Michigan Pride

Michigan is home to a rich and diverse LGBTQ+ community, and each year, the state comes alive with vibrant Pride celebrations that highlight inclusivity, advocacy, and joy.

Whether you’re seeking a high-energy festival in Detroit or a lakeside gathering in Traverse City, there’s a Pride event for everyone. Here’s your guide to experiencing the best Pride celebrations across Michigan.

MOTOR CITY PRIDE – DETROIT (JUNE 7-8)
As the largest Pride event in the state, Motor City Pride takes over downtown Detroit each June with a parade, live entertainment, and a festival atmosphere that welcomes thousands. Attendees can enjoy a range of performances, vendor booths, and community-led initiatives, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to celebrate in the heart of Michigan’s biggest city.

GRAND RAPIDS PRIDE FESTIVAL (JUNE 21)
West Michigan’s Grand Rapids Pride Festival is an inclusive, family-friendly event featuring live music, drag performances, and local food vendors. With its emphasis on community and unity, this festival showcases the city’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

LANSING PRIDE (JUNE 28)
The capital city’s Lansing Pride is a lively event that brings together activists, artists, and allies. Featuring a drag stage, live performances, and a bustling beer tent, this event creates an electric atmosphere while promoting LGBTQ+ advocacy in Michigan’s political hub.

SAUGATUCK/DOUGLAS COMMUNITY PRIDE (JUNE 1-7)
Saugatuck and Douglas, widely known as a Michigan LGBTQ+ vacation hotspot, hosts a Community Pride celebration that is both charming and energetic. The event includes a parade through downtown Saugatuck and a festival in Douglas’ Beery Field, making it an idyllic lakeside celebration of love and identity.

UPPER PENINSULA PRIDE – MARQUETTE (JUNE 14)
For those looking to celebrate in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Marquette’s Pride event offers a welcoming and intimate atmosphere. The event includes a parade, community gatherings, and live entertainment, embracing the spirit of inclusivity in the UP’s largest city.

FERNDALE PRIDE (MAY 31)
Ferndale, one of Michigan’s most LGBTQ-friendly cities, hosts Ferndale Pride—a massive, free-to-attend festival packed with over 220 vendors, multiple stages, and a dedicated children’s area. Known for its welcoming community, Ferndale Pride is one of the most inclusive and energetic celebrations in the state.

GREAT LAKES BAY PRIDE FESTIVAL – SAGINAW (JUNE 28)
Expanding its reach in 2025, the Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival will take place at Jolt Event Park in downtown Saginaw. Featuring vendors, live performances, and advocacy initiatives, this event serves the LGBTQ+ communities in Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, and Isabella counties.

HOLLAND PRIDE FESTIVAL (JUNE 28)
Held in the picturesque Centennial Park, the Holland PRIDE Festival is a colorful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. With live entertainment, food vendors, and community outreach, this event bridges Holland’s traditional charm with modern inclusivity.

ANN ARBOR PRIDE (AUGUST 2)
As home to one of Michigan’s most progressive communities, Ann Arbor hosts an incredible Pride celebration. Organized by the Jim Toy Community Center, the event includes live music, drag shows, and a vibrant street festival, making it one of the best Pride experiences in the state.

UP NORTH PRIDE – TRAVERSE CITY (SEPTEMBER 24 – 27)
Held in September so as not to compete with the National Cherry Festival and the normal summer crowds, Up North Pride in Traverse City is Northern Michigan’s premier LGBTQ+ event. With a mix of advocacy, community-building, and festivities, this late-summer celebration is a favorite among both locals and visitors.

PLAN YOUR PRIDE TOUR
Michigan’s Pride celebrations offer something for everyone, from large-scale parades to small-town gatherings that foster deep connections. Whether you choose to explore the cityscape of Detroit, the artsy charm of Ann Arbor, or the lakeside beauty of Traverse City, Pride is a time to celebrate love, equality, and community.

Mark your calendar, pack your rainbow gear, and experience the joy of Michigan’s Pride festivals—each one a unique expression of the state’s diverse and welcoming spirit.

TOP PHOTO: Motor City Pride (MOTOR CITY PRIDE)