Pride Month preparations are well underway for Rocky Mountain Equality; every June, the nonprofit behind many of northern Colorado’s celebrations shifts its focus from activism to high-energy appreciation.
Davis Dunbar, Rocky Mountain Equality’s community activities and events manager, said their Pride event lineup is intentionally diverse and inclusive, making this time of year one he looks forward to.
“Pride is more than just a festival. It’s a celebration of joy, and community and visibility. And right now, with the way the government can be attacking LGBTQ+ people, it’s important that we come together so people can feel seen, and people can be brought together and it just helps us feel more connected,” Dunbar said.
Dunbar noted that in addition to their focus on policy advocacy at all levels of government, RMEQ’s physical locations could be considered community centers.
Their slate of community Pride events is a glimpse into their year-round events and regular state-spanning programming.
RMEQ Pride’s main moments
RMEQ will be part of Boulder, Longmont and Loveland Pride, each happening from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a Saturday in June.
Dunbar said each celebration will feature several performers and entertainers; he gave the examples of Jessica L’Whor, who will produce two hours of drag at one of these events, and Lele, who will end it with two hours of Ballroom dance performance magic.
Each event will include 75-140 vendors, youth areas offering activities, music performances and around 10 food trucks.
All ages are welcome at these three sober events. More information on each can be found on RMEQ’s event calendar. Lyons Colorado Pride is organizing Lyons Pride, and this event page offers more information on their work.
Dates and locations for each of these events can be found below.
A joy-filled June event calendar
Below are the RMEQ-organized events for each city.
More information on these and others can be found on RMEQ’s event calendar, as well as on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
Boulder Pride breakdown
- June 1- Rainbows Over Boulder County- RMEQ will celebrate the start of Pride Month in Boulder with a flag-raising ceremony outside of Ben and Jerry’s.
Attendees can enjoy free samples and live music from the Mile High Freedom Band throughout the event window, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
- June 7- Queer Circus in Boulder- A little over a week later, the Queer Circus will arrive at the Junkyard Social Club. The 18+ variety cabaret begins at 7 p.m, and those 21+ can purchase drinks. Tickets cost $23.47 and are available here.
- June 9- Pride Night Pool Party– This event takes place at the Scott Carpenter Pool from 5 to 7:30 p.m.and comes with a 50% off pool entry fee.
- June 13- Boulder Pridefest- This event is located in the Boulder Main Library Parking Lot.
- June 22- Youth Pride- RMEQ wants youth to get involved in the festivities with their own celebration. Youth Pride takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Equality Center of the Rocky Mountains.
According to the event page, attendees of all ages can enjoy free food, activities and space to exist freely.
- June 26- 50+ Pride- Rocky Mountain Equality doesn’t want anyone to feel left out this celebratory month, including a 50+ crowd.
50+ Pride takes place at the Equality Center of the Rocky Mountains from 4 to 7 p.m. The event page describes it as a mixer with food and drinks. Younger partners and 50+ allies are welcome.
Those interested in attending must RSVP through the event page.
- Dunbar noted that RMEQ will also be at Band on the Bricks in Boulder.
Fort Collins festivities
- June 20- Queer Circus in Fort Collins– It takes place at The Lyric from 8 to 10 p.m., and tickets can be found here. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
LGBTQ+ love in Longmont
- May 31- Garden Party- RMEQ will host this event at Lone Hawk Farm from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to kick off Pride. The theme is “Brunch Gone Wild,” and RMEQ encourages attendees to dress how they’d like, whether that’s in casual wear or “out there” attire.
RMEQ will recognize two community members at the party.
Jodi Jones will receive the Jack and Jean Hodges Big Hearts Award, which goes to “an LGBTQ+ community member who has made outstanding contributions to the community.”
For outstanding allyship to the LGBTQ+ community, Lisa Moreno will receive the Clela Rorex Allies in Action Award.
More information about these individuals and the awards is available on the event page.
The party is free to attend with an RSVP, but a $25 donation is encouraged.
- June 2- Campy Drag Bingo- the celebrations continue with an event where everyone is welcome to enjoy the “campfire vibes.”
According to the event page, the prize-filled drag bingo and refreshment-filled evening takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at UCC Church Longmont.
Tickets are available on a “pay-what-you-can” model here, with all proceeds going to the UCC Longmont Youth Program and RMEQ.
- June 5- Discoteca Fantasia– The true kickoff celebration of the season for Longmont takes place at Dickens Opera House from 7 to 11 p.m.
This 18+ night of drag and dancing will be soundtracked by ‘80s queer club hits and Latin pop; attendees are encouraged to wear glimmery fantasy garb or come in “80s fantasy realness.” Food and cocktails will be available, as well as a kissing booth and a photo booth.
$10 tickets are available for purchase here, and $15 tickets will be sold at the door.
- June 6- Longmont Pride– These festivities take place at Roosevelt Park, with an after-party to follow at Left Hand Brewing Company. Matthew Popkin will start the party with a broad setlist before open queer karaoke kicks off. This event is 18+ only, and the doors open at 7 p.m. for the 9 p.m. show.
- June 12- How We Met: Queer Love Stories– In partnership with RMEQ, Butterscotch Studios will feature an hour and a half of speakers sharing their queer love stories.
The event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and a form is available on the event page for those who would like to speak. According to the form, Butterscotch Studios hopes to make these events regular, so the application is rolling.
Loveland’s local celebration
- Loveland Pride takes place June 20 at Hammond Amphitheater.
Lyons’ celebration locations
- June 5- Lyons Pride Month Kickoff- RMEQ will launch Pride Month in Lyons with a kickoff party at MainStage Brewing. In partnership with Lyons PRIDE, attendees will get to enjoy live music from Zenari and TransRomantics from 6 to 9 p.m. More information on each band is available on the event page.
- June 12- Lyons Laughs Loud + Proud– This event, taking place at The Wayback Bar, will feature two hours of queer comedy, beginning at 7 p.m. It is 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- June 27 is Lyons Pride, happening at Sandstone Park from 2 to 5 p.m.
Cover photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Equality
Leave a Reply