June marks a significant month for the LGBTQ+ community, where people come together to celebrate, love, acceptance, and diversity. Erie, PA has numerous events lined up in June and throughout the summer for you to rejoice in inclusivity and self-expression. Regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity, everyone is welcome to join in and express their pride. Here are fantastic ways to show your support and embrace the spirit of pride in Erie, PA!

Show off your pride every day with 2024 NW PA Pride gear! 

Sunday, June 2 – Lola Lecroix presents: “Vain: Pride Edition featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner Raja”. It’s a night of glamour, drag, and celebration with the one and only Raja, season three winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race and hosted by Lola Lecroix. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fierce performances and fabulous music at Erie’s only LGBTQ+ dance club, The Zone Dance Club. Tickets are available here. The event runs from 6 – 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 5 – Pride Happy Hour Cruise: Join Erie drag queen Rebecca Mae aboard the Victorian Princess to celebrate, love, acceptance and Pride. The two-hour cruise departs Dobbins Landing at 5:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy drink specials, light appetizers, DJ music, and of course a fabulous performance featuring Rebecca Mae. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased here.

Sunday June 9 – A Brunch of Drag: Kick off a fabulous Pride weekend with a Pride Drag Brunch at The Zone Dance Club. Hosted by the dynamic duo DJ Tony G and Alysin Wonderland, Pride Brunch features a sensational line-up of performances by Rebecca Mae, Shea D’ Heaux, Misty Michaels Kall and Saint from Dragula. Each admission includes the show plus a brunch buffet. This is a smoke-free, 21-and-over event. Doors open at 11 a.m. with the show beginning at Noon.

Friday, June 21 – Forty Shades of Purple: Spend an unforgettable evening with Compton’s Table at the Erie Art Museum, as they celebrate their founder’s 40^th birthday and the organization’s impactful work in supporting Erie’s queer community and curating safe spaces for queer and gender nonconforming people. Hosted by Erie drag queen, Rebecca Mae, this event promises a night of elegance and entertainment with live local music, a silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar. Attendees are encouraged to wear cocktail attire and consider dressing and accessorizing in the evening’s theme colors of purple, gold, and white. The event takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

Saturday, June 29 – Pride on the Bay: Formerly Erie Pridefest, this year’s celebration takes place in a new location at Liberty Park on Presque Isle Bay. Hosted by Erie’s own DJ Tony G and Rebecca Mae duo, the festival includes information tables, vendors, performances by local drag entertainers, food, guest speakers, and headliner guest Ada Vox from American Idol and Queen of the Universe. Free HIV/STI testing will be available in the Adagio Health “Health and Wellness Zone”. Pride on the Bay is free, family-friendly, and smoke-free. 

Sunday, June 30 – Erie Pride Parade:  Show your pride with colorful clothing, signage, streamers, floats and flags. Be creative and join in supporting Erie’s queer community for an afternoon of love and support during Northwest Pennsylvania Pride Alliance’s annual Erie Pride Parade. At noon, the parade will step off from 11th and State Streets and proceed north to Perry Square.

Saturday, July 14: TransFamily NW PA Summer Picnic. Perry Monument Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park from noon to 5 p.m. Drinks, hotdogs, hamburgers, and vegan options will be provided. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share.

Saturday, August 10 – 31st Annual Pride Picnic: Come gather with your friends and your chosen family for great food, information tables, and the always-popular gift basket raffle during the annual Pride Picnic at Presque Isle State Park. The event takes place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Rotary Pavilion, near Beach 7/Waterworks Beach. Hot dogs are provided, and attendees are asked to bring a dish to share. No alcohol is permitted. Additional activities include the annual collection of non-perishable items for the Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA, free HIV/STI testing, and the traditional LGBTQ+ family group picture.  

Sunday, August 11 - Pride Day at Waldameer Park and Water World: Spend the day with family and friends enjoying unlimited rides and slides at Waldameer Amusement Park, an Erie summertime favorite. Discounted combo tickets are available for $35 per person and include admission to Waldameer and Water World. NWPA Pride Alliance has reserved the Coaster 1 Pavilion for those needing to take a break from the sun or for cooking up something tasty on the grill. Ticket information is coming soon.   

Wednesday – Sunday, November 13-17: The Erie Sisters and Brothers 25^th Anniversary of the Lake Erie Gala. This structured event offers many safe and affirming options for Gala attendees to freely express their authentic selves. Erie Sisters and Brothers is an LGBTQIA+ friendly group mainly consisting of Transgender and CrossDressers. More information will be coming soon!

Queer Open Mic - Every third Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Compton's Table, a sustainable organization where queer youth and young adults find community, are seen, valued, and affirmed. Hosted by Gwen Elaine. All queer performers are welcome!