Pride Month is celebrated every June in tribute to those involved in the Stonewall Riots, and we’re getting ready to dust off our rainbow flags, douse ourselves in glitter, and go join in the fun. With parades, festivals and concerts going on across the globe, there’s always some way for you to get involved — as well as learn some important social history along the way.  

Join us here in South Orange and Maplewood as we celebrate Pride 2022 with a month of celebrations and activities. Check back frequently as more events will be listed throughout the month. For a listing of Maplewood events please visit MapSoPride. 

PRIDE MONTH FLAG RAISING
When: Wednesday, June 1, 6pm
Where: Flag Pole @ South Orange Ave & Irvington Ave

Join South Orange elected leaders as we raise the flag commemorating Pride month. We'll honor those involved in the Stonewall Riots, stand against bigotry and hatred, show support for LGBTQ+ issues and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of the members of the LGBTQ+ community.  All are welcome. 

PROJECT YOUR PRIDE FILM SERIES: THE WAY HE LOOKS
When: Wednesday, June 1, 7pm
Where: Cinema Lab The Village at SOPAC Theater

Rainbow Youth Alliance, North Jersey Pride and Cinema Lab present The Way He Looks. Set against the music of Belle and Sebastian, Daniel Ribeiro's coming of age tale, THE WAY HE LOOKS is a fun and tender story about friendship and the complications of young love. Winner of 7 Audience Awards. Official Brazilian Entry - Foreign Language Film - 87th Academy Awards. 93% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Get Tickets

NORTH JERSEY PRIDE SAY GAY SOIREE
When: Friday, June 3, 7pm
Where: Orange Lawn Tennis Club

Join North Jersey Pride for a festive evening of dining, dancing and debauchery at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club and enjoy tons of passed hors d'oeuvres, dinner stations, full open bar, specialty drinks, and more. We'll have access to the full club and outdoor patios. It's the most fun you'll have giving to charity! Get Tickets 

NORTH JERSEY PRIDE RUN
WHEN: Sunday, June 5, 9am
Where: Grove Rd & South Orange Avenue 

Show your Pride colors! This USATF-certified 5K begins and ends in Grove Park, South Orange. Runners and walkers of all ages, speeds, and styles are welcome to participate and show their support for LGBTQ+ equality! Sign up to run! 

SOUTH ORANGE DOWNTOWN PRIDE CELEBRATION
When: June 5, 2 to 5pm
Where: Spiotta Park 

South Orange Downtown is excited to kick off Pride Month with this free family-friendly community event featuring a dance party with live DJ, Y-Zone, face painting and games and activities for everyone. Join us for games, giveaways and more! Step and repeat to the latest beats with DJ Jimmy B of New Jersey DJ Services then grab your friends and pose for the camera with fun props in our pop up photo-booth. We’ll have some activities and games for kids of all ages, including a craft corner, Connect 4, Dart Ball, Cornhole and much more plus the South Mountain YMCA will be providing a Y-zone with kids activities and games. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat from a local business and dine outside. Bistro seating will be available. Brought to you by our generous presenting sponsor, Lichtman Rabney Group  

PNO: PRIDE MONTH EDITION 
When: Tuesday, June 7, 8pm
Where: Fox & Falcon South Orange

Come out for a special Pride Month edition of North Jersey Pride's popular Pride Night Out cocktail event at Fox & Falcon in South Orange. Free. 

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT: BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER
When: Thursday, June 16 8pm
Where: Waterlands Park, 30 W.3rd St.

Bring a blanket or beach chair and cozy up to watch this LGBTQ film classic, starring Natasha Lyonne, Clea Duvall and RuPaul. Admission is free, but we'd love your RSVP! Concessions will be available for purchase; all proceeds support NJ Pride.

SOUTH ORANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES PRIDE

ARTBENDER: Book Art Program

Saturday, June 4 @ 2 pm
Join Rainbow Youth Alliance for a read-aloud and art making session. Families, or individual participants, will create a group collage inspired by the picture books readings 

Tie-Dye with Pride
Tuesday, June 9 @ 4 pm (Rain date: 6/15)
Bring a 100% cotton shirt to tie-dye. All ages welcome, no registration necessary. Anyone under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Special Conversations

• Wednesday, June 8 @ 6 pm:
  Novelist CARLEY MOORE will discuss her latest book, Panpocalypse, and the importance of centering LGBTQ+ voices in fiction. 
• Friday, June 17 @ 1 pm (Zoom only):
   Activist FRED SWANSON, former Executive Director of Seattle’s Gay City, will reflect on his twenty years of running a LGBTQ+ center in a major city.
• Thursday, June 23 @ 4 pm
  FSG Editorial Director JOY PESKIN and YA author MICHAEL BARAKIVA will talk about their lengthy collaboration and “Queer Love Scenes.”