Rainbows are ready to roll in every direction as the Hudson Valley gears up for a tri-town celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride with marches and festivals planned in New Paltz, Kingston, and Woodstock. The festivities kick off June 1 with the New Paltz Pride March & Festival, where the community will take to the streets from the middle school to Hasbrouck Park. Longtime activist Jay Blotcher will act as grand marshal and Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Phoenix Laxton stepping in as Voice of the Future. With room for more floats, flash mobs, and volunteers, the organizers hope to keep the spirit of pride loud and proud.
A week later, Kingston steps into the spotlight with the Hudson Valley Pride March & Festival on June 7. The Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Center is bringing its energy home, hosting the march for the first time in Kingston after years of partnering with New Paltz. The route winds through the city from Wall Street to Academy Green, led by a show-stopping 130-foot flag and open to all who wish to walk in solidarity. Organizers emphasize that this is a “march, not a parade” — a statement of strength and unity in the face of growing political hostility. Volunteers are needed to help carry the flag, and the festival afterward on St. James Street promises performers, food from local favorites like Keegan Ales and Camp Kingston, and plenty of room for community groups and vendors.
Woodstock rounds out the regional rainbow with a Pride weekend from June 6–8, culminating in its second-ever parade on June 8. The parade lineup begins at Comeau Upper Lot, followed by a celebration at Colony Woodstock featuring a stacked lineup including Ame the Band, Unicorn Brass Band, and stilt-walking drag duo Zach Glow Job & Jon Joni. Other events include a flag-raising with Nova Darkstar and a Stonewall Inn Piano Bar pop-up at White Feather Farm.
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