On May 17, 2004, Cambridge, Massachusetts became the first city in the U.S. to issue same-gender marriage licenses. In honor of the 21st anniversary of this historic moment, we’re sharing 21 ways to celebrate Pride Month in Cambridge:
1. Kick off the month with music and dance at Centanni Park on June 6. The Multicultural Arts Center’s free outdoor event, “Echoes-Love and Freedom,” features performances from Eva Davenport, Kweeng Doll, EduArdo Omondi, and the Haus of Glitter.
2. Don’t miss Mass Audubon’s Pride Festival, June 7 at Magazine Beach Park. All ages are invited to this free celebration with live animals, outdoor games, face painting, and a drag show with local performers.
3. On June 8, head to Cambridge City Hall for the 36th Annual Cambridge Pride, hosted by The Office of Mayor E. Denise Simmons and the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission. Enjoy food, live music, and family activities like face painting and bouncehouses. Plus, check out the QueerHistory exhibit at this free event.
4. Landmark Kendall Square Cinema’s Retro Replay: Pride Series returns for the month of June. Catch LGBTQ+ themed films on the big screen every Tuesday night this month.
5. If you’re visiting for Boston Pride for the People on June 14, Cambridge is the place to stay. The Kimpton Marlowe’s #WickedProud offer includes an overnight stay and two Pride cocktails from Bambara (keep reading for more on those!). For each package booked, Kimpton Marlowe will donate $20 to the Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth (BAGLY), a youth-led organization advocating for and supporting the LGBTQ+ youth community.
6. Try Bambara’s special Pride cocktail The Limelight, a summery mix of Diplomatico Mantuano Rum, Velvet Falernum, melon liqueur and lime. Available all month long, this drink also gives back: $1 from each sold will be donated to BAGLY.
7. While you’re at the Kimpton Marlowe, wish someone a “Happy Pride!” from Cambridge! Write a note at the Pride postcard station in their lobby and they’ll mail it free of charge.
8. Cambridge Public Library hosts Pride events throughout the month. Bring little ones for songs and stories during Drag Story Time on June 7 or the whole family for a Pride concert on June 18.
9. Join Lamplighter Brewing Co. at their Cambridge Crossing (CX) location on June 16 for a 21+ Pride Movie Night screening of “Paris Is Burning.”
10. In Lamplighter’s Broadway Taproom, learn how to make friendship bracelets at their Pride Fiber Arts Night, June 18. Already know how to make friendship bracelets? You can bring your own crafts to work on!
11. The celebrations continue at Lamplighter’s Broadway location with a free, family-friendly Drag Story Hour on June 21. Kiddos can order special Pride-themed drinks: Butterfly Flower Iced Tea and Pride Lemonade. For adults, Lamplighter will donate a portion of the proceeds from their Pride beer, Ms. Frizzle, to the Massachusetts Trans Political Coalition.
12. Back at their CX taproom on June 21, Lamplighter hosts a free, afternoon Pride Patio Party. Celebrate with drag performances, food pop-ups, and, of course, pitchers of Ms. Frizzle.
13. Grab tickets to Club Passim’s The Folk Collective: Annual Pride Month Show on June 21. Listen as queer and trans acts perform in-the-round style.
14. Learn how to make a colorful version of a classic deli dessert at Mamaleh’s Rainbow Black & White Cookie Class on June 26. Can’t make it to the cooking class? You can still order Mamaleh’s rainbow bagels or rainbow cookies this month!
15. Tatte also creates rainbow treats! Pick up a Pride Cake from one of their four Cambridge bakeries and half of the sales will be donated to BAGLY.
16. Visit History Cambridge’s virtual LGBTQ+ History Hub to discover more about Cambridge’s role in LGBTQ+ history and explore the city with self-guided tours.
17. Drag performer Coleslaw and her friends return to the Museum of Science on June 26. Grab snacks or drinks from the cash bar, then head into the Charles Hayden Planetarium for its first show of 2025, “Colesaw’s Corner.”
18. Later that week, join the Museum of Science for an all-day Pride Celebration on June 28. The festivities include performances, speakers, and activities for all ages.
19. When the Pride Celebration ends at 4pm, stick around the Museum of Science for Take Pride in Your Health, which will feature a discussion of queer health concerns with an expert panel.
20. And that’s not all at the Museum of Science! June 28’s festivities end with Slay The Entire Month And Beyond, an evening celebration of Pride with live music.
21. Support LGBTQ+-owned this month and every month! You can use the City of Cambridge’s directory to find and shop local LGBTQ+-owned businesses all year.
