June is Pride Month, which is celebrated each year in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The uprising is widely credited as a tipping point for the gay liberation movement in the United States.
Now, communities across the country celebrate Pride Month with activities, festivals, parades and other events celebrating LGBTQ+ communities. Here’s how to celebrate Pride Month in Boulder and beyond this year.
Boulder County Pride Week
Attend or volunteer at Boulder County Pride Week, a week-long celebration of LGBTQ+ communities in Boulder County that runs June 6-12. Organized by Out Boulder County, the week of events includes parties, trivia, live music, a video game tournament and tons of other gatherings.
Boulder Pride Festival
Boulder’s beloved pride festival is back and better than ever this year on June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Boulder Bandshell. Enjoy activities, vendors, performances, giveaways and merch at this family-friendly gathering. The last time Out Boulder County hosted an in-person festival in 2019, some 3,000 people showed up, so be sure to get there early to get in on all the fun.
Longmont Pride Festival
Head to downtown Longmont — at 4th Avenue between Main and Emery streets — on June 11 for Longmont Pride Festival from 2-6 p.m.
Outdoors and Proud
Wild Bear Nature Center in Nederland is doing a guided hike for LGBTQ+ folks and allies on June 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Big Queer Beerfest
Hosted by Goldspot Brewing Company and Lady Justice Brewing, this Denver beer festival on June 18 includes more than 30 participating breweries and 20 percent of drink sales will go to queer nonprofits chosen by the b breweries. (Last year, the festival raised more than $6,000 for nonprofits—now that’s something to celebrate. Head to Townhall Collaborative, 525 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, from 12 to 5 p.m. to join in the festivities.
PrideFest
After a two-year hiatus because of COVID, Call to Arms Brewing‘s PrideFest is back in action featuring specialty tapping, live music and a Pride Parade. The brewery, located at 4526 Tennyson St., Denver, will be tapping its official beer for Pride Month, called Narnia of Partya, as well as other beers with cheeky names like You’re Not Gay, I am, a double dry-hopped West Coast IPA. Grab a bite from a food truck from noon to 7 p.m., join in the parade at 2 p.m. and then jam out to live music from the B52s tribute band Hey lady! starting at 4 p.m. The best part: 10% of sales will go to the Transgender Center of the Rockies.
Grab a Drink at DV8 Distillery
DV8 Distillery, Boulder’s best gay bar, is hosting several of the Boulder County Pride Week events. But even if you can’t make it to the events themselves, stop by for a drink and cheers to inclusivity.
