On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall uprising in New York fanned the flames of the gay rights movement as we know it today. To commemorate their efforts, the sixth month of the year is dedicated to the recognition of the LGBTQ+ community, also known as Pride Month. Though the uprising occurred in Central Park, there are a plethora of activities in NJ. Here are 13 New Jersey events to celebrate Pride Month 2022!
Pride Celebration and Drag Show – Cherry Hill, NJ
Friday, June 10
The Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company is hosting a pride event complete with four-packs of Hefeweizen, artistic displays of couples in love and, of course, a fabulous drag show. The festivities will start at 4 p.m. on June 10. The night’s main event will kick off at 7 p.m. To see these queens strut their stuff, purchase tickets ahead of time for $15 or at the door for $20.
2022 Toms River Pride – Toms River, NJ
Saturday, June 11
Hosted by the Toms River Pride Committee and Exit 82 Theatre Company, this event also provides kid-friendly activities, shopping and plenty of food. Rainbow-clad boats and businesses will decorate the river for this festival on Saturday, June 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Washington Street in Downtown Toms River. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch Mainstage Performances put on by the theater company and the presentation of the Pride Advocate Award with free admission.
The Montclair Pride Concert at the Wellmont Theater – Montclair, NJ
Saturday, June 11
Betty Who, Australian-American writer of the “Queer Eye” theme song and singer for the hit single, “Somebody Loves You,” will be performing a Pride Concert at the Wellmont Theater. This synth-streaked, indie-pop show is set for Saturday, June 11 at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. The concert is not only a celebration of gay pride but also an encouragement to trust your instincts, an excuse to dance in the mirror and a reminder that joy is never too far away. Tickets are priced at $22.13 and are available here.
Pride Month Run! – Four City Brewing | 2022 NJ Brewery Running Series – City of Orange, NJ
Saturday, June 11
Prefer to spend your Pride Month with some physical exercise rewarded by a cool, refreshing beverage? The New Jersey Brewery Running Series is hosting a 5k beer run for Pride Month on June 11 at 11 a.m. The race will begin at Four City Brewing in Orange, NJ and will end with a free 9 o.z. craft brew back at the taproom. Tickets are $30 and will be donated to RAIN (Reaching Adolescents in Need), a nonprofit dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ adolescents experiencing homelessness. Open to runners of all experience levels, attendees can register for this fun beer run here.
Pride Dance Party – Flemington, NJ
Saturday, June 11
Enjoy a free dance party to celebrate Pride at the Filling Station Tent on Stangl Road in Flemington, NJ on June 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. Music will be brought to you by a local DJ in addition to a variety of treats, games and giveaways. Attendees over 21 are encouraged to bring a chair to enjoy drinks available for purchase at the beer garden. Rainbow attire is welcomed, so come prepared to flash that rainbow and show off those dance moves!
North Jersey Pride Festival – Maplewood, NJ
Sunday, June 12
Now the eleventh year of the North Jersey Pride Festival, this event is a family-friendly celebration of love, respect and unity. The festival is taking place on Sunday, June 12 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park in Maplewood, NJ. This fun, outdoor event will feature more than 100 vendors selling jewelry, arts & crafts, clothing and— you know it— rainbow sporting gear. LGBTQ+ nonprofits will be educating attendees on advocacy opportunities and an inflatable park will be available to children for a small fee. General admission is free, just bring a blanket and lawn chair to enjoy the live music and an eclectic buffet of delicious local cuisine.
Pride Forum Robbinsville Democratic Club – Remote
Wednesday, June 15
For a more informative and educational experience, the Robbinsville Democratic Club will be hosting a free virtual forum via Zoom on June 15 at 7 p.m. The purpose of the forum is to educate and inform the community about the most pressing challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community and how allies can help. To get the Zoom link, check in with the club here.
Merchantville Pride Night – Merchantville, NJ
Wednesday, June 15
This kid-friendly event offers flag-making, story time and snacks for what is sure to be a fun evening of pride and celebration. Taking place at the Merchantville Community Center on June 15 from 5 to 7 p.m., this free event features a special Drag Queen Story Time with Mya. Advocacy groups will be present to educate attendees on how to support their local LGBTQ+ communities.
2nd Annual Pride Family Picnic & Pool Party – Cherry Hill, NJ
Thursday, June 16
Enjoy the summer and Pride Month lounging by the pool with the Barclay Farm Swim Club on June 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. Located in Cherry Hill, this event will feature a DJ, dancing and games for the whole family. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are complimentary, but additional food will be available for purchase. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic as well. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Princeton Pride Parade – Princeton, NJ
Saturday, June 18
Prepare to wave that rainbow flag at the annual Princeton Pride Parade on Saturday, June 18 starting at 11 a.m. Hosted by Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, many notable members of the LGBTQ+ community will be marching including GLAAD Media Award winner, Alan Muraoka, who featured the first family with gay dads on Sesame Street. Miss Stonewall Inn will also be marching along with Maplewood’s first openly gay Mayor Dean Dafis. For more information or to donate, click here.
Official Pride Bar Crawl LIVE – Hoboken, NJ
Saturday, June 18
Grab your friends and your flag and bring your Pride because the Hoboken Bar Crawl is back! Starting at Wicked Wolf Tavern, the crawl will visit five of the friendliest bars on June 18, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are available until June 17 for $18, but can be purchased same-day for $30. Tickets include free admission to all bars including Wild Moose Salon, Drag Queen show at Birch Nightclub and Fat Taco Tequila Bar. Attendees will include up to 50 percent off specialty drinks and 20 percent off food.
Collingswood Pride Family Picnic – Collingswood, NJ
Monday, June 20
Philadelphia’s favorite drag queen, Brittany Lynn of Drag Queen Mafia, will be gracing this year’s Collingswood Pride Family Picnic with her presence, making it a must-see event. Located at Scottish Rite Auditorium on June 20 from 5 to 8 p.m., this event will feature a Drag Queen Story Hour, live music by DJ Lilly and a Teen Poetry Slam. Sport that rainbow during the Pride Picnic Blanket Decorating Contest and paint your favorite flag. Bring your family, some chairs and a picnic package from any local restaurant to enjoy this annual event.
Pride Month Craft Grab & Go – Jersey City, NJ
Thursday, June 23
Take a trip to the Marion Branch Library and grab a Pride Month rainbow craft! The grab & go kicks off at 9 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. on June 23. The perfect activity to accessorize yourself for the rest of your Pride Month, be sure to swing by for this free opportunity.
Will you be attending any of these Pride Month 2022 events in New Jersey? Let us know in the comments.