Julie Walker
Unique among New England’s major cities, Worcester celebrates Pride each September—and the city comes alive with history, art, drag, dancing, craft events, and plenty of reasons to show up and show out.
A march to honor the protest of Pride begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at Femme Bar. Come out and fill the streets with energy, love, resilience, and joy on the way to the Pride Festival on Franklin Street, running from 2 to7 p.m. Expect LGBTQ+ organizations and allies, artists, makers, food vendors, live performers, and speakers for an afternoon full of outdoor fun and festivities.
When the sun goes down, the party keeps going. Femme Bar hosts a block party featuring Sister Funk and DJ Lavender, plus tastings, vendors, outdoor games, raffles, temporary tattoos, and tarot readings. Over at MB Lounge, drag divas Daisha and Bootz take the stage before DJ Kai Rule gets the dance floor moving. Both parties are for ages 21 and older with a $20 cover.
Then, on Sept. 18–19, Big Queer Worcester Weekend takes over Mechanics Hall with Love Your Labels’ Queer AF in Denim on Friday, followed by the Worcester Draglesque Festival’s full-scale drag and burlesque showcase on Saturday.
Stay on top of your queer game at prideworcester.org/events and make September a little—or a lot—queerer in Worcester!
Jorgeous from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” performs at The Best Little Drag Brunch in Worcester, Sunday, Sept. 13 at The Cocktail Garden.