Guide to Celebrate Pride Month in Newport, Rhode Island 🧭
- Myka Richard
- May 30
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
June, AKA Pride Month, is here! Amidst the hostility we face from various sources, connecting with our community is more crucial than ever. As always, a vibrant calendar of events is on the horizon, hosted both by us and by allies we proudly amplify.
Whether you celebrate with a burst of color or with quiet reflection, openly or in private, remember this: we love you, we see you, and we will be here with you long after June ends. We invite you to visit us at our community space located at 42 Spring St, Suite 2, and we encourage you to support the organizations that are tirelessly fighting for our rights at the state level.
This year, we embrace Joy as Resistance, and our events will not only be a fun celebration, but also, spaces for connection, empowerment, and access to vital resources for our community.
Furthermore, these events are fundamental in raising funds that allow us to maintain and strengthen our year-round Pride Center. A safe space where the local LGBTQ+ community can find resources, participate in programs, and feel supported year-round!
There are many ways to be part of this movement: donate, offer your time as a volunteer, or share our message with your networks! We hope to see you soon!
Pop-Up Community Fundraisers:
Mother Pizzeria - Proceeds from the Friend of Dorothy Cocktail will support Newport Pride
Giusto - The Lavender Menace, their limited edition Pride cocktail! For every one sold, they'll donate $1 to Newport Pride
Springline Coffee - When you order their blackberry iced tea this MONTH, they will donate a portion of the proceeds to Newport Pride
Tropical Smoothie Cafe - For every Sunrise Sunset smoothie sold on the 27th, 28th, and 29th, they will be donating $1 to Newport Pride
The Gulf Stream Bar & Grille - A portion of the sales of every Mermaid Mimosa will support Newport Pride
Newport Harbor Island Resort - Thoughtful Tuesdays! Stop by Torpedo Bar & Lounge for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Tuesdays in June (June 3, 17, and 24) & August, and let your server know you’re dining to support Newport Pride. 10% of your check will be donated to Pride!
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Our Main June Pride Events
Monday, June 2nd: Pride Flag Ceremony
We are excited to kick off Pride Month with our Flag Raising Ceremony on June 2nd at City Hall!
🗓️ Event Details:
- On June 2nd, our community flag holders will march from Equality Park to City Hall at 5 PM.
- The event will feature poetry, speeches, and a performance by Quorus, Newport's queer chorus, until 6 PM.
- Newport Pride will also receive a proclamation from the Newport City Mayor declaring June as Pride Month.
- Join us for an afterparty fundraiser at Firm MD (130 Touro St) from 6-7 PM!
Wednesday, June 4th: Queer Connections
Celebrate Pride Month and our queer history of creating and consuming queer literature. We'll have a book swap, create our own pride zines, and enjoy a meal together. We'll have vegan and gluten free pizza options. Bring a book to give away in the swap if you'd like to participate. See you then!
Friday, June 27th: Friday Film Night Fundraisier
Join us for our Friday Film Night in partnership with the Jane Pickens Theater, sponsored by Homes By Connect!
🗓️ Event Details:
- Time: The event will begin at 6:00 PM and continue until 9:00 PM at the Jane Pickens Theater.
- Hosted by Taylor Neptune & Eva Destruction
- Entertainment: We will kick off the evening with a performance by the band Mindnight Honey, followed by a screening of the queer musical, Saturday Church.
- Admission: This event is pay-what-you-can! (Tickets will be available soon!)
Saturday, June 28th: Newport Pride Festival & Parade
The 8th Annual Newport Pride Festival and Parade are back and better than ever! We have an exciting day planned, and events will be held throughout the month to keep the celebration alive. Scroll down to learn more and save the dates for these fun activities!
*Please note that vendor registration for the Pride Festival is now closed. However, there are still opportunities for sponsorship.
The FREE Pride Festival serves as a safe space for all community members to express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination. Join us in celebrating our diversity and making a positive impact in our world!
🗓️ Event Details:
- The Pride Parade and Trolley will kick off from the Great Friends Meeting House at 11:00 AM and return at 12:00 PM.
- The Pride Fest will take place from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Great Friends Meeting House, located at 21 Farewell Street.
- Admission to the Pride Fest is FREE.
- Street parking and paid parking lots are available. We recommend arriving early to find free street parking!
- A variety of food trucks and vendors will be present at the Pride Fest, offering something delicious for every taste.
- Enjoy live music from local artists, drag shows, face and nail painting, as well as games and activities for all ages.
- You can purchase Newport Pride merchandise at the Newport Pride tent in the center of the field!
Fun Fact: The Stonewall Riots
The Stonewall Riots occurred in 1969, specifically on June 28th. This makes it 56 years ago as of June 28th, 2025. The riots began as a response to a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, and are widely considered a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Saturday, June 28th: Pride Afterdark
A nighttime celebration for our 21+ folks to dance the night away.
🗓️ Event Details:
- Time: 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Location: The Parlor on Broadway
- Enjoy DJ sets from DJ Darwin and DJ Alexandra, as well as a performance by soul singer Brenda Delsanta, and drag performances from Haus of Neptune!
- Please note that tickets are required for entry. Get yours while they last! Early Bird tickets are available now!
Other Events in June:
Partnerships
We are excited to partner with Charter Books and the Newport Art Museum for some thrilling Pride Month activities. Be sure to check them out!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I get there, and where do I park?
Did you know the festival is along a major RIPTA bus line from Providence? Take the bus in from out of town! Another great option is the Providence to Newport ferry (you can take your bikes on for free!)
The Great Friends Meeting House is located at 21 Farewell Street in the heart of Newport. Multiple daily-rate private parking options are just down Marlborough Street, and the Visitor's Center parking garage is only .25 miles away.
Where should I eat/drink during or after the fest?
We highly encourage you to stay at the fest the whole time to enjoy resources, vendors, and performers. There will be food trucks, but if you feel eager to explore the area, we recommend visiting the Eat + Drink page from Newport Out's and Discover Newport for more options.
Newport Pride's Mission:
We support and work with the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in the Newport, RI, area. We advocate for equality, more inclusive policies, and safe and welcoming spaces. We provide resources and education to expand community understanding, support diverse LGBTQ+ identities and history, and produce events for people to connect, learn, and celebrate.
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