NEW BEDFORD — As Pride Month 2025 approaches, the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network is gearing up for a vibrant celebration designed to uplift, unite and honor the region’s LGBTQ+ community during a time of ongoing social and political challenges nationwide.
“With everything happening in the world, Pride on the SouthCoast is more than just a party, it’s a declaration of community, resilience, and love,” said Andy Pollock, president of the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network.
Through accessible, family-friendly and affirming events, Pollock said, the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network and its partners aim to foster connection, visibility and support for LGBTQ+ people of all ages.
New Bedford celebrates Pride Month at Buttonwood Park on June 1.
“I think this year it’s really defining, especially with what the government is doing by pulling back resources around diversity, equity and inclusion. We want to celebrate and make people feel welcome and at home,” Pollock added.
“We’re trying to move people to take positive action locally, so people who are anxious or upset can be moved to take action.”
With a full calendar of outdoor festivals, live entertainment, and community events across New Bedford, Taunton, Fall River, and beyond, this year’s festivities promise to showcase the resilience, diversity and joy that define Pride on the SouthCoast.
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Pride Kicks Off with Wild Yonder! in Taunton
The Network will launch Pride in grand style on May 31, with Wild Yonder!, a spirited kickoff party at Deep Pond Farm & Stables in Taunton.
Local country superstar Timmy Brown will headline the evening, bringing his signature sound to an event filled with music, dancing, and community connection. All proceeds support the Network’s year-round programs and vital services for the SouthCoast LGBTQ+ community.
Family-Friendly fun at Fall River Pride Festival
On June 1, the sixth annual Fall River Pride Festival returns to the Gates of the City on Ponta Delgada Boulevard from noon to 4 p.m.
Stonewall Veteran David Velasco Bermudez, left, and husband Bob Isadore, center, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, right, raise the pride flag at New Bedford City Hall.
Organized by the Fall River Pride Committee, this family-friendly event will feature a dazzling array of live drag performances, music, food trucks, games, prizes and interactive activities for children, including Drag Story Hour.
Attendees will also find resources from local organizations, vendors, and educational displays on LGBTQ+ issues. The festival is open to all and free to attend, underscoring the spirit of inclusivity that defines Pride.
SouthCoast Pride in Buttonwood Park
On June 7, Buttonwood Park in New Bedford comes alive from noon to 5 p.m. for SouthCoast Pride. This all-ages event offers something for everyone: entertainment, delicious food, youth activities, and dedicated spaces for LGBTQ+ seniors.
Drag artist Crystal Diamonds will return to emcee a performance-packed afternoon, including a headline set by NB Rude Boys and tunes spun by DJ Eddie.
New Bedford celebrates Pride Month at Buttonwood Park on June 1.
After Pride Block Party: ‘A Night to Remember’
Following the daytime celebration in New Bedford, the festivities continue with the highly anticipated After Pride Block Party hosted by The Gallery Bar NB, a revitalized venue committed to being a year-round safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
From 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., North Front Street and Kenyon Street (which will be closed to traffic for the duration) will transform into a giant dance party. The event is 21+ with a $10 cover.
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The Gallery Bar’s house queens (the “Gallery Gals”) alongside beloved local queens Crystal Diamonds and Phlegm Mignon, will deliver dazzling drag performances throughout the night.
The block party promises to keep the Pride energy going well into the evening, affirming the SouthCoast’s LGBTQ+ presence and vibrance.
AHA! Celebrates Pride with annual block party in the square
AHA!’s pride celebration, in collaboration with the Queer Arts Council of New Bedford, takes place June 12 starting at 3 p.m.
Starting at 5 p.m., the street will be full of local craft vendors, community partners, circus arts, food trucks, live artists and street performers. Inside the Steeple Playhouse, don’t miss the live drag show from 6 to 8 p.m. hosted by Crystal Diamonds and featuring The Queens of The Southcoast. From 8 to 10 p.m., dance the night away with New Moon Dance Party.
In addition, businesses and organizations across downtown will host musical performances, art demonstrations, kids karaoke, trivia, open mic poetry and more.
Taunton’s Hopewell Park Hosts Fourth Annual Pride
The celebration continues on June 14 from noon to 5 p.m., when Taunton’s fourth annual Pride festival takes over Hopewell Park.
Crystal Diamonds and DJ Eddie will host a packed program of live music, dancing, community vendors, food trucks and drag performances. Local favorites Roots Run Wild headline the afternoon, adding homegrown musical flair to the inclusive celebration.
Taunton Pride Afterparty, co-hosted with Bobby’s Place will be from 6 p.m. to close.
Fairhaven celebrates Pride
Celebrate love, equality and community at Fairhaven’s Got Pride on June 22. From 4 to 8 p.m, guests are invited outside Town Hall for a festive evening of food trucks, a beer tent, live entertainment and all-ages fun.
Come early at 4 p.m. to “Chalk the Walk,” an opportunity to color the main crosswalk in rainbow colors.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton hosting LGBTQ+ events for Pride Month
