Massachusetts Pride Celebration Returns to Historic New Bedford LGBTQ+ Gathering Space

For more than four decades, 20 Kenyon Street has served as a gathering place for New Bedford’s LGBTQ+ community. This June, that tradition continues with a full day of Pride celebrations centered around inclusion, entertainment and safety.

New Bedford Pride will take over The Gallery Bar on Saturday, June 13, with a full day and night of celebration designed to bring people together in a safe environment. The daytime portion of the event runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is completely free and family-friendly, while the evening celebration shifts into a 21-plus event from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. outdoors and continues indoors until 1 a.m.

From vendors and food trucks to drag performances, music, games and local organizations, the event is shaping up to be one of the city’s biggest Pride celebrations yet. Organizers have also emphasized that safety and crowd flow have been carefully planned from the start.

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A Celebration Built Around Community and Safety

According to organizers, security measures and event logistics have been a major focus throughout the planning process. Bag checks, ID checkpoints, fencing layouts and designated alcohol areas are all part of the setup to help ensure guests feel comfortable throughout the event.

The family-friendly hours will feature more than 20 vendors, food trucks, face painting, crafts, lawn games, bubble shows, music by DJ Weezy and even a visit from Tinkerbell. A drag show is also scheduled for 4 p.m.

Once 6 p.m. arrives, the event transitions into the adult portion of Pride with music, drinks, performances and entertainment continuing throughout the night. Outdoor festivities include music from DJ Nicole and an 8 p.m. drag show, while indoor entertainment features DJ Eevee and a local art gallery experience.

Honoring a Longstanding LGBTQ+ Safe Space

“We are excited to host New Bedford Pride this year at The Gallery Bar,” co-owner Jes Fritze said. “It’s a celebration of inclusion, community and togetherness.”

Committee members helping organize the event include Fritze, Traci Welch, Marco Moura and head of security Toni Gonsalves.

“20 Kenyon St. has been a hub for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies for over 40 years,” Fritze said. “We are humbled and honored to be able to continue that legacy and keep the space open, a place where people feel free, safe, seen and welcome.”

The evening performances will include The Gallery Gals featuring Phlegm Mignon, Analee, Katy Soqueera and Betweenya Lipz, along with special guests. Organizers also plan to honor the late Ultima, a beloved performer remembered fondly within the local LGBTQ+ community.

This is shaping up to be one of the hottest outdoor/indoor parties of the summer and one of the biggest parties in the name of Pride the SouthCoast has yet to see, so plan accordingly and stop by The Gallery on June 13.