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One of the best parts about living in Hartford is celebrating Pride twice: National Pride Month in June and Hartford Pride Month in September! After celebrating virtually in 2020, the party is returning to in-person events, all primarily occurring between September 6th and 12th.
If you’re excited about Hartford Pride but don’t know where to get the details, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for the ultimate guide on Hartford Pride:
Event: Raising of the Pride Flag
Location: City Hall
The festivities will begin on Monday, September 6th, at Hartford City Hall. Stop by to see the pride flag flying high and to hear words from event organizers.
Event: Various in-person events
Location: Bushnell Park and Surrounding Businesses
The week leading up to Saturday’s festival will include several Pride events from Hartford-based vendors, nonprofits, and local restaurants. Health is a big priority this year, and most events will take place outside as a COVID-19 precaution. The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective will be available during this time to provide both COVID-19 vaccines and HIV testing for guests.
More details about the weekday events are still in the works. Visit the official Hartford Pride site for more info as it becomes available!
Event: Queer Talk Roundtables
Location: Virtual
During 2020’s virtual Pride celebrations, Hartford Pride launched the digital roundtable experience: Queer Talk. The series will be returning for this year’s festivities allowing people to participate in Hartford Pride from anywhere. While official topics have not been released yet, organizers say the roundtable will continue last year's theme of discussing issues facing the LGBTQ+ community with tips and resources for those affected.
Event: Hartford Pride Festival
Location: Bushnell Park
On Saturday, September 11th, Bushnell Park will be transformed into the state’s largest Pride festival! Starting at noon, you can enjoy food, activities, and prizes from local vendors and community organizations. Entertainment will be provided by numerous live performances, including headliners Steve Grand and Vincint.
Steve Grand is a talented singer-songwriter and LGBTQ activist. With soulful tracks in the pop and country genres, he has toured nationally and produced an independent album that hit #3 on the Billboard charts. Vincint is also a singer and songwriter who you may know from the competition show The Four. As a powerful pop vocalist, he released his debut album last June.
Event: Pride-Themed Silent Disco
Location: Pratt Street
After the festival, head over to Pratt Street for a unique party experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city! From 8 PM until midnight, the street will be transformed into an open-air club with DJ Sonia Sol spinning fun dance tracks beamed directly into your headphones. Control the volume and melt into the crowd for a night of dancing you won’t forget.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 for walkups. Tickets and details are available on the event website.
Event: Hartford Pride After Party With Jessica Wild
Location: Chez Est
Chez Est, Hartford’s only LGBTQ+ establishment, will throw a post-festival party hosted by Kiki Lucia and Josh O’Connell. Stop by to enjoy live music by DJ Mike Nyce and entertainment from Drag Queen Jessica Wild. A portion of ticket sale proceeds will benefit LGBTQ+ organizations, including the New Haven Pride Center and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention CT chapter.
Event: Pink Eggs & Glam Drag Brunch
Location: Pratt Street
Pratt Street’s Drag Brunch is the perfect way to end Hartford Pride. The fabulous live singing and comedy show will feature NYC queens Sutton Lee Seymour and Bootsie Lefaris and will be free for all who attend! Brunch bites and drinks will be available to purchase starting at noon, with showtime beginning at 1 PM.
We hope you learned a little more about what’s in store this September for Hartford Pride! If you take part in any festivities, be sure to tag us on Instagram to be featured on our page. Have fun and Happy Pride 🏳️🌈