Reminder Publishing file photo
HOLYOKE — With June being Pride Month, the Holyoke Pride Committee announced multiple events to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride, culminating with its biggest event, PrideFest on Saturday, June 21 at Veterans Park.
This year’s PrideFest headliners include the return of Mary Lambert, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter known for her raw, emotional storytelling, and Alyssa Hunter, Puerto Rican drag performer from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14 and All Stars Season 10.
The free event runs from noon to 6 p.m., with live music, food vendors, local artists, community organizations and family-friendly fun.
Pride Month in Holyoke will kick off with a flag-raising ceremony on Monday, June 2 at 5 p.m. at Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St.
Other events in June feature a Buen Provecho Drag Brunch on Saturday, June 7 at 5 p.m., where guests can enjoy delicious cuisine while being dazzled by captivating drag performances that honor rich diversity.
There will be a Youth Pride Prom on Friday, June 13. A night just for LGBTQIA+ youth to celebrate freely and joyfully.
For more information, readers can contact the House of Colors at Enlace de Families.
The next event will be a Rainbow Run on Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m., where participants can hit the ground running, or walking, at Ashley Reservoir in your brightest rainbow gear.
The event will take place at Ashley Reservoir, Westfield Road. Readers can register at holyokepride.com. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Holyoke Pride Committee member and lead organizer for the Rainbow Run Jeffery Anderson-Burgos shared his excitement for the events and increasing turnout over the years.
“The turnout and growth over the last few years has been empowering because it shows that we are a valued part of the Holyoke community. Our message is one of thanks for celebrating diversity with us. That simple act illustrates that we all benefit from standing with each other in solidarity, whether it’s joyous events like our Pride Month festivities or doing the tough and important work on addressing the challenges the LGBTQ+ community, and the communities that intersect with us, continue to face. Pride is not passive. Pride is power,” Anderson-Burgos said.
A Drag Story Hour event will take place on Friday, June 20. Residents are encouraged to bring the family to Holyoke Public Library to experience stories that celebrate acceptance and diversity. The time is to be decided.
Holyoke PrideFest will take place on Saturday, June 21 from noon to 6 p.m. at Veterans Park, 536 Dwight St. The event will include live performances, local food vendors, art and community connections.
There will also be a Pride After Party from 5-11 p.m. to keep the celebration going at Fame Lounge, 386 Dwight St., with music, dancing and unforgettable vibes.
Holyoke Art President and Holyoke Pride Organizing Committee member Jeff Bianchine shared his excitement for the upcoming events in June. He said, “Hosting Pride events in Holyoke means a lot. This city has a deep sense of community, and being able to create spaces where people feel safe, seen, and celebrated is something I’m really proud of. It’s not just about one day or one event, it’s about showing up for each other year-round.”
For the latest updates, event details, or tickets to events, readers can visit holyokepride.org. Vendors and performers can apply on the website, and readers looking to donate, sponsor, or volunteer can do so on the website as well.
