Seattle Celebrates 50 Years of Pride with Art, Parties, and a Massive Parade
Photo courtesy of Seattle Pride

Seattle’s Pride Month kicks off in a big way this year, celebrating 50 years of LGBTQIA+ history in the city. Events range from free, all-ages gatherings to dazzling drag shows and the iconic Seattle Pride Parade.

Here are just a few events you may want to consider hitting up.

Pioneer Square Art Walk 

The festivities begin tonight, June 6th, at the Pioneer Square Art Walk at RailSpur with a special exhibit titled “Pride in Seattle: 50th Anniversary Art Exhibit.” Curated by Seattle Pride’s youth interns, the exhibit showcases the talents and creativity of the city’s LGBTQ+ youth. This event is free and open to all ages.

Pride Across the City

Pride celebrations continue throughout June. On June 23rd, head to Dock & Drink in Renton for a free Pride party. Enjoy music by DJ Henry along with some some Pride drink specials (a portion of the proceeds support Lambert House) and swag, all from the comfort of your floatie as you dangle your toes in Lake Washington.

The Astra Hotel hosts its annual Drag Ball on June 29th. Witness performances by eight queens vying for the title of “Miss ALTITUDE.” This ticketed event benefits both Life Long, a local LGBTQ+ support organization, and the crowned queen. Miss Gay United States at Large and Sable Jones St. James will be your gracious hosts, while  DJ Jerry Wang & DJ Henski will be on the 1s and 2s.

Looking for a luxe place to lay your head near the heart of the festivities? The Lotte Hotel is offering a special “Lotte Love For All” package during the month of June where guests booking this package receive a $50 dining credit. Perhaps a Pride-themed cocktail in the hotel’s lounge tickle’s your fancy. The “Year 50 Cocktail,” a special creation for the anniversary, features Empress gin, crème de violet, falernum, bubbles from Trevari Cellars, Lotte rose, and lemon juice. Not only a delicious choice, but $2 of each of these special Pride cocktails purchased will be donated to Seattle Pride Organization.

Cheers to 50 Years

Raise a pint (or two) at Elysian Brewing in Capitol Hill. Located in the longtime center for the city’s LGBTQ+ community, Elysian Brewing celebrates community on June 29th and 30th with their Pride Beer Garden Oasis. DJs, food, and drinks (of course) will all be on tap. You can even permanently mark the occasion with a free tattoo. The brewery’s first non-alcoholic beverage, Odd Water, will also be available for free. Always in support of community, this year Elysian Brewing will be making a donation to PFLAG Seattle.   

The Grand Finale: Seattle Pride Parade

The 50th anniversary celebration culminates with the massive Seattle Pride Parade on June 30th. This Pride Parade (the largest in the state) attracts over 300,000 attendees and features over 250 participating groups. Local and national LGBTQ+ organizations, nonprofits, and companies come together in a display of community pride. WNBA legends Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe will serve as grand marshals, adding a special touch to this historic event.

Official Seattle Pride Parade Drag Brunch & Viewing Party

Seattle Pride rolls out its official Drag Brunch & Viewing Party. This ticketed event offers a front-row seat to the parade from the rooftop of Hilton Motif Seattle’s Frolik Kitchen. Enjoy a brunch buffet, drag performances by some of the area’s best (Amora Namor, Brandi Marx, Bruno Baewatch, Dion Dior Black, Kara Sutra, Kylie Mooncakes, and Viper Fengz) while DJ Wes Wunder spins the classic anthems to help you celebrate 50 years of Pride in style.

These are just a few events happening this month in celebration of Pride. Check out more LGBTQIA+ events happening in and around Seattle and make this 50th anniversary celebration one to remember.