Pride Month is dedicated to celebrating, uplifting and commemorating the LGBTQ+ community and their history. Pride began in 1969 after the Stonewall Riots, a series of protests against LGBTQ+ discrimination and police harassment. Today, people across the world celebrate Pride through parades, marches, shows and more. Portland, Oregon is no different, with tens of thousands of people participating in various forms of celebration.
Pride Month is typically only during the month of June, when the Stonewall Riots took place. However in recent years, the dates in which Pride occurs in Portland has shifted. Many major Pride events from Pride Northwest, a non-profit organization that produces Portland’s Pride Parade and Festival, are now happening in July.
Pride Northwest made the decision three years ago to move events to July due to scheduling issues. In a blog post from Pride Northwest, it was explained that due to the multiple events that also take place in June, such as the Rose Festival and the Blues Festival, there are limited date options available. In the past, the Pride events fell on the same day as Father’s Day or Juneteenth which is what led to Portland Pride being extended into July.
Pride is not just limited to a single month. Despite the changes affecting certain events, there are still a range of Pride celebrations throughout all the summer months.
The following is a list of five local Pride events in Portland, Oregon that are open to all ages. Whether someone identifies as LGBTQ+ themself, wants to support their LGBTQ+ friends or family, or is an ally, these events have something to offer everyone.
These are just a few of the various upcoming events occurring in and around Portland to celebrate Pride Month.
Portland Pride Waterfront Festival
The Portland Pride Waterfront Festival is a two-day event that takes place the third weekend of July at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This festival features hundreds of LGBTQ+ vendors, businesses and organizations. It’s open from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 19, and 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 20.
Portland Pride Parade
With tens of thousands of people in attendance and hundreds of groups marching each year, the Portland Pride Parade is one Oregon’s largest parades and Pride events. It’s set for Sunday, July 20. The parade begins at the North Park Blocks at 11 a.m. and then travels to the waterfront, ending at theTom McCall Waterfront Park on Naito parkway. The Portland Pride Waterfront Festival is also going on at the same time by the parade’s endpoint, leading people directly from one event to the other.
Pride Night Market
If you don’t want to wait another month to start celebrating, the Pride Night Market is a great option and predecessor to the Waterfront Festival. This event features various vendors, food, music and more. It takes place in downtown Portland from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Hotel Zags Portland, which is near the Keller Auditorium and Portland State University campus.
Portland Pride Run
The Portland Pride Run is a run and walk by the waterfront hosted by the Portland Frontrunners. The run takes place on Saturday, June 14 at 9 a.m. There are two routes participants can pick from: one short loop that is 2.5 miles, and a longer route that is 4.25 miles. Anyone is welcome to participate, though registration is required to receive a medal upon race completion. Both routes go over the Tilikum Bridge, but the longer one also crosses the Steel Bridge. More information and registration is available on Portland Pride Run’s website.
Portland Gay Prides Pageant
Portland Gay Prides Pageant is an annual pageant in which contestants compete to earn the title of Mr/Ms/Miss/Mx Gay Pride. This year, the pageant’s theme is “Candy-land: Taste the Rainbow.” There are three categories contestants are judged on: Theme Look, Formal Wear, and Talent. Taking place at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, the pageant is set for Sunday, June 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Regular tickets are $16 and VIP are $59.75, both of which can be bought through Etix here. More information about this event can be found on Pride Northwest’s website.
Pride is something that people of all ages, sexualities, genders and ethnicities can enjoy. Check out these events to support the LGBTQ+ community and local businesses, as well as enjoy food and entertainment outside on a summer’s day.
