volunteer today.

The Pride Festival is a fundraiser organized by the Grand Rapids Pride Center, the area’s most comprehensive resource for 2-SLGBTQ+ individuals. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated and go directly to Pride Center programs and services.

The Center and affiliated organizations offer a slate of additional Pride-friendly events and activities throughout June, so check back here in the months and weeks to come. For things to see and do right now, visit our LGBTQIA+ in GR page.

PRIDE Events

Other Area Pride Festivals

Lowell Pride takes place on the banks of the beautiful Flat River in downtown Lowell, about 20 minutes from downtown GR. The day will be full of fun performances, talented vendors, delectable food and incredible community. June 1.

The Muskegon Pride Festival is an all-day, all-ages street party featuring vendors, live music, drag performances, poetry and children’s activities. June 1.

The second annual Grand Haven Pride Festival takes place at Waterfront Stadium on June 8.

The Holland Pride Festival celebrates its 21st year with music and dancing, a family and kids’ area, food trucks, games and more. At Centennial Park June 29.

The Saugatuck-Douglas Care-A-Van Parade and Pride in the Park Festival take place June 1.

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Grand Rapids is home to many locally owned and operated LGBTQIA+ businesses. The city is now a destination to live and work for people of all ages and identities as more inclusive businesses open within walking distance of the urban core. You’ll notice many bars, restaurants, and businesses…

Plan Your Stay

June is a great time to visit Grand Rapids. Why not turn your trip to the Pride Festival into a mini-vacation? Take a look at the wide range of hotels options available. Looking for something cozier? Our Bed and Breakfasts will not disappoint. Do you love the outdoors? Then check out our campgrounds.

History of Grand Rapids Pride Festival

The first Grand Rapids Pride Festival took place on June 19th, 1988. It was organized by a group of local residents who had attended the March on Washington for Lesbian Gay Rights on October 11, 1987. They wanted to bring the sense of pride, security and belonging they experienced in the nation's capital to the LGBTQ community of West Michigan.

That first festival was hosted in the metaphorical heart of Grand Rapids – the Monroe Amphitheater (now Rosa Parks Circle) – a rightful place for a community that contributes so much to the city’s vibrancy and creativity.

The Pride Festival has grown in size and scale over the years and is now held in Calder Plaza, which can accommodate the dazzling lineup of local and national entertainers, 100+ vendors, and thousands of attendees that flock downtown to celebrate diversity and inclusion each year.

Grand Rapids Pride Center

The Pride Festival is a program of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, which empowers the local LBGTQ community through supportive services and awareness. The Pride Festival helps generate funds to further the Center’s invaluable work.