Whether it’s International Pride Month in June, LGBT History Month in October, or beyond, Pennsylvania and its vibrant LGBTQ+ communities invite you to share your pride and pursue your happiness all year long at these places and events across the commonwealth. From fun-filled parades and festivals to LGBTQ+ community groups and events, Pennsylvania is always celebrating Pride!
1. Northeastern Pennsylvania Rainbow Alliance
Wilkes-Barre
Join NEPA Rainbow Alliance for this year’s first ever pride parade celebration in downtown Wilkes Barre, followed by the annual PrideFest celebrations. Following the parade on Jube 26, attendees can enjoy a front row seat to the NEPA PrideFest Royale Pageant where talent will compete for each title across three categories (Pride attire, On-Stage Q&A, and Talent) to prove they have the excellence to be the face of Pride in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
2. Lancaster Pride
Lancaster
Join the celebration of Lancaster County’s LGBTQ+ and ally communities at Lancaster Pride’s annual festival. The festival will take place at Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster on June 18th and will offer visitors access to see talented musicians, extraordinary drag performers, and shop from more than 150 vendors. Continue the celebrations into the night with an after party at The Village for more performances and VIP meet & greets.
3. Reading Pride
Reading
Residents of Reading can show their pride all with events all throughout the summer, highlighted by the Reading Pride Celebration festival. The festival take will take over a new location this year at Reading’s Jim Dietrich Park and will feature exciting live performances. The atmosphere and diverse crowds are inviting to everyone — but the festival is just the beginning of the fun! Take a look at Reading’s other pride offerings on the organization’s homepage or Facebook, such as LGBTQ+ group meetings and brewery events.
4. Rainbow Rose Center
York
On June 11, the Rainbow Rose Center will host again host York County Pride, supporting the local+ community with an exciting festival that features live performances, strolling performers, a children’s area with games, workshops and activities, retail vendors, informational displays, and a variety of international foods.
5. NW PA Pride Alliance
Erie
Join the NW PA Pride Alliance on June 25th for the Erie Pride Parade and Festival. This year’s celebrations will have info tables and vendors and performances by local drag queens and other performers on the Safe Journey Mainstage. Free HIV/STI testing, and health screenings will be available in the Central Outreach Erie Health and Wellness Zone. For the first time the event will also include a Youth Zone sponsored by the Erie Playhouse. This zone will include inflatable children's rides and a story corner, making it a family friendly event.
6. Pride Picnic at Knoebels Grove
Elysburg
This one-of-a-kind event brings participants to a day of pride celebration and fun at the largest free admission amusement park in America. The 27th annual Pride Picnic at Knoebels Grove brings the LGBTQ+ community together with a free picnic, which has featured speakers, information tables, door prizes, and raffles. Those who come are encouraged to wear a red t-shirt to show that they are “part of the family”! Also, don’t forget to meet up for the “Gay Ride of the Day"!
7. Pride Festival of Central PA
Harrisburg
Join Central PA residents for a historic moment his summer — the 30th annual Pride Festival of Central PA. On June 30th happy travelers will enjoy performances from two musical guests and more than 20 drag performers, as well as the family fun zone, and a variety of food trucks and local vendors.
8. Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
Allentown
Join the Lehigh Valley in making pride an all-year celebration at this year’s Lehigh Valley Pride on August 21. Hosted by the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, the event will grant visitors access to drag performances with famed talent from RuPaul’s Drag Race, engaging activity booths, and more than 125 vendors, including LGBTQ-affirming retailers, nonprofits, faith organizations, social justice organizations, and social service agencies.
9. Pride Franklin County
Chambersburg
For our friends in Franklin County, the local LGBTQ+ and allies community comes together to host various pride events. Many join in the celebration held each year at locations across the county. In the past, the event has incorporated a beer garden for visitors 21 and older, drag performances by local entertainers, a kids’ area, and a food truck corner. Keep an eye out for other events promoting inclusion from the program and its parent organization, the Franklin County Coalition for Progress.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.