Baltimore Pride

Baltimore is the home of John Waters and dozens of other influential LGBTQ community performers. That is why it shouldn't surprise you that the city is also home to one of the most significant pride events on the East Coast, one in the top list of US pride events. Baltimore Pride started as a small event in 1975, and activists came together for a peaceful demonstration. It was such a success that they decided to expand their horizons the following year. For over four decades, this event served as the ultimate way to celebrate pride in Maryland.

The pride event organizers are proud of how quickly it grew over the years. Though only a handful of people attended the 1975 demonstration, more than 25,000 participated in the Baltimore Pride Parade and other related events in 2017. Many of those visitors come to either join or watch the parade. The parade begins at 33rd Street and North Charles Street and runs right down that street until it ends on the corner of North Charles and 23rd Streets. There are plenty of spots along the route where you can find a great place to watch.

Looking at past events is a great way to see what you can expect for the next celebration. An outreach BBQ held in 2018 served as a community outreach program, which allowed tourists to volunteer alongside locals—past years also featured workshops for those who wanted to learn about volunteer opportunities and how they could give back, as well as plenty of celebrations in the middle of the street. If you decide to volunteer during Baltimore Pride weekend, you can attend a workshop for volunteers ahead of time to see what the organizers expect from you.

For full details on Baltimore Pride, be sure to check out the official event program. Happy Pride!