Portland Pride

Guess which city hosts one of the most family-friendly Pride celebrations in the country.

Pride Northwest

Pride Northwest is the organizational power behind the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade, which celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and educates all. Plus, it’s incredibly fun.

“The joy. You have to experience it to explain it, and even then you’re going to struggle,” says Debra Porta, Executive Director of Pride Northwest. “It’s not about what physically is happening, it’s the entire feel of being in that community together.”

Just how family-friendly are we talking?

“Portland Pride really looks like the people who live here, and we have lots of Queer families here,” says Porta. “[You’ll see] kids and youth marching with their parents, we’ve got … KinderCare in the parade.” Porta advises parents to make their own decisions, but the general vibe of Pride is uplifting and inclusive — and that inclusivity includes Portland’s children.

Though artists are told this is an all-ages event, the acts on the main stage are geared toward a more adult audience. If you want to stick to especially kid-friendly content, skip the main stage and head over to the performing arts pavilion inside the festival. There you’ll find music and dance performances suitable for the whole family. The festival will also have both a family tent and a youth tent, with games, art activities and snacks.

How to Celebrate

Portland Pride Waterfront Festival

Come for the performances, vendors, music and — above all — the JOY of Portland Pride.

Don’t forget to dress festively! You can buy official Portland Pride shirts here, or deck yourself in rainbow gear you already own.

Portland Pride is one of the largest donation-based pride celebrations. No one is turned away, but please do bring the recommended $8 donation per person, to keep the joy coming year after year.

Because the LGBTQ+ community is overly represented in vulnerable populations, Pride Northwest is taking Covid precautions seriously. Masks are strongly encouraged at this outdoor event, and vaccinations are required for ages 5+, including any eligible boosters. Learn more at their website.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park
June 18, 12:00 pm-6:00pm
June 19, 11:30 am-6:00 pm

Portland Pride Parade

The Pride Parade steps off at NW Couch St. and NW 8th at 11:00 am, Sunday, June 19. The space between the north end of the festival and Saturday Market is a great spot to view the parade, and you can view the full route here.

More Events

Pride Northwest is hosting a series of events in addition to the festival and parade. Some of the family-friendly offerings are listed below:

• The 25th Annual All-Ages Show Matinee
• Pride at the Museum at OMSI
• History of Black Drag in Portland: An Evening of Conversation & Performance
• Cirque du Soleil Alegria
• Portland Pride Paddle

For even more Pride fun, check out our Pride Events Calendar.