11 Pride Month Events Showing LGBTQ+ Support In MoCo

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Rainbow flags, live music, family activities and community booths will return to the county this June as part of a Pride Month season unfolding against a backdrop of sharp political debate across the country.

Pride Month is celebrated each June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, widely viewed as a turning point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, according to the Library of Congress.

What began as a day of remembrance and protest has grown into a month of parades, festivals, concerts, workshops and community gatherings across the country.

From town-specific Pride festivals to drag bingo and lake tours, residents will have a variety of festivities to take part in.

Here are 11 events taking place this month in Montgomery County:

• Drag Bingo
  BlackRock Center for the Arts
  12901 Town Commons Drive
  Germantown
  June 6, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  While the first round of bingo doesn't kick off until 8 p.m., guests are welcome to grab a drink during the initial cocktail hour that will include a silent auction.

• Rockville Pride Festival
  131 Gibbs St.
  Rockville
  June 7, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  The free event, open to all ages, returns to the Rockville Town Square, featuring a mix of community engagement and activities celebrating inclusion and diversity.

• Takoma Pride Parade
  201 Ethan Allen Ave.
  Takoma Park
  June 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Onlookers can enjoy the sights of the parade by lining up along Carroll Avenue, between Philadelphia and Laurel avenues. A festival on Laurel Avenue will feature a mix of support organizations, craft booths, food vendors, and selfie stations, among other offerings.
• Pride at Black Hill: Lake Tour by Kayak
  Black Hill Discovery Center
  20926 Lake Ridge Drive
  Boyds
  June 11, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  At $30, the Discovery Center will be offering residents a leisurely kayak tour of Little Seneca Lake for those aged 18 and over.
• Pride Family Day at Glen Echo Park
  7300 MacArthur Blvd.
  Glen Echo
  June 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  The 6th annual event will offer hands-on crafts, carousel rides, and family photo opportunities.
• Reading Q&A with author N.N Nicky
  MoCo Pride Center
  4805 Edgemoor Lane
  Bethesda
  June 13, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  The special event will see author N.N. Nicky do a reading and participate in a discussion for his new LGBTQ+ short story collection, "That Missing Piece."
• Poolesville Pride Fest
  Locals Farm Market
  19929 Fisher Ave.
  Poolesville
  June 13, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  Attendees will get the chance to enjoy goods from craft and food vendors, as well as live performances from drag headliner Trixy Valentine and all-day DJ sets from House Music Happy Hour.
• Drag Bingo: Pride
  Hammer & Stain Rockville
  107b Gibbs St.
  Rockville
  June 20, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  Entry for Drag Bingo costs just $25, which covers the cost of a drink and puts participants in play for winning the grand prize of $75 credit at the Hammer & Stain.
• Open Hearts Open Mic
  4805 Edgemoor Lane
  Bethesda
  June 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  The Trans Celebration and Planning Committee is joining with the MoCo Pride Center for the first open mic night. Participants will have five minutes to take the stage, depending on the number of performers.
• Pride in the Plaza
  1 Veterans Place
  Silver Spring
  June 28, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  With Pride Month drawing to a close, community organizers will host local artists, multiple pop-up tables, and free HIV testing for residents.
• LGBTQ Community Happy Hour
  Corella Cafe & Lounge
  4646 Montgomery Ave.
  Bethesda
  June 28, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Pride events are being held around the country in June. Some of the major festivals include:

• Boston Pride for the People on June 6 featuring a parade, festival and related events.
• Philly Pride 365 “Pride is Power” March & Festival on June 7 in Philadelphia, featuring a march and festival.
• The 56th annual LA Pride Parade on June 14 in Los Angeles, starting on Hollywood Boulevard at 11 a.m.
• Capital Pride from June 12-21 in Washington, D.C., an annual celebration that ends with the Pride Parade and Festival weekend.
• Chicago Pride Fest on June 20-21 and the Chicago Pride Parade on June 28.
• The 56th Annual San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration on June 27–28.

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