By Braeden Pelton
West Michigan has been hosting pride events for decades. Pride is such an integral part of the community; it serves as a reminder of everything queer predecessors have accomplished for humanity, and a reminder of how far we have left to go. And no, you don’t have to be queer to show up, if you’re an ally, the community would love to see you support and celebrate them.
There are so many local pride celebrations to choose from. The majority of them are compiled below, with links to all of their event sites for additional information.
After a strong first year, Lowell Pride is back for another swing. The events will kick off at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday June 4. Fun activities are planned for hours, with a kids corner, more than 70 vendors, panels, a fashion show, and more. Festivities will go on until 10 p.m. at 110 Riverwalk Plaza, 49331. Get tickets for free on eventbrite or allevents.in.
If you want to dip by multiple pride events in one day, Muskegon Pride is also on June 4. From 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., the public is invited to come in for free at Unruly Brewing. An after party will be held at the same location for a fee of $15 from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Also on June 4 is an all ages pride run at 3751 104th Ave, in Zeeland. Start times range from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Tickets for kids under 3 years old are free and it’s $45 for normal registration.
Grand Rapids Pride is back this year with the appropriately themed “Pride 2022 Together Again” on Saturday June 18. Starting at 11 a.m. The Grand Rapids Pride Center is hosting its first annual in-person Pride celebration at Calder Plaza since the start of pandemic. Entry is free for everyone, with items available for purchase from vendors and food trucks inside. Live performances will feature drag queens, music, and more events still being planned. Unlike most years, there is currently no parade scheduled prior to the main event. For additional details, visit the event page on Facebook.
Drag events are a smaller option if large festivals aren’t your thing. The event will be held at Harmony Hall Saturday June 25 at 9 p.m. Beauty Beyond Drag is in charge of the event. They will be bringing in 6 queens to perform for the night. Tickets are $15 and a portion of the proceeds will be going to the Grand Rapids Pride Center.
Holland Pride 2022: Stronger Together
Starting at noon on Saturday June 25, the organization Free Mom Hugs will be hosting Holland’s 2022 pride event. It will be taking place at Centennial Park from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, visit their Facebook page.
