Why Portland Pride is in July

Meira Gebel

Central figure with teal hair, black top, rainbow cape, and fishnet stockings smiles as a parade winds through a sunny city, rainbow flags waving. — The party's just getting started. Photo: Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

For the rest of the country, Pride Month is typically in June. But in Portland, we celebrate in July (and not just because we're fashionably late).

The big picture: In 2023, Pride Northwest — the official organizer of the parade and festival — decided to extend celebrations into July so they wouldn't compete for waterfront space.

A myriad of popular events take place in June, including the Rose Festival, PDX Beer Week, the Delta Park Powwow and Juneteenth.

The extension of Pride into July just means more fun for us!

Context: Pride Month is observed nationally in June as an annual commemoration of the Stonewall Riots.

It celebrates and raises awareness for the LGBTQ+ community at a time when queer and trans rights are under attack.

Between the lines: Portland has the second-largest share of same-sex couple households in the country, but the city has lost dozens of queer-owned businesses and spaces in recent years.

If you go: The annual Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade takes place July 18-19, but there are dozens of other official events throughout the month, including drag shows, block parties, resource fairs and community markets.

Plus: Check out more events on EverOut.

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Why Portland Pride is in July

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