News Summary
Rhode Island officials have officially launched Pride Month with a proclamation at the State House, highlighting inclusive activities across the state. Governor Dan McKee and Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos endorsed June as Pride Month, lighting up the State House in pride colors. Upcoming events include Pride Fest in Providence, celebrating LGBTQ+ businesses and diverse gatherings throughout the month. Various celebrations across the state promise to unite communities and honor the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions.
Providence, Rhode Island – Rhode Island officials officially kicked off Pride Month on Tuesday with a celebratory proclamation at the Rhode Island State House. Governor Dan McKee and Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos endorsed the significance of June as Pride Month, setting the stage for an array of vibrant and inclusive activities throughout the state. The State House illuminated in pride colors on Tuesday night symbolizes the state’s commitment to honoring the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
In line with these celebrations, Rhode Island is gearing up for the Pride Fest, one of the most anticipated events of the month, scheduled for June 21 in Providence. Pride Fest is set to become a grand gathering featuring over 200 LGBTQ+ and ally-owned businesses. The festivities commence at 11:30 a.m. with a parade that starts at 7:45 p.m. Events will be hosted at District Park, 120 Peck St., with parade viewing available from Dorrance St., Washington St., and Weybosset St.
During June, a variety of Pride events will be hosted across Rhode Island, showcasing a mix of large scale celebrations and smaller community gatherings. For example, the fifth annual South County Pride Festival will occur on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 327 Main St., Wakefield. This event will feature a car parade, vendors, food trucks, live music, a drag story time, and a drag raffle, ensuring festive activity for all age groups.
Newport Pride is also set to host an engaging parade and festival themed “Joy is Resistance” on June 28. The Newport Pride Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. through downtown Newport, followed by a festival from noon to 5 p.m. The festival promises an exciting lineup of live music, local vendors, drag performances, and delectable food options. Later that evening, the Newport Pride After Dark Party will run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., extending the celebratory spirit into the night.
For those in West Warwick, a Pride celebration is planned for June 14 from noon to 4 p.m. This event will include activities such as glitter guest story time, an all-ages fashion show, a dance party, drag bingo, and a clothing swap. Meanwhile, Woonsocket will host its Pridefest on June 8 from noon to 6 p.m., featuring speeches from community leaders, drag performances, food trucks, and a queer artists market.
East Providence will begin its Pride celebration with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall on June 7, followed by a parade and celebration at Weaver Library, gathering local residents to celebrate together. Furthermore, North Kingstown will kick off its Pride Parade on June 1, starting from Wickford Town Dock at 1 p.m. with a subsequent celebration at Wickford Middle School.
Additionally, related events include the Haus of Codec hosting an outdoor marketplace on June 22 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Providence, and the Providence Flea organizing a Big Pride Flea on the same day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 195 District Park, Dyer Street. The town of Westerly will also celebrate with its Pride in the Park on June 7, featuring activities and gelato in Wilcox Park.
For those interested in a later celebration, Queer Block Island will host a series of events from September 12-14, which includes drag performances and a pride march. Overall, this month promises a rich tapestry of activities, uniting communities and celebrating diversity across Rhode Island.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Where to Celebrate Pride in Rhode Island 2025
- Google Search: Rhode Island Pride Month
- ABC6: Gov. McKee Celebrates the Beginning of Pride Month in Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pride Month
- Advocate: Providence Pride 2024
- Google Scholar: LGBTQ Celebrations in Rhode Island
- KSL TV: Anti-LGBTQ in Cache Valley
- Google News: LGBTQ Events Rhode Island
- Providence Journal: Pride Month 2025 in Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBT Rights
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
