GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Diversity, inclusion and fun. That is what makes up the annual Grand Rapids Pride Festival.
The excitement kicks off at Calder Plaza on Saturday, June 15. Activities run from noon until 11 p.m.
Tommy Allen, Board President of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, say this year the festival has new safety and security measures to ensure a fun and safe celebration. Organizers have been working with Grand Rapids Police Department to enlist some security at the festival and there will be even more vigilant volunteers keeping an eye out for any suspicious or dangerous activity.
“Pride responds by providing a space where people feel like a homecoming," Allen said. "This is their family. This is where they can feel like they belong. And if people do protests, we’ve seen protests over the years, it’s just part of free speech.”
Allen says people should feel comfortable and safe, “(people shouldn’t go to the festival) because someone may protest against you, it should never be a deterrent to come out and celebrate who you are.”
General admission tickets can be bought ahead of time online here, or at the gate for $8. VIP tickets are available online.
There will be over 100 vendors, LGBTQ artists, local drag queens and three national artists performing.
All proceeds support the Grand Rapids Pride Center. You can learn more about the work the Pride Center does by visiting their website.
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