(6.17) The main Pride Rhode Island events of interest to locals this weekend are the PrideFest on South Water Street during the day on Saturday, and the Illuminated Night Parade that winds through downtown Providence later that evening.
PrideFest from noon to 7pm combines over 200 businesses, organizations, food trucks, a Kid’s Zone, arts, Youth Pride Center, and a beer, wine, and spirits garden, and live entertainment on two stages. (Page 8 of The Guide for schedule.)
Main Stage: LuLu Locks will honor Ms. Lesbian RI and Mr. Gay RI and live music includes Vulgarrity at 12:10pm, Downtown Boys (a Dose fave!) at 3:20pm, with Jodi Jolt closing the show at 5:50pm.
The Acoustic Stage runs from noon to 4pm at Planet Street.
Illuminated Night Parade, a dazzling display of floats, performing artists, and marching bands, starts at 8:30pm. The route goes from Dorrance ⚣ Washington ⚢ Empire ⚣ Weybosset. Parade ends just past the reviewing stand under the marquee at PPAC. Organizers ask that you remain on the sidewalk as the parade passes. Feel free to sing, dance, clap, and jump around.
People standing on the street are not only a safety hazard but also block the Parade from passing and slow the procession.The Parade route in front of the Providence Biltmore and near the Previewing stand on Empire Street can become very congested. Prime viewing is available all along the parade route and is just as fun. Many of the city streets remain open to traffic during the Parade. . . Do not approach floats or vehicles in the parade. Vehicles are likely to move without notice. If you are not officially registered in the Parade, please do not enter the Parade route.
For tips, guidelines, and directions go here. For Official Pride Guide go here.
Free, PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade, Saturday, June 17