Pride Month is underway, and Philadelphia is kicking off the celebration with a weekend full of events honoring LGBTQ+ history, visibility and community.
Pride celebrations begin Friday morning as Main Street Manayunk welcomes back Philly Pride 365's "Pride Across the City" initiative for a third consecutive year.
At 11 a.m., volunteers, community leaders, business owners, allies and supporters will help carry an iconic 1,000-foot Pride flag down Main Street, stretching from Levering Avenue to Cotton Street. The colorful procession symbolizes visibility, inclusion and unity while bringing together residents from across the city.
At noon on Friday, the City of Philadelphia and the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs will host the city's annual Pride Flag Raising at City Hall.
This year's theme, "Raising Our Pride, Honoring Our Legacy, Building Our Future," recognizes the activists and advocates who fought for LGBTQ+ rights while looking ahead to a more equitable future.
Community members, elected officials, advocates and allies are invited to gather at City Hall as the Pride flag is raised over one of Philadelphia's most recognizable landmarks. The ceremony serves as an official kickoff to Pride Month and highlights the resilience and strength of the city's LGBTQ+ community.
The celebration continues Friday night along the Delaware River with Pride on the Pier at Liberty Point.
Hosted by Jason Bowman, Sazon Philly, Philly Black Pride and Sway Philly, the 21-and-over event has become one of the largest Pride kickoff parties in the city. Running from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., the event will feature three stages, eight DJs, live performances and multiple bars spread throughout the waterfront venue.
Organizers say the event is welcoming the entire LGBTQ+ community and its allies. More than 1,500 attendees are expected for an evening of music, dancing and celebration overlooking the Philadelphia skyline. This event requires tickets ($23 to $29).
On Saturday, the focus shifts to Fishtown as Evil Genius Beer Company and the Fishtown District host the annual Fishtown Pride Block Party.
Taking place from noon to 6 p.m. along the 1700 block of North Front Street, the free event will feature LGBTQ+-owned vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and craft beer.
One of the highlights is the release of #LoveisLove, Evil Genius' limited-edition Strawberry Blonde Ale brewed specifically for Pride Month. A portion of proceeds from every pint sold will benefit The Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.
Visitors can browse offerings from local artists and makers, enjoy glitter art, sample food from the 4 Roosters Food Truck and listen to music from a live DJ. The festivities will continue into the evening with a free performance by Tell All Your Friends, a Philadelphia-based emo and alternative cover band.
MORE: Your guide to Philly Pride Month: Events, dates, and must-see celebrations
