From traditional parades to baseball games and musical performances, Montgomery County residents will have many opportunities to celebrate Pride Month through a series of events organized by Councilmember-at-Large Evan Glass.
When Glass became the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the council in 2018, he realized that the County had very few organized Pride celebrations. He aimed to rectify this by working with local organizations to create a series of events, an effort that has continued to grow during his time in office.
This year, Glass believes that these events take on additional importance.
“Donald Trump and other national leaders are trying to destroy and terrorize our diverse communities, but here in Montgomery County…we celebrate and support our diversity,” said Glass. “I want everyone to know that they are welcome in Montgomery County, and that we will fight to protect them.”
This year, Trump has taken multiple actions that limit the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, including a recent threat to withhold federal funding from California if they continue to allow transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports and an executive order that prohibits people from updating the sex listed on their passports.
“Our values are under attack by the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court. We need to stand up as a community and stand up for each other,” said Glass. “Pride is a way for us to show our compassion and love for our neighbors, and we’re going to continue doing that despite whatever challenges the federal administration puts in our way.”
In these celebrations of pride, Glass shared that one of his favorite events is the Glen Echo Family Day. During this celebration, loved ones come together to enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, face painting and carousel rides.
“To help create a safe space for families to celebrate themselves and celebrate love is a heartwarming thing,” said Glass.
Here is a list of Montgomery County Pride Month events:
Rockville Pride
Sunday, June 1, 2-5 p.m.
Location: Rockville Town Center Park at The Square
Cost: Free
Description: The Human Rights Coalition holds its annual festival complete with live performances, informational booths and crafts.
More information
Takoma Pride
Sunday, June 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Parade starts at 201 Ethan Allen Avenue, Street Fair at 6929 Laurel Avenue
Cost: Free
Description: Takoma kicks off Pride Month with a parade and street fair. Anyone is welcome to watch alongside or join in the procession and march with the celebration’s guest of honor, drag queen Tara Hoot. The event will also include a street fair with free face painting, art installations and vendors with books and informational resources.
More information
Glen Echo Pride Family Day
Sunday, June 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Glen Echo Park
Cost: Free
Description: Park facilities open to families for a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, carousel rides, visiting the aquarium and puppetry.
More Information and tickets
Pride Flag Raising
Tuesday, June 3, 8:30-10 a.m.
Location: Executive Office Building
Cost: Free
Description: Councilmember Glass and Montgomery County leaders raise the Pride flag in the seventh annual event.
More Information
International Pride Orchestra and Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC
Thursday, June 5, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Strathmore Music Center
Cost: $35 to $100
Description: The International Pride Orchestra (IPO), an ensemble of allies and LGBTQ+ musicians, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, combine for a performance to benefit Whitman-Walker, an organization dedicated to providing inclusive, accessible health care and conducting medical research. Drag queen Peaches Christ will host the concert. Thorgy Thor, a violinist known for competing on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” will also perform, along with pianist Sara Davis Buechner.
More information and tickets
GenOUT Youth Chorus Pride Month Celebration
Saturday, June 14, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Kensington Park Library
Cost: Free
Description: GenOUT Youth Chorus, an outreach ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, performs a program of international music in honor of World Pride.
More information
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC Concert
Saturday, June 14, 3 p.m.
Location: Christ Episcopal Chrch in Rockville
Cost: $25
Description: The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, performs a program dedicated to celebrating Pride Month.
More information and tickets
Poolesville Pride Fest
Saturday, June 14, 4-9 p.m.
Location: Locals Farm Market
Cost: Free
Description: The second annual festival, organized by Poolesville Pride Club, features an artist and vendor fair, a talent show and a dance party with a DJ.
More information
Pride Night at Big Train Baseball
Saturday, June 21, 7-9:30 p.m.
Location: Shirley Povich Field at Cabin John Regional Park
Cost: $13
Description: Big Train Baseball, a summer collegiate baseball league, joins Rainbow Families DC, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ parents, for their third annual Pride Night. Ticket proceeds go to the Montgomery County Pride Center.
More information and tickets
Pride in the Plaza
Sunday, June 29, Noon-8 p.m.
Location: Veterans Plaza
Cost: Free
Description: Attendees at this annual event can shop at tables from local businesses, watch live performances, and learn about local resources for LGBTQ+ individuals.
More information and registration
