Grand Rapids Pride Festival Brings Unity and Joy

Grand Rapids Celebrates Pride Festival Amidst Scorching Temperatures

Grand Rapids, MI – The 2025 Pride Festival took place on June 21 and 22, drawing thousands of attendees despite sweltering heat. As the 37th annual celebration, the event attracted community members and allies to downtown Grand Rapids, with the hopes of reaching 50,000 visitors this year.

Running from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, the festival featured an exciting lineup of activities at Calder Plaza and along Ottawa Avenue, spanning from Michigan Street to Pearl Street. Highlights included music, drag performances, a beer tent, and over 150 vendors offering an array of products, from jewelry to T-shirts, alongside mental health support services.

Although initially delayed and opening at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, the festival kicked off with traditional music performed by the Indigenous group Southern Strait. Following the performance, the festival was opened by drag performer DeeDee Chaunte, who enthralled the audience with a rendition of “I’m Every Woman.” The entertainment schedule featured a variety of performers, including Darius Colquitt with Black Art Matters (BAM) Talent and DJ ClubKid, ensuring ample entertainment throughout the event.

Last year’s festival attracted between 30,000 to 35,000 attendees, prompting organizers to expand the festival to two days in response to positive community feedback. This year’s event aimed to enhance the festival’s experience, with more activities designed for individuals of all ages and a focus on promoting acceptance and visibility within the community.

The day’s extreme temperatures resulted in heat indexes expected to soar into the hundreds. Many festival-goers sought relief under umbrellas and with fans. In spite of the heat, the energy and enthusiasm resonated throughout the festival grounds, with attendees expressing their excitement for the event. One participant noted that this year’s celebration felt more vibrant compared to previous events attended in Iowa.

In addition to the festivities, the Grand Rapids Pride Center implemented various provisions to ensure inclusivity for all attendees. Sensory spaces and mental health support services were available to assist those in need. The event organizers expressed their commitment to making Pride a safe space where individuals from all backgrounds are recognized and welcomed.

While the festival welcomed a spirit of celebration, organizers noted the presence of counter-protesters and urged participants to refrain from engaging with them to minimize disruption. This response aligned with the ongoing mission of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, which is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and support.

First-time attendee Saffron Klein remarked on the sense of affirmation provided by the festival, particularly highlighting the benefits it offers to individuals from rural areas seeking a supportive environment. Returning attendees, Lexi Boatman and Ajay Smith, shared their appreciation for the sense of community and joy fostered by the event.

Looking towards the future, the Grand Rapids Pride Center has aspirations to extend the festival into a full week of celebrations, further emphasizing the importance of community and inclusivity. Volunteers played a crucial role in the success of the event, contributing to setup, teardown, and overall assistance, with opportunities for involvement available on the Grand Rapids Pride website.

The Grand Rapids Pride Festival continues to grow, embodying a spirit of unity and acceptance for individuals from all walks of life. As the event concluded, the hope remained that the festival would not only attract larger crowds in the future but also further its mission of ensuring that everyone feels seen and valued within the community.