By Oliver Clarke May 29th-June 3rd was LGBTQ Pride Week in Buffalo! This year, organizers of the six events expect around 30,000 attendees across the week. Last year, the Pride Festival alone drew 15,000+ visitors. Pride Week kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, May 29th. Mayor By...
By Oliver Clarke
May 29th-June 3rd was LGBTQ Pride Week in Buffalo! This year, organizers of the six events expect around 30,000 attendees across the week. Last year, the Pride Festival alone drew 15,000+ visitors.
Pride Week kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, May 29th. Mayor Byron Brown and other city officials joined the Pride Center of Western New York and the Stonewall Democrats of WNY in Niagara Square in front of City Hall to raise the rainbow flag. The flag is a rallying call to invite the whole city to join in advocacy, awareness, and celebration of diversity.
On Wednesday, May 30th, the 2018 Gay 5K run starts at 7pm. There are 25 prizes to be given out; in addition to the free swag and snacks each participant receives at the after-party in Larkin Square. There will be music and drag performances, as well!
For those who love networking, Out For Business was Thursday, May 31st from 5-7:30pm at the Curtiss Hotel. There will be food, drinks, raffles, music from DJ Ben Hirsch, and of course, friends to be made. The first 50 to arrive get a free drink!
This year’s Dyke+ March was on Saturday, June 2nd, and lineup begins at 1:00pm; step-off is at 2pm, and the march itself extends from the Unitarian Universalist Church to Bidwell Park, where there will be food trucks, performers, and activities for children. Later on, at 7pm is Dyke+ Tonight at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
Last, but certainly not least was June 3rd, where the Pride Parade and the Pride Festival close Buffalo’s Pride Week. The Pride Parade step-off is at noon, at Elmwood Avenue and Forest Avenue, and it extends to Elmwood Avenue and Allen Street. Registration is free and open to the public, so sign up now! This year’s theme is Icons and Heroes, so enjoy dressing up however you interpret the theme: local legends, international queer icons, or even your favorite superheroes. Over 100 organizations will be joining in. Pride Festival is 1-7pm at Canalside. Tickets are $10 for those over 15 years of age; 15 years and younger get in free. This festival is the main event of Pride Week, featuring live entertainment, vendors, community organizations, and family activities. Don’t miss out!
The fun doesn’t have to end on June 3rd, either. Check out the Pride Center of Western New York and other local LGBTQ+ organizations to find out about more events throughout the month of June and beyond!