The Hartford Pride Center, in partnership with the City of Hartford’s LGBTQ+ Commission, will officially launch Pride Month 2026 with a special Pride Month Recognition Event on Monday, June 1st, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Gentle Bull Shop, 45 Pratt Street, Hartford.
The event will serve as the ceremonial opening of Pride Month in Connecticut’s Capital City and help build momentum toward Capital City Pride, Hartford’s official Pride festival taking place on Saturday, June 13th, 2026. The all-day festival will begin on Pratt Street in downtown Hartford followed by a free evening concert at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza along the Connecticut River concluding with an afterparty at Chez Est.
Together, the events reflect Hartford’s growing role as a vibrant, inclusive destination for LGBTQ+ culture, advocacy, arts, entertainment, and community celebration.
Featured speakers at the June 1st Recognition Event are expected to include:
- Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, City of Hartford
- Representative from the Greater Hartford Arts Council
- John Pepe, Owner of Chez Est
- Representative from the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
- NxtThrsdy, Founder of Hartford Black Pride
- Mucha, Founder of CT Pride
- Chelsey Knyff, Mrs. Connecticut
The Recognition Event will honor individuals, organizations, and community partners helping advance inclusion, visibility, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ residents across Greater Hartford.
“Pride Month is a chance to celebrate the strength, diversity, and resilience of LGBTQ+ people while recognizing the work still ahead,” said Jack Woodin, CLARO Board President, “From our Pride Month Recognition Event to Capital City Pride on June 13th, Hartford will be a place where folks from across Connecticut can gather in joy, solidarity, and community.”
Capital City Pride, Presented by Gilead, is expected to draw thousands of attendees for a day of celebration, great food, music, and live performances along Pratt Street in downtown Hartford culminating in a free public concert at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza featuring Sister Funk, Brand New Eyes, and Myles Tripp. The day will wrap-up with an official afterparty at Chez Est, Hartford’s longest operating LGBTQ+ lounge and entertainment venue.
Organizers say the expanded celebration reflects Hartford’s commitment to creating spaces where LGBTQ+ residents, families, allies, artists, and entrepreneurs can thrive.
“The Foundation is pleased to support Capital City Pride as it celebrates Greater Hartford’s LGBTQIA+ community,” said Greater Hartford Gives Senior Community Impact Officer Kate Piotrowski. “This latest iteration of Hartford Pride gives the community an opportunity to come together, show our commitment to the region and the state’s LGBTQIA+ community, and celebrate together in Hartford. We hope many people will join this incredible event.”
“The Greater Hartford Arts Council is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Capital City Pride through our Summer in the City grant program, made possible by support from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. For more than a decade, this incredible event has created spaces for celebration, visibility, creativity, and connection in the Capital Region. We’re excited to see new, fresh energy and expanded experiences to this year’s festival while continuing the event’s important legacy of inclusion and belonging for LGBTQ+ residents and allies.” – Amanda Perry, CEO, Greater Hartford Arts Council.
Photo by Shane: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-a-rainbow-flag-4005627/
