It’s no secret that 2020 was a tough year for large-scale events, with many forced to reschedule, restructure, or cancel entirely. The annual Portland Pride Festival — the Northwest’s premier celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture — was no different.
Thankfully, you just can’t keep a good movement down. So Pride is back on for 2021. The hybrid of in-person and virtual events is still decidedly COVID-conscious, but no less jubilant for it. And although the traditional waterfront festival is still on-hold for the sake of safety, the schedule is still chock-full of great ways to experience the fun.
Take a look at some of the key events of the festival below and make your plans to celebrate Portland Pride!
Portland Pride Parade — June 20
Portland’s annual Pride parade is always a true feast for the senses, with themed floats, esteemed dignitaries, celebrity cameos, music, and much more. Due to ongoing COVID concerns, this year’s parade will be virtual, but no less magical for it. If you’d like to be a part of it, you’re encouraged to register for the virtual stream below and take it all in from the comfort of your home.
Location: Online
Diva Drag Brunch — June 27
The best drag performers from the metro (and even some special guests from further afield) will be taking the stage at this year’s drag brunch. Join the all-star cast for live music, acrobatics, burlesque performances, and all the diva-ness that’s fit to drag. This is a 21+ event, and tickets range from $40-$120.
Location: Bit House Collective, 727 Southeast Grand Avenue Portland, OR 97214
Pride Vaccines Against COVID-19 — June 19 – 20
Inoculation against COVID-19 is crucial for stopping the spread of the virus. If you’re still awaiting your dose of this lifesaving immunization, Pride has your back. Join us at Cascadia Behavioral Health, where a certified medical staff will be offering free-of-charge shots on site for all eligible persons.
Location: Cascadia Behavioral Health, 847 NE 19th Ave., Portland, OR 97232
Pride Virtual Mainstage — June 20
Live music has always been a huge part of this movement, and it’s set to come roaring back soon. In the interim, you’re encouraged to support some amazing LGBTQIA+ artists at the Pride Virtual Mainstage. The official Pride Northwest YouTube channel will be streaming performances from the Portland Lesbian Choir, the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, the Portland Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, our Pride Ambassador Roulette Delgato, and many more.
Location: Online
Pride Pics Film Festival — June 16 – 17
Join Pride Northwest for Pride Pics. This outdoor and safely-distanced two-day event will be screening some of the year’s best queer-aligned films on a huge outdoor screen, drive-in style. Furnished seating pods offer safety, and food and beverages will also be available. Twelve films are on the schedule in total, including shorts, documentaries, and fictional narratives, many with local roots.
Location: Zidell Yards, 3121 S Moody Ave, Portland, OR 97239
Resonance Ensemble: We Hold Your Names Sacred — June 19
Portland Pride is honored to host the world premiere of this vital new work. Award-winning composer Mari Ésabel Valverde and playwright Dane Figueroa Edidi have collaborated on this performance, which honors the incredible sacrifices made by trans women of color. In addition to the presentation, there will be a panel discussion with the show’s creators, as well as local LGBTQIA+ community leaders.
Location: Online
Portland Gay Men’s Chorus: Chasing Rainbows — June 18
The world-renowned PGMC will be offering their newest show, “Chasing Rainbows,” during this effervescent online event. It’s a curated arrangement of timeless Pride anthems from all eras of the movement, with a common theme of supporting love and acceptance. Tickets are “pay what you can,” and the show will be streamed online for the sake of safety and convenience.
Location: Online
Planning to head to Portland Pride? We’ve got just the spot for you to relax and stretch out between events. Take a look at our Special Offers Page, and find a travel package that’s right for you. See you at Pride!