Your 2021 guide to LGBTQ Pride Month celebrations across N.J.
By Tennyson Donyéa | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Tuesday marks the beginning of LGBTQ Pride Month in New Jersey and across the globe. It celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ people and highlights the work advocates and allies continue to do to ensure equality for LGBTQ+ individuals.
We’ve put together a list of events happening here in the Garden State in 2021 to celebrate Pride.
In addition to these events, many cities and towns in New Jersey are hosting Pride flag raising ceremonies. Check your local municipality to find out how your town may be celebrating.
Atlantic County
12th Annual Equality Walk - Garden State Equality’s 12th Annual Equality Walk is slated to kick off in Atlantic City on June 12. This year, the event has already raised more than $30,000 to support the organization. A companion walk is scheduled for June 13 in Montclair. For more information, click here.
Bergen County
Glen Rock Pride in the Park - Glen Rock Pride in the Park will host its fifth annual pride flag raising ceremony at Memorial Park on June 5. The event kicks off at noon and will feature speakers, including community advocates and members of the Trans Affirming Alliance.
Garfield Pride Celebration - Garfield will host its first annual Pride Month Celebration June 5 from 10 a.m. to noon, according to the city’s website.
Leonia Pride - Leonia’s Pride celebration kicks off at Wood Park on June 5. The event will feature speakers and entertainment, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Camden County
Haddon Township Pride - Haddon Township Pride kicks off June 10 with a parade going from Strawbridge Avenue to Crystal Lake Avenue, beginning at 6 p.m. Other events include Love and Learn: A Community Event to Spread Awareness, Share Resources and Celebrate Love, on June 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pride Fest, with art, vendors, music, music and crafts rounds out the weekend on Sunday.
Essex County
Fleet Feet Montclair’s Pride Stride - Montclair’s Pride Stride, is a four-day 5k walk and run event that begins and ends at Montclair Brewery on Walnut Street (where participants can order a free beer). It kicks off June 17 and runs through the 20th. The event is only open to 100 participants at a time, due to COVID-19 restrictions, according to the event website. There are virtual festivities, as well. Funds raised will benefit Out Montclair.
ADVERTISEMENT
Newark LGBTQ Community Center’s Monthly Drag Bingo - The Newark LGBTQ Community Center hosts virtual drag bingo every month. Its Pride Month edition will be held June 30 at 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by Harmonica Sunbeam.
Big Queer Block Party - Hosted by SOMA Justice, the Big Queer Block Party goes down in Maplewood on June 18, at the junction of Maplewood Avenue and Highland Place. Festivities include live belly dancing, drag and vogue performances.
Hudson County
Garden State Rainbow Sports Charity Par 3 Golf Outing - Garden State Rainbow Sports will host its first Charity Par 3 Golf Outing in Jersey City on June 24. It takes place at Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West beginning at 4:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go toward a scholarship fund for LGBTQ+ scholars, according to the event website.
Mercer County
Bayard Rustin Center For Social Justice Virtual Power Hour - The Bayard Rustin Center For Social Justice in Princeton is hosting its Virtual Pride Power Hour on June 12. According to the Facebook event page, the event will be an “extraordinary moment of coming out and letting in.” Attendees are asked to send in a photo that may be featured in the event’s virtual parade. It begins at 7 p.m.
Princeton Community Pride Picnic - The picnic, hosted at the Princeton Family YMCA, will begin at 5 p.m. on June 5. Families are encouraged to bring food and local food trucks will be available. Activities include the creation of a community mural, music and more. Organizers will be collecting clothes to donate to The Closet, a free resource that provides identity-affirming clothing, shoes, toiletries, and self-care items, according to the event website.
Monmouth County
Georgie’s Pride Weekend - A four day Pride event at Georgie’s Bar in Asbury Park kicks off June 3. Georgie’s will host karaoke, a few drag events and a lineup of DJs.
Red Bank Pride in the Park - The Red Bank Department of Parks and Recreation will host its free Pride in the Park event at Riverside Garden Park on June 12. A DJ will be playing tunes from 1 to 4 p.m. There will also be activities for children, according to a Facebook event page.
Pride Cruise at the Atlantic Highlands - Lauren Bodhi Events will partner with GBE Events DJ & Entertainment Company to host a Pride Cruise on June 6 beginning at noon. The event will feature small business vendors and music. Attendees must be 21 and over.
Ocean County
Pride Night at FirstEnergy Park - The Jersey Shore Blueclaws minor league baseball team will host its second Pride Night at its game against the Brooklyn Cyclones on June 4. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 1,500 fans will receive a free baseball cap, according to the team’s website. Players will wear rainbow-themed jerseys.
Toms River Pride - The 3rd Annual Toms River Pride, hosted by Exit82 Theatre, kicks off at 11 a.m. on June 13. It will feature food, performances and shopping in Toms River’s Downtown District.
Sussex County
Sussex County Pride Rally - Sussex County Pride will host a rally on the Newton Green on June 12. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. and will feature drag performances, live music, speeches, LGBTQ+ vendors and voter registration.
Union County
Pride in the Park Scotch Plains - Pride in the Park will happen at the Augustine Village Green on June 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will feature crafts, music and a flag raising. Community support groups will be available.