The Boston Pride Parade Is Back After a 3-Year Hiatus
An ultimate guide to pride celebrations and parties in Boston this June.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Pride Month! In celebration of all of Boston’s exciting happenings, we’ve rounded up the best of the best, can't-miss Pride activities on deck in 2023. Along with block parties, Ru Paul’s Drag Race trivia, and mechanical bull riding, we’ve also got intel on the return of Boston’s Pride Parade and Festival for the first time since 2019—all thanks to the newly established, volunteer-led organization, Boston Pride For The People.
After you’ve thrown a few back at the best gay bars in town, here’s our ultimate guide to celebrating Pride in Boston throughout June and all-year round.
Every Friday
Theater District
Celebrating the intersection of queerness and people of color, Legacy’s Bussdown Fridays is known as the city’s number one QTPOC night. Happening not only in June, but throughout the year, the series is brought to you by Men of Melanin Magic, a local organization that works to bring together queer people of color and their allies. And if you’re already a fan of the weekly event, check out Men of Melanin Magic’s Instagram for the latest activities and exciting parties from the upcoming Frolic Weekend in Provincetown to the many fabulous brunches with Drag Tease.
Cost: $10 cover
Tuesday, June 6, 6 pm–8 pm
Downtown
Think you’ve got what it takes to dominate a RuPaul’s Drag Race-themed trivia night? If you’re up for the challenge, head to Sam Adams Boston Taproom on Tuesday, June 6, from 6 pm to 8 pm for the ultimate Drag Race test hosted by Geeks Who Drink. There will also be some specialty brews on tap including their Pride Brew and Love Conquers Ale.
Cost: Free, reserve a spot online
Friday, June 9, 5:30 pm and 8 pm
Prudential Center
Join Summer Shack, acclaimed chef Jasper White’s take on a traditional New England Clam Shack, for the restaurant’s Lady Gaga Pride Drag Dinner. Performers include Neon Calypso (host), Mercedes Iman Diamond, Onya Deek, and Kori King along with Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Whitney Rose.
Cost: $20 per ticket
Friday, June 9, 7 pm–12 am
Boston Common
Brought to you by LesbianNightLife, head up to the ROOFTOP @ Revere Hotel for body painting, crafty cocktails, and the main event, a silent disco. With three DJs battling it out, jump between channels from hip hop, top 40, house, latin, or old school remixes.
Cost: $25 per ticket
Saturday, June 10, 11 am–6 pm
For the first time since 2019, Boston’s Pride Parade and Festival are back in-person after the new volunteer-led organization Boston Pride For The People came together to completely relaunch the events. As part of the celebrations, the parade kicks off at 11 am at Boylston Street and ends at Beacon and Park Street. Then from 12 pm to 6 pm, parade turned festival goers can enjoy the Festival on the Boston Common, with live entertainment from headliner Madison Rose along with the Festival on City Hall Plaza (21+) for DJs, dancing, food trucks, drinks, and more.
Cost: Free
Saturday, June 10, 3 pm–7 pm
Theater District
What’s more entertaining (and humbling) than watching someone attempt to ride a mechanical bull? Join Nash Bar & Stage, the Southern-inspired, two-story bar and restaurant, for their Slay All Day Daisy Dukes Mechanical Bull Ride Party kicking off at 3 pm. Along with cocktails, the event will swag giveaways, live music, and prizes for the longest rider. Saddle up, ya’ll!
Cost: $12 per ticket
Saturday, June 10, 7:30 pm
Allston-Brighton
Gay Bash’d is a Pride party you don’t want to miss. Happening at Roadrunner, New England's largest indoor general admission venue from The Bowery Presents, this drag and music festival includes an iconic lineup featuring music from Baby Tate, Cobrah and performances by Detox (host of the event), Sigourney Beaver, Griffin Maxwell Brooks, Violencia, and so many more.
Cost: $20 to $35 per ticket
Saturday, June 10, 10 pm–2 am
Bay Village
Join Citrus & Salt, chef Jason Santos’ Baja-inspired Mexican eatery for their Love Out Loud Late Night Pride Fiesta. From 10 pm to 2 am, expect specialty tequila Pride cocktails, swag giveaways, and a DJ going all night long—not to mention some gorgeous decor lighting up the celebration.
Cost: $20 per ticket
Sunday, June 11, 2 pm–9 pm
Back Bay
Block parties are a summer staple, and on this Sunday, get ready to party at Back Bay/Stuart Street’s Block Party. Happening on St. James Ave, rain or shine, expect DJs, house music, dancing, a beer garden, food trucks, and performances by Haus Of Snap. To keep an eye out for the latest details, visit www.gaynightly.com.
Cost:$20 per ticket
Wednesday, June 14, 7 pm–8:15 pm
Everett
Looking for something low key? Night Shift Brewing in Everett is hosting a comedy night featuring comics including Amy Tee, Brieana Woodward, Cam O, and Tyler Durniak. Each ticket gets you some good laughs and good beer (at least your first round). What’s more, proceeds go toward supporting Boston Proud and their initiatives/overall mission to celebrate the victories achieved in the battle for LGBTQ+ rights and to acknowledge the lack of equity that continues to exist in the local community.
Cost:$25 per ticket
Friday, June 16, 8 pm
Saturday, June 17, 8pm
Sunday, June 18, 3pm
Fenway/Kenmore
In case you’re tired of hearing your crew belt out some of the most famous ballads of our lifetime, why not leave it to the professionals (from time to time, at least)? Over the course of three days, enjoy hits by Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, and more, performed by the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus for their Whitney & Friends Night at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall.
Cost: Tickets start at $30
Sunday, June 18, 11 am
Fenway
Brought to you by our friends at Men of Melanin Magic, nurse your hangover with their Latinx Pride Brunch hosted at Game On! in Fenway. Outside of a much needed carb-loaded plate, you’ll be on your way to getting your groove back with entertainment from the gorgeous Lilly Rose Valore, Zon Legacy Phoenix, Doriann Blonch, Kori King, and Gia Dwitshes.
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Saturday, June 24 from 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
Spectacle Island
For an evening that entails off the beaten path fun and games, head to Spectacle Island on Saturday, June 24 for Spectacle Summer Nights: Pride in the Park. Activities include lawn games, drag performances, a beer garden brought to you by Night Shift Brewing, s’mores on the beach, and more. Just make sure you arrive at Long Wharf North on time – the ferry leaves promptly at 4:30pm and makes the return trip back to Boston around 8pm.
Cost:$38 per general admission ticket