Celebrate Pride 2025 in Portland
Every summer, Portland transforms into a vibrant celebration of love, acceptance, and self-expression during Pride season. Rose City's unique brand of inclusivity shines through its diverse LGBTQIA+ events, creating memorable experiences for both locals and visitors alike. Planning to attend the festivities? Portland Pride offers something for everyone seeking to celebrate identity and solidarity in the Pacific Northwest.
Early Pride Events
The celebration kicks off with the Portland Pride Run on June 13th along the scenic Eastbank Esplanade. This inclusive 5K welcomes participants of all fitness levels to run, walk, or roll along the Willamette River with spectacular views of the city skyline. Expressive attire is encouraged as participants make their way through this level and accessible course that celebrates both physical wellness and community spirit.
After the run, head over to The Hotel Zags Pride Night Market, which transforms our urban courtyard into a celebration of LGBTQIA+ artists, makers, and small businesses. This intimate gathering features local vendors offering handcrafted jewelry, artwork, clothing, and specialty foods in a welcoming environment enhanced by live music from local queer artists. The market provides a perfect opportunity to support Portland's creative community while picking up unique souvenirs to help commemorate your Pride visit.
Punk Rock Pride delivers the musical goods on June 14th with its raw energy and countercultural spirit. This event embraces the intersection of punk aesthetics and queer identity through live performances by LGBTQIA+ bands, spoken word artists, and drag performers who push boundaries and challenge norms. The rebellious atmosphere honors the revolutionary roots of Pride while creating space for expressions that fall outside mainstream celebrations.
Mid-June Festivities
The Portland Pride Bar Crawl on June 21st offers a tour of the city's legendary nightlife scene. Check-in is at Silverado (610 NW Couch St) at 4pm. From there, participants receive a map guiding them through a curated selection of community establishments throughout downtown and the Pearl District. Each stop features special Pride-themed drinks, with a portion of proceeds benefiting local nonprofit organizations. The crawl provides both a social experience and an introduction to Portland's diverse queer spaces.
Pageantry takes center stage at Candyland: Taste the Rainbow Gay Prides Pageant at McMenamin’s Crystal Ballroom on June 22nd. This spectacular competition showcases the talent, creativity, and charisma of Portland's diverse queer community. Contestants dazzle judges and audiences with performances ranging from high-concept drag to spoken word poetry in this particolored extravaganza. The event honors multiple expressions of pride and identity while crowning winners who will represent Portland's LGBTQIA+ community at events throughout the coming year.
July’s Main Events
Pride season reaches its crescendo in mid-July with Portland Gaylabration 2025 on July 19th. This massive dance party features world-class DJs, elaborate light shows, and performances by nationally recognized LGBTQIA+ artists. The celebratory atmosphere creates a space where attendees can dance freely and express themselves authentically among thousands of community members and allies.
The Portland Pride Waterfront Festival transforms Tom McCall Waterfront Park into a sprawling celebration on July 19-20. This two-day event features multiple entertainment stages, hundreds of vendors and community organizations, family-friendly activities, food courts, and beverage gardens along the picturesque Willamette River. The festival serves as both a gathering place and resource hub where attendees can connect with LGBTQIA+ services while enjoying entertainment that ranges from drag shows to indie bands.
The season culminates with the Portland Pride Parade on Sunday, July 20th, beginning at 11AM from the North Park Blocks and proceeding through downtown to end at the Waterfront Festival. This vibrant procession features over 150 contingents including community groups, nonprofit organizations, corporate allies, elaborate floats, and jubilant marchers celebrating the diversity of human identity and expression. The parade embodies Portland's commitment to creating a world where all people can live authentically and with dignity.
Portland's Iconic LGBTQIA+ Nightlife
Looking for some fun outside of the festival events? No Pride experience is complete without exploring Portland's established gay bars, each offering its own distinct atmosphere:
CC Slaughters in Old Town delivers high-energy dance floors and legendary drag shows in an expansive venue that has served as a community anchor for decades. Nearby, Scandals provides a more laid-back downtown experience with its comfortable lounge vibe and popular video bar.
In the Buckman neighborhood, Crush Bar offers an inclusive space famous for its diverse entertainment calendar and craft cocktails. The Pearl District's Stag PDX combines the aesthetics of a classic gentleman's club with queer sensibilities and rotating entertainment.
Downtown's aforementioned Silverado maintains its reputation for energetic dancing and charismatic performers, while revelers can seek out a more rugged atmosphere at Eagle Bar in North Portland with its "leather and Levis" aesthetic and popular patio.
Your Pride Home Base
The Hotel Zags offers the perfect centrally located headquarters for your Portland Pride adventures. Our boutique accommodations place you within walking distance of the parade route and easy transit access to all major Pride events. Return from the festivities to relax in our urban oasis featuring the Living Wall Garden and exclusive Zags Gear Shed, where adventure gear rentals (e.g., bikes, cameras and picnic kits) make enjoying Portland's queer neighborhoods a breeze.
Our team proudly celebrates Portland's diverse community via our partnership with Pride Northwest. We're happy to provide insider recommendations for LGBTQIA+ friendly restaurants, shopping, and entertainment beyond the main Pride events. Then, after a day of celebration, unwind on our private patio or enjoy craft cocktails at PLS on Sixth.
Ready to plan your stay? Visit our Special Offers page to discover Pride packages designed to enhance your celebration with special amenities like complimentary welcome drinks, late checkout, and special rates.
Book your stay at The Hotel Zags today and make our uniquely Portland property your home for Pride 2025!