News Summary
The Grand Rapids Pride Festival celebrated its 37th anniversary with remarkable attendance despite a heat wave. This year’s festival attracted around 50,000 participants at Calder Plaza, showcasing over 150 vendors and thrilling performances, while emphasizing community support and inclusivity. Despite the presence of counter-protesters, attendees enjoyed a sense of safety and belonging, underlining the festival’s significance in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and culture within the city.
Grand Rapids celebrated its annual Pride Festival this past weekend, marking its 37th year with record attendance despite a heat wave that brought temperatures into the 90s. The festival, held on June 21-22, 2025, at Calder Plaza, attracted large crowds, with organizers anticipating attendance numbers to soar to 50,000—up from the previous year’s participation of 30,000 to 35,000.
The free festival, open to all ages, featured a wide array of over 150 vendors showcasing merchandise and culinary delights. Attendees enjoyed a designated beer garden that offered non-alcoholic options alongside food trucks. Activities included live performances from various artists, music, a sensory space, and accessible resources such as therapist availability.
Performers at this year’s event included the Indigenous group Southern Strait and drag artist DeeDee Chaunte. Participation from these artists added to the diversity and richness of the festival experience, highlighting the vibrant culture of the LGBTQ+ community. Attendees expressed a profound sense of community and appreciation for the visibility offered by the event.
The festival featured volunteer opportunities that allowed community members to engage in the setup and teardown processes. In addition to festive activities, organizations like the Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium and the LGBTQ+ Commission of Michigan were in attendance, providing vital support and resources to help individuals within the community.
Although counter-protesters were present during the festival, attendees were encouraged to focus on the celebration and the sense of acceptance that pervaded the environment. Participants reported feeling a significant sense of safety and belonging throughout the weekend.
The Grand Rapids Pride Festival has evolved significantly since its inception in 1988, expanding from a one-day celebration into a two-day extravaganza in response to the community’s enthusiasm and support. This year’s attendance figures underscore the ongoing need for events that foster inclusivity and understanding within the wider community.
Organizers, led by Jazz McKinney, the executive director of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic turnout and the resilience of participants amidst challenging weather conditions. This year’s success further cements the festival’s reputation as a vital fixture in celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and culture in Grand Rapids.
Plans for future festivals aim to build on this momentum, with organizers committed to enhancing the event experience and continuing to promote a safe, inclusive environment for everyone. The positive response from the community reinforces the importance of Pride celebrations as a space for visibility and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ population.
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Additional Resources
- The Collegiate Live: Grand Rapids Pride Festival Inspires Joy Despite High Temps
- WOODTV: Grand Rapids Pride Festival Celebrates 37 Years
- MLive: Thousands Attend Grand Rapids Pride Festival Despite Extreme Heat
- Fox17: Grand Rapids Pride Returns for a Weekend of Community and Celebration
- Wikipedia: LGBT Pride
