June’s arrival marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and spirit. Lots of festivities will be happening around the Ocean State.
We’ve compiled some highlights.
NEWPORT FLAG RAISING
Last June, Newport celebrated the opening of its Pride Center at 42 Spring St., which offers resources for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Sean O’Connor and his husband, Daniel “Dani” Cano Restrepo, opened the center and planned a variety of Pride celebrations this month, starting with a flag raising at Newport City Hall June 4.
Participants will meet at 5 p.m. at Equality Park, then walk to Newport City Hall at 43 Broadway at 5:30 p.m. Details here.
BIG PRIDE FLEA
The second annual Big Pride Flea will take place from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on June 7 at Farm Fresh Market Hall at 10 Sims Ave, in Providence. The Gay Pride Market will feature more than 75 local vendors — including artists, bakers, food trucks, music, and more. Details here.
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BLOCK PARTY
Planeta and the Haus of Glitter are partnering to throw a Pride block party in downtown Providence on June 15: “to take up space in community, be Black + Brown + Queer AF, dance the night away under the stars.” The 18+ event is open to all and begins at 6 p.m. Headline performances include Aja, Honey Andrews, Nielle Taylor, and more. Tickets are $20. Details here.
PRIDEFEST & ILLUMINATED NIGHT PARADE
The 48th annual Rhode Island PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade will come to life on June 15. Festival gates open at noon at District Park (120 Peck St. in Providence), where a variety of local, regional and national acts will entertain all day a the main stage. The parade will kick off at 8 p.m. from District Park, and is viewable from several spots throughout the city, including from Dorrance, Washington, Empire, and Weybosset streets. Details here.
PRIDE ON THE LINKS
Head over to Jamestown on June 24 for a tee-off at the Jamestown Golf Course. The tournament and additional activities will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration includes a swag bag, golf cart, food, and a reception and party. Prizes will be awarded for the “Best Dressed Foursome” and the “Best Decorated Golf Cart.” The deadline to register is June 21. 245 Conanicus Ave. Register here.
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QUEER CRUISE
A 2-hour sunset cruise will depart from 5 Bowen’s Landing in Newport June 28. Organizers say to “get ready to dance & vibe with your host.” All proceeds will directly benefit the Newport Pride Center’s nonprofit initiatives. The cruise begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $59. Details here.
NEWPORT PRIDE
Newport’s 7th Annual Pride Weekend kicks off with a bike parade on June 29 at 11 a.m. in partnership with Bike Newport. The cycling celebration maps 3.5 miles around the City by the Sea, beginning and ending at the Great Friends Meeting House at 21 Farewell St. Sign up here.
After the bike parade, the free Pride Festival will run from noon to 6 p.m. at the Great Friends Meeting House. Enjoy vendors, resources, live music, performers, and food and drink. 21 Farewell St. Details here.
To cap off the night, Newport Pride Afterdark is back. For a “fun-filled evening of queer anthems and performances,” be sure to head to The Parlor at 9 p.m. and stay as late as 1 a.m. Performers will include Newport DJ Aleksandra, Boston DJ Andrea Stamas, rapper Young Kaii, and Drag Performer Ava Unit. Early bird tickets are $25. 200 Broadway. Details here.
CRANSTON BAR CRAWL
To celebrate pride in Cranston, prepare to “color the city” at the Pride Bar Crawl June 29, 5-11 p.m. Attendees 21+ are encouraged to wear colorful outfits and explore the venues at their own pace. Details here.
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TREK PRIDE RIDE
Trek bike shops in Warwick and East Providence will host a casual bike ride from India Point Park in Providence on June 30, 9-11 a.m. Helmets are required, and goodies will be handed out to participants. 201 India St. Details here.
Alexa Coultoff can be reached at alexa.coultoff@globe.com. Follow her @alexacoultoff.