Berkshire County is gearing up for its 8th Annual Pride Parade & Festival, set to take place on June 8th at Pittsfield Common Park. This vibrant event promises a day filled with celebration, community spirit, and a strong message of love and acceptance.
The festivities will kick off with a parade that will march from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting at Park Square and making its way to The Common Park. The parade is expected to draw a large crowd, with participants and spectators coming together to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. The festival will feature a variety of vendors, entertainment, and activities designed to engage and delight attendees of all ages.
But the celebration doesn’t end with the parade. Berkshire County will also host its second annual pride afterparty at the Pittsfield Holiday Inn, catering to participants aged 21 and over. This year, the afterparty will include a VIP section, offering exclusive access to performances by Opal Raven Night Cirque, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a private cash bar after 8 PM. The VIP party will begin at 7 p.m., providing a glamorous and exciting conclusion to the day’s events.
General admission tickets for the afterparty are available for $25, and discounted hotel rooms can be booked for $99 using the code B24. This ensures that attendees can fully enjoy the festivities without worrying about transportation or accommodation.
Berkshire Pride Week, which began in 2017, has become a cornerstone event for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Berkshires and beyond. Each June, the community comes together to celebrate their identity, achievements, and to stand in solidarity with marginalized groups. This year, the celebration will include the inaugural LGBTQ+ Youth Pride Celebration, a free event open to all children in Berkshire County. Scheduled for Saturday, June 1st, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at The Common Park in Pittsfield, this event promises an afternoon filled with fun, games, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Youth Pride Celebration will feature exciting games and activities, prizes and giveaways, delicious food and snacks, creative crafts, and much more. Organized by youth for youth, the event aims to create a safe and inclusive space for young people to express themselves and celebrate their identities. For more information, interested parties can visit berkshirepride.org.
Pittsfield is known for its eclectic mix of year-round festivals, and the Pride Festival is one of the highlights. From the Berkshire International Film Festival to the 4th of July Parade, Pittsfield offers a variety of events that celebrate the community’s diversity and creativity. The Pride Festival, in particular, stands out as a powerful symbol of unity and acceptance.
The Berkshire International Film Festival, also known as BIFF, showcases the latest in independent feature, documentary, short, and family films. It includes lively panel discussions and special events focusing on filmmakers and artists. The festival is an integral part of the cultural fabric of the Berkshires, drawing film enthusiasts from near and far.
Another notable event is the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival, which presents mainstream and traditional jazz in a downtown setting. Since its inception in 2005, the festival has become a beloved tradition, attracting jazz lovers from across the region.
The WordXWord Festival uses spoken word, poetry, and storytelling to celebrate diversity and creativity. It empowers individuals, fosters understanding and empathy, and creates real human connections. Year-round events are listed on wordxwordfestival.com, offering numerous opportunities for community engagement.
In addition to these events, Pittsfield hosts the 10×10 Upstreet Winter Festival, a collaboration between more than a dozen arts and cultural organizations. This festival brings over 10,000 people downtown for 10 days in the heart of winter, showcasing the community’s resilience and creativity.
The 3rd Thursdays Street Festival is another signature event, bringing people from all over the county and beyond. This downtown street festival, featuring music, food, and vendors, runs from May to September each year, on the third Thursday of the month.
The annual 4th of July Parade is a beloved Pittsfield tradition dating back to 1824. Today, thousands of people line the streets to enjoy modern floats and marching bands from across New England.
Berkshire County’s Pride Festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to the community’s commitment to equality, acceptance, and love. As the county prepares for this year’s event, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, the Pride Parade & Festival offers a unique opportunity to join in the celebration and show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
