Every year, Albany celebrates Pride throughout the month of June. From parades and festivals to historical lectures and drag shows scroll on for just some of the ways to celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ+ community in Albany this year.
Photo Opportunity at the Empire State Plaza
Celebrate Pride and snap a few pictures at the Empire State Plaza’s electrifying light display all month long. During various evenings in June, the Plaza will light the night with colors of the Progress Pride Flag alternating between colors of the rainbow and pink, white, and light blue. Check out the Plaza Lighting Calendar to find out when to expect the display!
PRIDE in PRINT Exhibition on View
June 5 through June 28
New York State Capitol
Weekdays, 7 AM to 7 PM
When news of the police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City hit mainstream media, LGBTQ+ visibility reached a turning point. The raid and resulting uprising inspired action across the state for the LGBTQ+ community to unite, organize, and vocalize. The LGBTQ+ rights movement had garnered public attention, but the stories across mainstream headlines were often a discriminatory and watered-down version of the truth. Activists within the community seized the opportunity to take back the narrative by creating their own pamphlets and newsletters. The PRIDE in PRINT exhibition showcases the small press movement following the Stonewall Uprising. The publications on display worked to connect and educate the community, raise awareness, express dissent, create calls to action, highlight diversity within the community and more.
Nine Pin Cider Celebrates Pride Month
Made in celebration of Pride Month, try Nine Pin's limited batch Disco Berry cider! A blend of apples and quince and co-fermented with raspberry and blueberry, this cider is infused with a touch of dazzling edible glitter. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to OutHudson, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the visibility and quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community in Columbia County. Or sip on the cidery's Pride cocktail throughout the month of June. A portion of the proceeds from the cocktail will go to In Our Own Voices, an Albany based non-profit that serves the needs of the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community in the region.
Attend Pride themed events throughout the month at Nine Pin including: a Lip Sync Battle w/ Typhoid Mary on June 8, Nine Pin Trivia hosted by Typhoid Mary on June 11, Pride/LGBTQ+ Themed Trivia on June 25, Drag Me to Nine Pin on June 27 and Disco Berry Disco on June 29.
Pick Up a Copy of Danny Loves Pasta from Stuyvesant Plaza's Little Free Library
To celebrate Pride month, Stuyvesant Plaza is stocking their little free library with copies of Danny Loves Pasta. Written by LGBTQ+ chef and content creator, Danny Freeman, the cookbook features colorful and creative takes on fresh pasta. Freeman has ties to the Capital Region, often visiting the area with his husband and children. Last year he stopped by the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza to promote his colorful cookbook. Stop by the little free library and grab a copy of the book and a commemorative bookmark while supplies last.
Pride Celebrations at the New York State Museum
Celebrate Pride at the New York State Museum throughout the month of June! On June 6th and June 30th, explore the history of the LGBTQ+ community in New York State with the museum's free event LGBTQ+ Stories in Our Galleries. Senior Historian Ashley Hopkins-Benson will lead you through stories of the community showcased by artifacts and objects found throughout the museum. On June 22, bring the whole family for Cabaret for Kids! This free show is presented by the Pride Center of the Capital Region. Enjoy sing-alongs, games, prizes and more.
Pride Month Events at Waterworks Pub
In conjunction with the Pride Center of the Capital Region and In Our Own Voices, head over to Waterworks Pub throughout the month of June for a series of Pride-themed events. On June 6, dance the night away at the Vibes! Pride Ball, on June 8 attend the official Say it Loud! BIPOC Pride afterparty featuring Honey Davenport form RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11, and head over on June 9 for the Capital Pride afterparty. For more information, check out the Pride Center's official 2024 Pride Guide.
Alive at Five Pride Night
*Due to inclement weather, this event has been moved from Jenning's Landing to the Corning Preserve Boat Launch under the 787 overpass.
June 6
Corning Preserve Boat Launch
4:30 PM to 8 PM
Calling all Swifties! Kick off Albany's Alive at Five summer concert series with Pride Night on June 6th. This free event presented in part by the Pride Center of the Capital Region and In Our Own Voices features an evening of Taylor Swift songs. Stop by early to receive one of the 250 Taylor Swift inspired friendship bracelets from the information table.
The Queer History of the Women’s Suffrage Movement
June 7
Presented by New York State Library
Online Event
12 PM to 1 PM
In this virtual lecture, Wendy L. Rouse, Professor of History at San Jose State University highlights the often-untold stories of queer suffragists and their importance in the fight for the vote. Rouse's scholarly research focuses on the history of women, gender, and sexuality during the Progressive Era; she is the author of the book Public Faces, Secret Lives: A Queer History of the Women's Suffrage Movement.
Say it Loud! BIPOC Pride
June 8
Washington Park
12 PM to 5 PM
Celebrate Pride with In Our Own Voices at their 18th annual Pride event. Formerly known as Black & Latino Gay Pride, the Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC) Pride celebration is a fun, family-friendly event that recognizes the contributions, resilience, and struggles of BIPOC members of the LGBTQ+ community in the Capital Region. Head over to Washington Park for live music, food vendors and more.
Capital Pride Parade and Festival 2024
June 9
Parade Route: State Street, Lark Street, and Madison Avenue
Festival: Washington Park
11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Known as the largest Northeastern Pride celebration outside of New York City and Boston, head out to the Capital Pride Parade and Festival hosted by the Pride Center of the Capital Region! Walk the parade route (starting at 11:45 AM) down State Street, Lark Street and Madison Ave, then enjoy the festival at Washington Park. The festival will feature live music, food, a Family Carnival Zone, and hundreds of vendors. Opened in 1970, The Pride Center of the Capital Region is the oldest, continuously operating Pride Center in the country.
Pride Night at the Plaza
June 12
Empire State Plaza Convention Center
6 PM to 9 PM
Head over to the Empire State Plaza for an evening of performances featuring Amanda Tori Meating and Jasmine Kennedie. There will also be tabling from community organizations, a variety of vendors, and more!
Alternative Prom
June 14
The Blake Annex
6 PM to 9 PM
LGBTQ+ youth and allies are invited to attend Alternative Prom hosted by The Pride Center of the Capital Region. Open to ages 13 to 19, dance the night away during this safe and affirming prom experience. Enjoy music, dancing, food, and prom photos. There is a $10 cover fee.
Bethlehem Pride '24
June 22
First United Methodist Church
12 PM to 4 PM
Albany County Pride festivals continue throughout the month of June with the inaugural Bethlehem Pride Festival on the 22nd. Head over to Delmar for this exciting celebration featuring a main stage where drag performances and live music will take place all afternoon. Families will enjoy the Kid Zone featuring free face painting, a bounce house, and special guest Ruth Pelham, founder of the Music Mobile.
