DENVER – It’s been nearly 50 years since spontaneous demonstrations and violent confrontations with police at the Stonewall Inn in New York changed the political landscape for the LGBT+ community across the nation. During PrideFest this year, Denver will honor the activism that grew out of those riots with a series of events and art installations throughout the month of June and beyond.
The Center on Colfax, one of the state’s oldest LGBTQ organizations and the annual organizer of Denver PrideFest, will be working with artist Lonnie Hanzon for a special art installation honoring those who paved the way for thousands of LGBT Americans.
MORE: The Center on Colfax announces line-up for Denver PrideFest 2019
Additionally, the Center is honoring the anniversary of the riots with a series of free exhibits and events that will take place all year long. To learn more, head over to The Center’s website.
The celebrations won’t just happen in Denver this year, however. To mark the anniversary of the uprising on June 28, 1969, Denver Pride will also be marching along other LGBT+ organizations from across the country during World Pride in New York City.
LOOK: Pride across Colorado: Where to celebrate being out during LGBT Pride month
But let’s get back to what’s happening in Denver for Pride.
The annual event kicks off with a Pride 5K race that takes places on Saturday, June 15 this year. It begins at 9:30 a.m. and the event is open to all. If you’re up for it, register here.
After you’re done, you can head over to Civic Center Park to continue celebrating with the whole family from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with activities for adults and kids alike. There will be tons of food, music, and vendors to keep you entertained all day long.
You’ll want to get up early for the annual Coors Light PrideFest Parade the following day, though. The parade, the most family-friendly pride parade in the nation (per VISIT DENVER) will make its way down Colfax Ave. from Cheesman Park starting at 9:30 a.m.
The parade will head west on Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park, where the fun continues from 10 am. to 6 pm.
In the mood for more after Denver PrideFest ends? Denver has many LGBT+ bars and establishments that will surely keep the party going late into the night, but before you head out there, make sure to check out the Women’s Pride Party, presented by Babes Around Denver.
Before heading out, however, make sure you know what’s allowed and what isn’t at this year’s PrideFest.
Denver7 is an official sponsor of PrideFest 2019.