The Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival returns Saturday, June 20 from 3 to 11pm for its 26th anniversary. After 2 successful years of the Glow Night Parade, Wilton Manors ignites with its return at 8pm. Wilton Drive transforms into a shimmering spectacle of color and creativity in commemorating the 57th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival will begin with a vibrant street festival at 3pm, followed by a spectacular Glow Night Parade at 8 p.m. The Grand Marshal’s for this year’s Glow Night Parade are Rickelle Williams, Kal Gajraj, TP Lords, and Tatina Williams. All residents, visitors, businesses, and nonprofits are welcome to come and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community, both locally and globally.
I had the honor of asking Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis his thoughts on Pride in ouor political environment, and he said, “The advances in equal rights protections over the years have now been met with a swift push back from those who feel threatened by social change. Politicians see the LGBT community as easy prey, seizing upon a long history of oppression and discrimination. This is why Pride celebrations are so important, to be visible and to be present, affirming our rightful role in society and in a community that is enriched by our diversity. Happy Pride.”
General admission tickets for the event are currently on sale online until June 19, for $15 per person. These tickets grant access to the festival through special pre-paid lines at the main entrances. Once inside, attendees can enjoy the street festival with over 100 vendors, performances on multiple stages, and, of course, the Glow Night parade. On the day of the event, general admission tickets will be available for $18 per person, payable by credit card/debit card only as this is a cashless event at the entry’s, VIP’s and lounges. Of course, all the bars and businesses will be taking cash. VIP options are offered, providing access to air-conditioned tents and exclusive premium lounge experiences.
When WMEG took over producing the festival in 2015, 20,000 people attended and now it attracts more than 55,000 and they are working to make the festival bigger and better every year. There will be multiple stages throughout the festival including stages at Tropics, The West End, Hunters (featuring Kristine W…see feature in this mag), Manor, Alibi, and a few more.
Stonewall Pride prioritizes creating a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community. To ensure that everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves freely, there will be security measures in place. Local law enforcement will have a visible presence, as well as having trained security personnel patrolling the parade route and staying up to date on any risks to our community.
For more information or to purchase advance tickets, go to StonewallPride.lgbt
