Best Places in the US to Celebrate PRIDE Month on a Boat
You’ve been eagerly anticipating PRIDE Month for weeks – or maybe longer. You’re looking forward to being a part of the gatherings and celebrations that will take place across the country. And because you love being out on a boat, you think traveling to a PRIDE event by water would make a special day even better.
Well, you’re in luck. Several United States waterfront cities have scheduled PRIDE Month events for June 2022. Now, the parades and celebrations may not necessarily occur near the water. However, you can easily dock the boat and hop in a taxi to get to an event.
But how can you cruise to a PRIDE celebration if you don’t have a boat? Boatsetter has you covered: pick the city you’d like to visit and book a convenient boat rental that gets you on the water. Then, let the PRIDE Month festivities begin!
Snapshot of PRIDE Month
Gay PRIDE Month (or simply PRIDE Month) is usually celebrated during June. The first PRIDE Parade was held in New York City on June 28, 1970. Today, this much-appreciated tradition continues, and every year more cities across the globe join in.
Although every PRIDE event has a different focus, they all celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Parades, street festivals, live music, and specialty offerings make each event a memorable experience.
Annapolis, MD PRIDE Parade and Festival: June 4
Boaters know Annapolis as one of the East Coast’s top boating destinations. Boats are docked in every corner of Spa Creek and Back Creek, making it easy to find a boat rental when you need one.
In 2021, Annapolis joined the list of cities hosting PRIDE parades and festivals. The 2022 event, scheduled for Saturday, June 4, will carry the “Many Faces, One Pride” theme. Event organizer Annapolis Pride emphasizes that the event will celebrate Annapolis’ diverse LGBTQ+ community.
The Annapolis PRIDE Parade will kick off at 12 p.m. EDT. Participants will travel down West Street to Amos Garrett Boulevard. Next, marchers will proceed down Calvert Street and then to Clay Street.
Festival hours are 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The festival will take place on West Street between Calvert Street and Church Circle. The nearby People’s Park and adjacent parking lots will also host vendors and events.
Chicago, IL PRIDE Fest: June 18 – 19
Chicago’s two-day PRIDE Fest is part of June’s calendar of LGBTQ+ events. The city’s annual Chicago PRIDE Parade, held on the last Sunday in June, wraps up the month-long celebration of the area’s LGBTQ+ community.
The PRIDE Fest will be held on the weekend before the parade. In 2022, the dates are Saturday-Sunday, June 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This lively street festival will take place on North Halsted St. from Addison to Grace St. The event features live music on three stages, DJs and dancing, food and drink, arts and crafts vendors, and a pet parade. More than 60,000 enthusiastic participants are expected for this landmark gathering.
New York City, NY PRIDE March: June 26 at 12 p. m.
Visiting New York City by boat is quite an adventure. Cruising up the Hudson River past the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline is a thrilling experience. Plus, several city marinas offer convenient dockage for a few hours or longer. And if you’re currently without a boat, it’s easy to snag an area boat rental to explore New York City by water.
On Sunday, June 26, you may wish to park the boat and come ashore to join New York City’s annual PRIDE March. For the 53rd year, this iconic event will take place in support of LGBTQ+ rights.
The 2022 PRIDE March, set for June 26 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. EDT, will begin at 25th Street and 5th Avenue. Next, marchers will travel south on 5th Avenue and then head west on 8th Street. They will cross over 6th Avenue, continue on Christopher Street, and turn north on 7th Avenue.
Finally, marchers will disperse at 16th Street and 7th Avenue in Chelsea.
Maybe staying on the boat is more your style. If so, fly your rainbow flags and enjoy cruising the Hudson River, perhaps in the company of fellow LGBTQ+ boaters. At 3 p.m. on June 26, NYC PRIDE will stream a virtual PRIDE March experience on its Facebook page and YouTube channel.
San Francisco, CA LGBTQ+ PRIDE: June 25-26
After pausing for the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person San Francisco PRIDE events have returned to the city’s Civic Center. This iconic building is just a short car trip from the Bay Bridge.
On Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, the LGBTQ+ community will gather for the 52nd year. This year’s event carries the “Love Will Keep Us Together” theme. The organization’s members wanted to impart a feeling of return and a mutual presence with others.
To wrap up the weekend’s festivities, the memorable San Francisco PRIDE Parade will take place on Sunday, June 26, at 10:30 a.m. Thousands of participants will begin marching along Market Street in downtown San Francisco.
San Francisco area boaters can easily dock their boats for a few hours to enjoy the PRIDE events.
Explore San Francisco Boat Rentals
Maybe you’ll participate in a land-based PRIDE Month event in your favorite city. Perhaps you’ll decide to celebrate PRIDE Month on the water. Either way, you’ll know you’re part of a global gathering with a growing significance.
