June 21, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.—RUTLAND — The Rutland County Pride Center will host its third annual Rutland County Pride Festival this Saturday on Center Street and Merchants Row in Downtown Rutland. This free, family-friendly celebration highlights the theme “Diversity is Resilience,” honoring the strength found in the intersecting identities and experiences of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.
The day begins with a Juneteenth Strut, co-hosted by the Rutland Area Branch of the NAACP, in recognition of the shared history and unity of BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The Strut will start at 11 a.m. at the Rutland Free Library and proceed down Center Street to officially launch the festival.
The Pride Festival includes a wide array of inclusive and accessible events:
Live music and performances featuring local and regional drag, dance, spoken word, and musical artists
Guest speakers and storytellers sharing community narratives
Interactive art installations, crafts, and games for all ages
Food trucks and local artisan vendors offering a variety of tastes and wares
ASL interpretation at all main-stage events
Quiet Space available for attendees needing a break from the crowds
Accessibility-focused design to ensure participation for all
The Rutland County Pride Festival remains a space for connection, celebration, and solidarity, affirming the identities and contributions of everyone in the community.
For more information, visit: rcpride.org.