June is Pride Month
Posted on May. 26, 2026 / Diversity, Equity and Inclusion / Subscribe 0
During the Month of June we celebrate Pride!
For over half a century, Twin Cities Pride has transformed Minneapolis from a site of quiet protest into the home of one of the largest free LGBTQIA2S+ celebrations in the United States.
What began in 1972 as a defiant group of 50 marchers on Nicollet Mall has ignited into a massive, multi-city movement. Today, the festival draws nearly half a million people to Loring Park, serving as the heartbeat of Queer joy in the Upper Midwest. Driven by the 2026 theme "Our Voices, Our Future," Twin Cities Pride is more than a party—it is a bold reclamation of space, a tribute to the activists of the Tretter Collection, and a powerful launchpad for the next generation of advocacy.
From the suburban trailblazing of Golden Valley Pride to the iconic march down Hennepin Avenue, Pride in the Twin Cities is a vibrant, month-long declaration that the North is not just bold—it is inclusive, resilient, and unapologetically colorful.
Pride is important for several reasons, ranging from personal identity to broader social progress:
- Visibility and Safety: It creates a space where LGBTQ+ people can be their authentic selves without fear. For many, especially those in unsupportive environments, seeing a large community celebrate proves they are not alone.
- Honoring History: It commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots, acknowledging the activists (often trans women of color) who fought against police harassment. It turns past trauma into a public demonstration of resilience.
- Political Progress: Pride serves as a platform to advocate for equal rights. While much has changed since 1969, the events are used to push for ongoing legal protections regarding healthcare, housing, and marriage equality.
- Community Building: It bridges the gap between generations. Older members share history, while younger members find mentorship and a sense of belonging that may be missing from their daily lives.
- Self-Acceptance: For individuals, it is an antidote to "shame." The name "Pride" was chosen specifically to counter the social stigma historically attached to LGBTQ+ identities.
Pride in the Twin Cities is a month-long celebration of LGBTQIA2S+ identity, rooted in a history of grassroots activism. The 2026 festivities conclude with the 54th Annual Twin Cities Pride Festival and Parade during the final weekend of June.
History of Twin Cities Pride
- The 1972 Origins: The event began as a 50-person protest march on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis to mark the third anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Anticipating arrests, half the group stayed in Loring Park with bail money while the others marched; when no arrests occurred, they reconvened for a picnic.
- The 1982 Split: Tensions over gender representation led to separate "Gay Pride" and "Lesbian Pride" events in 1982. They reunified the following year as "Lesbian and Gay Pride."
- Pioneering Inclusion: Twin Cities Pride was among the first national festivals to officially add "B" and "T" (Bisexual and Transgender) to its title in the mid-1990s.
- Archives: The Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection at the University of Minnesota preserves these stories through tens of thousands of artifacts.
Events:
- Cheers to Pride (June 6): The official month kick-off where participating local businesses donate a portion of sales to the Rainbow Circle.
- Break the Cycle (June 7): A community ride starting at the Theodore Wirth Trailhead.
- 2026 Golden Valley Pride Festival marks its 10th anniversary on June 13, from 12 - 6 p.m.. Held at Brookview Park, it is recognized as the first and largest suburban Pride festival in Minnesota.
- Bloomington Pride (June 14): A family-friendly festival dedicated to supporting the diverse LGBTQ+ community.
- Family Fun Day (June 21): A vibrant celebration for LGBTQIA2S+ families at the Como Park East Pavilions from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Pride Beer Dabbler (June 26): Held at Parade Park Soccer Stadium from 6 - 9:30 p.m., featuring local craft breweries.
- Youth Night (June 26): A dedicated evening for LGBTQIA2S+ youth at Loring Park featuring games, entertainment, and activities from 5 - 8 p.m.
- Twin Cities Pride Festival (June 27-28): Held at Loring Park, this free festival features over 650 vendors, community resources, and three stages of entertainment. The theme for the 2026 Twin Cities Pride Festival is "Our Voices, Our Future." This theme was chosen as a declaration of the community's resilience and a commitment to creating a future where LGBTQIA2S+ people in Minnesota are celebrated and valued.
- Pride Parade (June 28): Starting at 11 a.m., the parade proceeds down Hennepin Avenue from 3rd Street to Spruce Street.
Keep Pride going all year: AM950 is the only radio station in the Twin Cities that has actively supported and sponsored Twin Cities Pride for 18 years and has regular LGBTQIA+ programming available every weekday and Saturday. Tune in and keep learning all year long:
Weekdays: The Gaily Show
Saturdays:
This Queer Book Saved My Life
The Illegal Trans Woman
The Downright Upright Show with Philip Anthony
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