Pride Month(s) is in full swing across the Portland metro area, and this year’s celebrations span both June and July with an exciting lineup of inclusive, family-friendly events designed to honor, support, and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.
While many cities across the country host their primary Pride celebrations in June, Portland’s flagship Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade will take place July 19–20, 2025, with events centered at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Organized by Pride Northwest, the shift to July helps avoid scheduling conflicts with other important cultural observances, such as the Rose Festival and Juneteenth, while offering a better weather window and more room on the city’s bustling summer calendar.
Want to know how to talk to children about pride? Marie Duke has a great article, “Talking To Your Children About Pride And How To Be A Good Ally,” to start the conversation.
Pride All Summer: June Events Offer Early Fun for Families
Though the main celebration is in July, Portland doesn’t wait to show its pride. June is filled with smaller, local events that offer kid-friendly activities and opportunities for learning and connection. Check out places like OMSI, local libraries, and various gardens around town.
And suburbs like Beaverton and Tigard hold their own Pride events in June, including family picnics, art projects, and musical performances tailored for younger audiences.
A standout family-friendly event in the lead-up to July is the fourth annual Pride Rides, happening Sunday, June 29, at Oaks Park. This day-long celebration offers:
- Discounted rides, mini golf, and carnival games from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Pride Skate in the rink from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Free cake and balloons, live community performers, and a vendor fair featuring LGBTQ+-owned businesses
Pride Rides is beloved for creating a joyful and affirming space where kids and adults alike can celebrate identity and inclusion.
A Full Weekend of Festivities at the Waterfront
The Waterfront Festival kicks off on Saturday, July 19, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and continues on Sunday, July 20, from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with a suggested donation of $10 supporting year-round programming for Portland’s LGBTQ+ community. Families can look forward to community performances, craft vendors, food trucks, and a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere for all ages.
The Portland Pride Parade takes place on Sunday, July 20, stepping off at 11:00 AM from the North Park Blocks and winding through downtown to Naito Parkway, concluding at the festival grounds. With floats, marching bands, dancers, and community organizations, the parade is a colorful, high-energy tribute to love, resistance, and visibility. For more information about Portland Pride and the upcoming events, check out their website here.
This is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusion in our community. Portland’s extensive calendar of Pride events provides numerous opportunities to learn, connect, and support the LGBTQ+ community. From neighborhood gatherings to citywide parades, each moment is an opportunity to foster belonging, affirm identity, and build a more compassionate future, one rainbow at a time.
Johanna is married with two kids, three dogs, three cats, one leopard gecko, several chickens, and a few fish. She has been in the Pacific Northwest since the dream was alive in the 90s but has Southern roots and hails from Arkansas. The family spends a lot of time at some sort of sporting event for the kids. Johanna likes to fast craft, garden, host parties, and bake. Johanna and her crew go hard traveling, DIY-ing, and are always up for a new adventure or challenge.