Port Townsend Pride, the June 8 celebration of the visibility, self-acceptance, and equality of the LGBTQ+ community, will have a fresh feel this year. 

It is being hosted for the first time by The Production Alliance, a non-profit organization that "creates opportunities for people to connect through creativity and collaboration, rooted in a strong sense of place.” Olympic Pride, which has run the event since July 2018, dissolved earlier this year.

Kerri Kitaji, the former president of Olympic Pride, has coordinated Port Townsend Pride for the past several years and continues this year as its primary event coordinator. Kitaji spoke about how important Pride is and its impact on the community the event provides.

The event, which marks the beginning of Pride Month, is not just a celebration but a powerful statement of the commitment to inclusivity and equality, said Kitaji. It’s also incredibly popular: In 2023, some 1,500 people attended Port Townsend Pride.They expect a similar number this year.   

"Overall, the most important part of Port Townsend Pride is to create a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ communities to celebrate diversity and provide visibility and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and small businesses.” The goal is create more opportunities for education, reduce stigma, and strengthen the connection between people and also local organizations and businesses.

This year also features a Kid Zone, which is designed to keep the little rascals entertained all day. Young people can get temporary tattoos, paint their faces and participate in arts and crafts. A unique feature of this year's Pride event is the inclusion of a sensory tent, an area where people can take a break if they feel overstimulated by all the action.

Pride will feature 52 vendors this year, 23 are LGBTQ+ booths, offering a wide range of products and services, and 20 are non-profits, showcasing the diverse community support available. Also featured are some of Port Townsend's most popular spots to get a bite, such as La Cocina and Rose Theaters, with its legendary popcorn.

If you go    

Pride will begin at 11:00 a.m. from the docks of Pope Marine Plaza with an opening ceremony featuring Mayor David Faber, Poet Laureate for Clallam County Jaiden Dokken and Michael Lowe of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. 

Port Townsend Pride’s inaugural boat parade, visible from the shores of Port Townsend Bay, is next. Towards the end of the event, there will be an awards ceremony to recognize the boats with the best decorations and costumes.

Seattle-based renegade marching band Chaotic Noise will lead a march down to the docks where the boat parade begins. Immediately following the march, about 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., a series of local bands will take the state, starting with Ember Brightheart, then Tyranny, and True Reckoning. A drag show featuring Katrina Duall and Friends caps it off.

At 1 p.m., Katrina Duall and Friends will take the stage and will entertain the crowd with a drag show performance. 

Pride closing ceremonies will proceed around 4 p.m., but not before Bobby 4 Bobby takes the stage. Then Chaotic Noise returns to close the day.