Celebrate Pride While Exploring Connecticut
As the Northeast U.S. thaws out from its winter season and embraces the warmer spring and summer seasons, it’s also a great time to visit and explore LGBTQ+-friendly places further north, including Connecticut.
As you start planning summer vacations, you may want to consider a fun getaway to explore a few towns and cities in Connecticut, where you can be authentically queer for Pride celebrations and explore cool LGBTQ+-friendly destinations year-round.
First, you should know that there are three major Pride celebrations later this summer including New London Pride (August), New Haven Pride (September 1), and Hartford Pride (September 9). However, if you’re inspired to visit small towns in Connecticut in June, here are a few places to ponder as you plan your next summer vacay!
Where to Travel for Pride Month:
Middletown, Connecticut
Home to the largest Pride event in Connecticut, Middletown is known as a great place to meet, dine and enjoy arts and culture. Downtown is full of international restaurants, shops, studios, entertainment, and family-friendly places, and is located minutes from Wadsworth Falls State Park for hiking, biking, swimming, and picnics. Stay at The Inn at Middletown, which prides itself on offering unforgettable service for all guests, including the LGBTQ+ community.
This year’s Middletown PrideFEST will take place on June 3 from 12 – 10 pm in downtown Middletown. PrideFEST is an all-afternoon street fair that combines exhibitors, entertainers, food, and activities for all ages, including a 21+ area, and will feature a Pride March (1-2 pm), Pride Rallyon the South Green (2:30-4 pm), and Pride Showcase Concerts (4-7 pm). The first-ever Middletown Pride Tea Dance will be held from 7–10 pm on Old Church Street, hosted by Jerry’s Pizza. Music and sound for PrideFEST are provided by DJ Lady Tita and Ambassador Entertainment. For more information about the day, including ADA accommodations and parking, visit www.middletownpride.org.
Norwalk, Connecticut
Just 45 minutes from New York City, Norwalk provides access to some of Connecticut’s best boating, public beaches, lighthouses, protected islands, and marinas. It’s home to a variety of popular attractions including the Maritime Aquarium, as well as several annual arts & culture events. The South Norwalk or SoNo neighborhood features dining, shopping, arts, entertainment, and much more. Stay at the luxury Inn at GrayBarns or stylish Hotel Zero Degrees.
Every year, Norwalk hosts Pride in the Park, Fairfield County’s Pride celebration. The June 10 event will feature family-friendly activities, food and gift vendors, nationally acclaimed entertainment, and much more. Additional information will be released soon at https://ctpridecenter.org/pride-in-the-park/
Washington, Connecticut
Located in Litchfield County, the town of Washington is filled with picturesque natural surroundings including Lake Waramaug, stunning farmland and rolling hills, and a vibrant arts, culture and history scene that have made it a getaway for artists, musicians, and writers for decades. There are endless dining options, including the 2023 James Beard award semifinalist Community Table, as well as hotels, inns and B&Bs for every taste, style, and budget, including the luxury Mayflower Inn & Spa.
Washington is home to the Spring Hill Arts Gathering or SHAG (June 22-25), featuring four days of live music, arts, and community, located at Spring Hill Vineyard. Friday, June 23, will be dedicated to SHAG with PRIDE, featuring artists including Jake Wesley Rogers, Shamir, The Verdon Fosse Legacy, The Illustrious Blacks, and ASAP! Learn more at https://www.springhillartsgathering.com
West Hartford, Connecticut
Repeatedly voted one of the best places to live in Connecticut, West Hartford prides itself on its citizen involvement, rich history, safe neighborhoods, top-notch schools, family-friendly attractions, walkable streets, and its vibrant business districts. In West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square, visitors will find dozens of restaurants, shops, libraries, movie theaters, fitness studios, bars, boutiques, and much more, including the luxury hotel and spa Delamar West Hartford, among other standout spots in town—like the 2023 James Beard award semifinalist CoraCora restaurant or LGBTQ+ owned Small State Provisions.
West Hartford Pride is an incredible month-long celebration ending in a rally and festival day on June 24 filled with joy, storytelling, and opportunities to network and connect with family, friends, and statewide resources. Expect live music, speakers, Drag artists, food, kid’s activities, a tea dance, and much more. A concert by the Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus will kick off the town’s Pride Month events on June 4. More information about the month-long celebration and festival is available at https://westhartfordpride.org.
