In 1972, the first pride march in Michigan that was held was known as the “Christopher Street Detroit ‘72”; and, ever since, that has bloomed into pride marches and festivals all around Michigan!

Pride month, and pride itself, is a very important part of LGBTQ history. It is also a way to remember what people before us had to do to get to this point, and to celebrate what is to come. Now, not a lot of people know all of the different Pride events going on in Michigan, so today, I am here to tell you five events going on in Michigan!

1. Canton Pride

Now, this festival isn’t in June, but is really close to Plymouth. This event is on July 8th, 6:30 – 8:30, free admission. Some things that you can expect to see there is:

• Guest speakers
• Vendors
• Food
• Performers
• Local resources

This is great for people that still want to celebrate pride, but are busy during the month of June. Hope you have fun!

2. Detroit Pride (Or Motor City Pride)-

This is probably one of the most favored and popular events. The festival runs from June 10 – June 11th, then it has its Pride Parade on June 11th. The admission is $5, and it is free for kids 12 and under. Some of the activities at the festival include:

• 14 food trucks
• Stages for performers
• Vendors
• Things to buy

And, many more! For more information, like weather and times, click this link. Now, it will get pretty crowded, so if you don’t like big crowds and loud music, you may want to stick to some smaller, closer to home festivals that I will list later!

      3. Ferndale Pride- 

I am very excited for this festival. Ferndale is already a very accepting and safe city, and its even better when there’s pride! It is on June 3rd, from 12:30-10 PM. Some activities include:

• Opening ceremony
• Vendors
• Drag shows
• Rock wall
• Animal adoption center
• Affirmations and prayers

You can also get a chance to walk around Ferndale and check out the many stores they have! Click this link to see some more information, and I hope that if you go, you have a good time!

      4. Grand Rapids Pride-

Now, this one is a little far away from the Plymouth area, but it doesn’t hurt to go on a little weekend trip right when summer starts! This festival is on June 17th, from 12am – 10pm, free admission. Some things you can expect will be:

• Sensory area
• Vendors
• Booths
• Performers/drag queens
• Art activities

They are not currently planning on doing a parade, but that might change in the coming days. Also, Grand Rapids is a pretty cool place with some good food! For more info, click here.

5. Rochester Pride (Pride in the Park)

This festival is pretty close, being in Rochester, a city in Oakland county. This is happening June 24th, 1 – 4pm, free admission. Some activities will be:

• Food
• Live music
• Stalls
• Vendors
• Guest speakers
• March through downtown Rochester

To see more, go to this link or to their Instagram page, @rochprideinthepark. This is going to only happen for 3 hours, so this is good for people that dont like being in big crowds for a long time, but still want to experience everything!

Pride is an awesome way to start out your summer, and to meet like people too! If you go, always make sure to obey all instructions, bring things like water and sunscreen, and most importantly, have fun!