June is here — which means it’s officially Pride Month. Essex County is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community through numerous events this June. From educational talks, movie showings, and drag shows to flag raisings and runs, there’s a ton happening. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally looking to show your support, read on for a list of pride celebrations throughout Essex County.
Livingston
Pride Shabbat
June 17th | Details TBD
Temple B’nai Abraham will be hosting guest speaker Rachel B. Tiven. She will be speaking about the Jewish heroes of the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement. The temple is located at 300 East Northfield Road in Livingston. Click here to find out more.
Maplewood
Signs of Pride
June 4th | 11AM
Maplewood Arts and Culture will be hosting a sign-making event at the Woodland Parlour for the MASPO Equality March at 60 Durand Road in Maplewood. Click here to read more.
Let’s Talk About Gender Identity
June 8th | 6PM
Join North Jersey Pride at Columbia High School, located at 17 Parker Avenue, for a panel discussion on gender identity and how to better support transgender, non-binary, and gender-fluid youth. Click here for more information.
Walk With Me
June 9th | 7PM
The Maplewood Film Society and the Maplewood Division of Arts and Culture will be presenting Walk With Me at The Woodland, located at 60 Woodland Road. Click here to find out more.
Big Queer Prom
June 10th | 7PM
Maplewood Arts and Culture, North Jersey Pride, and the Rainbow Youth Alliance are hosting a free public party for Queer folks and allies. Stop by The Woodland, located at 60 Woodland Road, for a fun night of food, music, and community. Click here to learn more.
10th Annual North Jersey Pride Fest
June 12th | 12PM
North Jersey Pride will be hosting its 10th annual Pride Fest at Memorial Park in Maplewood, located at 124 Dunnell Road. The festival will have over 100 vendors, games, and a live stage. Click here to learn more.
The Poetics of Pride
June 23rd | 7PM
Stop by The Woodland Parlour, located at 60 Woodland Road, to hear the lived experiences of Queer and Trans people through the poetry of Kathy Kremins, Attorious Renee, and Claudia Cortese. An open night mic will follow their performances. Click here to learn more.
Read More: Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community in North Jersey
Montclair
Pride Night at the Museum
June 2nd | 5PM
Join Out Montclair and the Montclair Art Museum for the first event of Montclair Pride 2022. The event will celebrate Queer artists, musicians, DJs, and dancers, and all proceeds will benefit OUT Montclair and the Museum. This event will be held at 3 South Mountain Avenue. Click here to learn more.
Movie Night Under the Stars: Rocky Horror Picture Show
June 3rd | 7PM
Out Montclair will be showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show at Lackawanna Plaza with refreshments provided by Montclair Brewery. While the venue opens at 7PM, the film will begin at sundown. Click here to learn more.
Out Montclair Playdate
June 4th | 4PM
Out Montclair will be hosting a playdate for new families at Edgemont Park. Snacks will be provided. Click here to learn more.
Pride Workout Weekend
June 4th – June 6th
In partnership with Out Montclair, various local Montclair gyms are hosting special Pride workouts. Click here to learn more and see participating locations.
Reading Scripture with Pride
June 7th | 7PM
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation will be presenting “Reading Scripture with Pride,” an event where Queer people of faith will be discussing their experience and the clergy will reflect on why Sacred Scripturtes should not be used to weaponzie the LGBTQ+ community. This even is located at 67 Church Street. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP. Click here to read more.
Pride Stride with Fleet Street
June 9th | 6:30PM
Join the Montclair community for the 4th annual Fleet Feet Montclair Pride Stride Run & Walk 5k. Funds raised will be donated to Out Montclair. This event will start and finish at Montclair Brewery, located at 101 Walnut Street. After the run/walk, there will be a celebration at Montclair Brewing Company’s outdoor beer garden — and the first round is free (21+ for alcohol). Registration for this event is now full, but you can join a waitlist here.
Montclair Pride Festival
June 11th | 12PM
Hosted by Out Montclair, The Montclair Pride Festival will be held in Downtown Montclair with over 100 vendors and sponsors from the Montclair Area. There will also be games and a live stage. Click here to find out more.
Montclair Pride Concert at The Wellmont
June 11th | 7PM
Australian singer and songwriter Betty Who will be performing at The Wellmont, located at 5 Seymour Street. Betty Who has multiple #1s on Billboard charts like her breakout hit “Somebody Loves You,” as well as “All of You”and “All Things,” her cover of Netflix’s Queer Eye opening number. JORDY and Fab the Duo will also be performing. Get tickets here.
Nutley
Nutley Pride Collection for Essex County RAIN Foundation
June 1st-30th
Nutley Pride will be hosting a month-long collection for Essex County’s LBGT Rain Foundation. They will be collecting travel size hygiene products which can be dropped off on the 2nd floor of the Nutley Public Library. Click here to learn more.
Drag Bingo Brunch at Cowan’s Public
June 6th | 12PM
Stop by Cowan’s Public, located at 229 Centre Street, for Drag Bingo Brunch hosted by Harmonica Sunbeam. Click here to learn more.
Nutley Little Theatre: Say Gay Cabaret!
June 19th | 8PM
Nutley Little Theatre, located at 47 Erie Place, will be hosting a night filled with song and laughter to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Performers include Tasha Bayne, Jess Katz, and LeFevre. Get your tickets here.
Orange
Pride Month Run
June 11th | 11AM
Join Four City Brewing for a fun 5k run and great beer. Pride themed outfits are encouraged. Click here to register.
South Orange
South Orange Pride Flag Raising
June 1st | 6PM
South Orange will be raising the pride flag at South Orange and Irvington Ave to honor those involved in the Stonewall Riots, stand against bigotry and hatred, show support for LGBTQ+ issues and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of the members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Protect Your Pride Film Series: The Way He Looks
June 1st | 7PM
Check out The Way He Looks, a fun coming of age film about friendship and the complications of young love. See it at The Village at SOPAC Theatre, located at 1 SOPAC Way. Click here to get tickets.
North Jersey Pride Say Gay Soirée
June 3rd | 7PM
Get your tickets and join North Jersey Pride at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club, located at 305 N Ridgewood Road, for dinner, drinks, dessert, and more. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Florida-based legal defense organizations.
South Orange Public Library Celebrates Pride: Book Art Program
June 4th | 2PM
Join the Rainbow Youth Alliance for a read-aloud and art making session where participants can make collages inspired by picture book readings. Click here to learn more.
North Jersey Pride Run
June 5th | 9AM
Runners of all ages, speeds, and styles are welcome to participate and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Meet at Grove Street and South Orange Ave. Click here to sign up.
South Orange Downtown Pride Celebration
June 5th | 2PM
Join South Orange Downtown at Spiotta Park for a family friendly event with a live DJ, Y-Zone, face painting, games, and activities for all. Click here to read more.
Pride Night Out
June 7th | 8PM
Stop by the Fox & Falcon, located at 19 Valley Street, for a free cocktail event hosted by North Jersey Pride. Click here to learn more.
South Orange Public Library Celebrates Pride: Tie-Dye With Pride
June 9th | 4PM
Bring a cotton shirt to tie-dye. All ages welcome. This event is located at 65 Scotland Road. Click here to read more.
Outdoor Movie Night: But I’m A Cheerleader
June 16th | 8PM
Stop by Waterlands Park for an LGBTQ+ film classic starring Natasha Lyonne, RuPaul, and Michelle Williams. RSVP here.
See More: Out Montclair’s First-Ever Pride Festival Happening This June
Verona
Rainbows Craft Event
June 1st | 3:30PM
Join the Verona Library, located at 17 Gould Street, for rainbow craft events such as rainbow pasta or rainbow door hangers. Click here to learn more.
Verona Pride Flag Raising
June 7th | 6:30PM
Verona will be raising their Pride flag at the Verona Civic Center, located at 600 Bloomfield Ave.
Getting to Know About Gender Identity + Pronouns
June 15th | 7PM
The Verona Library will be hosting a Zoom workshop giving practical information about gender identity, sexual oritentation, and pronoun usage. Click here to learn more.
West Orange
West Orange Pride Celebration
June 5th | 11AM
The West Orange Human Relations Commission in partnership with the West Orange Police Department and the West Orange Rainbow Coalition will be hosting the West Orange Pride Celebration, located at 66 Main Street. The event will include a parade, flag raising ceremony, music, activities, and food. Click here to learn more.
