June Means Pride!
NWPA Pride Alliance parade and On the Bay events to 'make waves'
Erie Pride Parade
SUNDAY, JUN. 14
Summer brings blooming flowers and trees, people out and about enjoying sunshine, and of course, Erie's own Northwest Pennsylvania Pride Alliance (NWPA) Pride Parade. This year, the theme is "Make Waves," and the event encourages the local Queer community and allies to gather to get "loud, proud and take over State Street," as their tagline promises.
Anyone who would like to take part in the parade can line up at 11th and State streets at noon. The March to Perry Square begins at 1 p.m. NWPA Pride invites all attendees to "bring your joy, bring your voice as you march to be seen, heard, and celebrated." Festivities will continue once the parade reaches the square, and things are slated to wrap up around 2 p.m.
Noon // 11th & State streets // For info: nwpapride.org
Pride on the Bay 2026
SATURDAY, JUN. 27
The "Make Waves" theme continues at the end of the month for Pride on the Bay at Liberty Park. This free event welcomes all from noon to 5 p.m. There will be local vendors and artisans, community resource booths, food trucks, live music, and a DJ. There will also be a drag show on the Amphitheater Main Stage featuring Erie native and RuPaul's Drag Race alum, Alaska. NWPA Pride Alliance says it will be "a massive celebration of our local LGBTQIA+ community."
Per their mission, the Pride Alliance is "committed to fostering equality, respect, and diversity through events and organizations." The June events are the pinnacle of that mission each year. The Pride Alliance website features a quote from artist and designer Gilbert Baker that is perfect to motivate us all to join in the fun for a cause: "The rainbow is a symbol of hope. It's a symbol of peace. It's a symbol of unity. And that's what Pride is supposed to be about."
Noon to 5 p.m. // Liberty Park, 828 W. Bayfront Pkwy. // Free // For info: nwpapride.org
