Inaugural Pride Festival Set For Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River will be home to its first Pride Festival this Saturday, June 22, in downtown Toms River.

The event is organized and hosted by Exit 82 Theatre on Robbins Street, and includes a number of activities and events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, which saw members of the LGBTQ community fight back against prejudice in Greenwich Village in June 1969.

There will be a festival on Robbins Street from noon to 5 p.m. that will include games, a scavenger hunt, vendors and food trucks and room to picnic and relax.

In addition, there will be a "Spill The Tea" event with seatings at noon and 4 p.m. at 600 Main Victorian Tea Room. "Fierce hats encouraged," the Exit 82 Theatre listing says. You can make reservations by calling 732-818-7580.

At 1 p.m., the theater at 73 Main Street will host Drag Bingo. "Enjoy a fabulous spin on this classic game! Players vie for a treasure trove of prizes while watching colorful drag entertainment!! Bring along your friends, relatives, your special someone, or just come alone —Anyone can be a winner at this fun-filled affair!" $15 at the door, and day passes are available.

A Family Pride event will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Exit 82 Studio, 34C Main St. "Learn about diversity and inclusion, gather resources, meet new people, and partake in fun crafting and self-expression!"

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. is an open mic show inviting performances by "all singers, songwriters, first-timers, or Musicals on Main regulars!" It's at the Exit 82 Studio Theater.

While many activities along Robbins Street are free and open to the public, guests may purchase tickets to the live performances online and at the door, including a day pass for $20.

Artisans Restaurant, 1171 Hooper Ave., is hosting happy hour from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with food and drink specials.

And the theater is closing out the festival with the Izzy Uncut Drag Show. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased ahead of time. This show is not included in the day pass. "Parental discretion advised," the theater notes.

More information and tickets are available on the Exit 82 Theatre website.

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