Our Favorite Pride Festivals for 2025

Summer is near, and with it comes a vibrant display of love, equality, and self-expression. We’re talking about Pride, the annual month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ communities and queer culture, joined together by rainbow flags, festivals, street parades and more.

This Pride season, Independent Collection is proud to partner with The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention non-profit organization for LGBTQ+ youth. 

Now through the month of June, book one of our Celebrate Pride With Purpose packages at select hotels and resorts, and we’ll donate a portion of sales directly to The Trevor Project. In return, we’ll thank you with perks during your stay, like two complimentary Pride-themed cocktails, late check-out, and 10% off our best available rates. 

Check out participating hotels and resorts below, and our curated guide to the best Pride 2025 festivities happening this summer across the U.S. From Brooklyn to Boston to Miami Beach, here’s where to celebrate Pride with purpose.

Table of Contents

1. San Francisco
2. San Diego
3. Key West
4. Sarasota
5. Miami
6. D.C. Metro Area
7. El Paso
8. Boston
9. New York City
10. Philadelphia

Learn About San Francisco’s History & Famous “Gayborhoods”

This coastal California city has long been a haven for LGBTQ+ communities and curious travelers, so much so, LIFE Magazine named San Francisco “the Gay Capital of America” in 1964. Over a decade later, Harvey Milk became the first openly gay man elected to public office and a trailblazing advocate for equal rights. 

Fast-forward to 2025, San Fran’s famous “gayborhoods” are thriving more than ever, shrouded in rainbow flags and spectacular fashion. This year also marks the 55th anniversary of San Francisco Pride (June 28-29), a massive celebration of live music, street parades, and local fairs with over 300 artists and exhibitors from the Bay Area. 

The San Francisco Trans March kicks off Pride weekend on June 27 with one of the world’s largest trans events. The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will perform two Pride Concerts on June 7 and June 21, while Threads of Pride (June 24) opts for a stylish route to civic engagement, partnering fashion designers with non-profits and bringing their missions to life through wearable art. 

Where to stay:  Hotel Nia — Tucked away in Menlo Park, a high-tech corner of the San Francisco Bay Area, this modern-sleek hotel is a 35-minute drive from downtown San Francisco. Kick back at Hotel Nia’s fabulous pool lounge (complete with cabana service and interactive games), or cruise the city with complimentary bikes. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Party with Local Artists in San Diego

San Diego Pride has donated over $3 million dollars to LGBTQ+ affiliated organizations since its inception. Their biggest fundraiser? The San Diego Pride Parade, one of the largest civic events on the entire West Coast, brings together over 250,000 guests in support of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Mark your calendars for July 19-20, when San Diego Pride hosts a two-day festival in Balboa Park following the street parade. Picture live music, bold stage production, and non-stop dancing under the sun. Guests can also mingle with LGBTQ+ identifying artists and local business owners at the Queer Locals Marketplace. Can’t make it to the big party? San Diego has Pride all year long with queer art shows, the CityFest art and music festival in August, baseball outings with the San Diego Padres, and lots more. 

Where to stay:  Carté Hotel — This luxury boutique hotel dances on the edge of Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter, steps from the bay and a slew of delicious restaurants, though gourmands won’t have to travel far. Carté Hotel has its own delectable dining at Above Ash Social, a rooftop lounge with firepits, craft cocktails, and daily happy hour deals on modern American favorites. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Celebrate Pride Island-Style with Summer Vacation in Key West

It comes as no surprise that Key West is one of the top LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in Florida. The tiny tropical island embodies an ethos of “come as you are,” whatever that means to you. And Key West is no stranger to flamboyant festivities (the Hemingway look-alike contest is a local favorite). 

This summer, Key West Pride (June 22-28) will bring a technicolor celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride with poolside “dive-in” movies, karaoke nights, cabaret shows, and a trolley tour of queer landmarks in the Conch Republic. 

Where to stay:  Parrot Key Hotel & Villas — A five-minute drive from Old Town Key West, this idyllic hideaway has four glittering pools, tropical gardens, and a stretch of sandy beach that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, a perfect view for sunsets and morning cups of coffee. When you book the “Celebrate Pride With Purpose” offer, you’ll also enjoy two cocktails from The Grove, the hotel’s poolside restaurant known for boozy frozen drinks and fresh Caribbean flavors. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Seniors Get Their Own ‘Silver Pride’ in Sarasota

Who said Pride is a young person’s game? In Sarasota, seniors get their moment at Silver Pride (June 7), a suave celebration of older LGBTQ+ communities marked by live music, food trucks, and more. 

There’s plenty of rainbow-hued fun to be had all around Sarasota, all year long. The black-tie Grand Carnival ‘Palm Royale’ ball returns May 31, along with the Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Festival (May 10), a free community event with choir performances, art shows, and more. (The annual Gulf Coast Pride Festival is slated for October, after the rainy season.) 

Where to stay:  The Sarasota Modern — A boutique hotel in the Rosemary Arts & Design District, “The Modern” is a chic new hub for Sarasota’s most stylish guests. The pool deck has its very own cold plunge, hot tub, and classic cabanas; plus outdoor games and a cheeky Tiki-style restaurant, Wink Wink Food and Drink – all polished off with AAA Four Diamond service! Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Make a Splash at Pride Pool Parties in Miami

A fairly new Pride festival has popped up in Wynwood, Miami’s art mecca, and this year’s festivities are poised to be bigger than ever. 

Wynwood Pride is taking over the downtown district all June long with a high-energy mix of advocacy and entertainment. Think drag shows and speaker panels, pool parties, and so much more. Do as the locals do and plan for Sunday brunch at R House, followed by ‘Big Gay Sunday’ at Willy’s Neighborhood Bar, a local watering hole founded by the organizers of Wynwood Pride. 

Can’t make it this summer? Plan your vacation around the Miami Beach Pride Parade in April, or check out the Gay8 Festival in February, a smaller celebration in Little Havana, home to Miami’s Cuban diaspora. 

Where to stay: Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club — This luxury oceanfront hotel is close to the action of South Beach in Miami, but far enough away to feel like its own tropical paradise. Take your pick of two resort-style pools, or how about a spa treatment in your private cabana? Don’t miss the all-new Donna Mare, an Italian chophouse with local DJ sets every Friday night. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Celebrate Pride in the D.C. Metro Area with Fireworks and Classic Cars

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

The epicenter of American politics, Washington, D.C., is a leader in LGBTQ+ advocacy and home to one of the world’s most diverse communities. 

Along with the usual pomp and pageantry of Pride, D.C. will host the WorldPride Human Rights Conference (June 4-6), bringing together changemakers, businesses, and allies to champion equal rights for LGBTQ+ communities around the globe. 

Together with the Capital Pride Alliance, WorldPride will also host a month-long series of workshops, networking events, block parties, and yes, a giant WorldPride Street Parade (June 7) with a performance by Wicked superstar and queer icon, Cynthia Erivo

And for the first time ever, D.C. will host the famous WorldPride Music Festival (June 6-7), a gigantic dance party headlined by some of the biggest names in pop culture including Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, RuPaul, Kim Petras, Purple Disco Machine, Sofi Tukker and many, many more.

Across town in Dupont Circle, the 17th Street Block Party (June 6-8) honors the D.C. “gayborhood” and the unique businesses that embody Pride each day. And on June 7, don’t miss the annual Pride on the Pier fireworks show at The Wharf! 

Where to stay: Design lovers should check into The Morrow Hotel, a dreamy wellness den with RnB yoga, in-room spa amenities, and a brand-new rooftop lounge led by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.  

Capitol Hill Hotel is perfect for long-stay guests; extra-roomy hotel suites are equipped with kitchenettes, coffee makers, and working desks to make you feel at home. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.  

For a boutique hideaway, consider Hotel Madera in Dupont Circle, a charming neighborhood with quirky art galleries, embassies, and funky restaurants. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.  

Opt for a luxurious stay at The St. Gregory Hotel, an elegant hotel near Dupont Circle and Georgetown, complete with a modern French bistro by celebrity chef Charlie Loomis and live jazz music. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

ANNAPOLIS

Thirty miles from D.C.’s center, Annapolis is a gorgeous waterfront city that’s rich with history and tall sailors’ tales. 

The Annapolis Pride Parade (May 31) is smaller than its D.C. counterparts, but no less festive! The 2025 edition will welcome all ages for a festive street parade ushered in by drag queens, live DJ sets, second line bands, and kid-friendly activities. 

Pro tip: Stick around a while longer for Annapolis Arts Week (June 9-15), stacked with even more live performances, public art, and community workshops.

Where to stay: Annapolis Waterfront Hotel — Wake up to views of the Chesapeake Bay at the only Annapolis hotel located directly on the harbor. This Autograph Collection property has an on-site fitness center, boat slip rentals, and easy access to the area’s best shops and eateries. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

FREDERICK

If small-town charm is your cup of tea, check out Pride in Frederick, Maryland. Here, pointy church steeples and 18th-century gardens make festive backdrops to psychedelic rainbow floats. 

Frederick Pride (June 28) is free and open to the public. Bring the family for food trucks, live music, and kid-friendly crafts in the designated family zone, or round up your friends for grown-up fun, like live DJ sets and epic dance parties with RuPaul’s Drag Race alums. 

This year’s special guest is the Lambda Car Club Show, the largest LGBTQ+ car club in North America. Get up close to incredible classic cars and futuristic vehicles.

Where to stay: Visitation Hotel — Be among the first to experience this brand-new boutique hotel carved from a historic Frederick building. The 65-room hotel is also part of the Tribute Portfolio collection from Marriott. Plan for dinner at Wye Oak Tavern, an artsy steakhouse led by two celebrity chefs, Michael Voltaggio and Bryan Voltaggio. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Don Your Cowboy Boots for Southwest-Style Pride in El Paso

Looking for a Pride party in Texas? Look no further than El Paso. 

El Paso Sun City Pride is the region’s largest LGBTQ+ organization – and boy, do they know how to party! What started as a one-day event has transformed into a month-long celebration of family-friendly events, scholarship presentations, bar nights, and more. 

El Paso’s Pride festivities kick off June 21st with the 8th Annual Pride Bar Crawl, a night of craft cocktails and dancing in support of LGBTQ+ visibility. 

Keep your eyes peeled for announcements on this year’s PRIDE Festival Parade in historic downtown El Paso! 

Where to stay: The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park — If the walls of The Plaza could talk, they’d tell a fascinating story of Old Hollywood starlets, revolutionary soldiers, and red-hued desert trails. Experience this historic El Paso gem, reimagined as a luxury hotel with 1920s Art Deco glamour and one of the best Mexican restaurants in town. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Sing and Dance with Unique Pride Concerts in Boston

Did you know Boston’s Pride parade is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in New England? More than 1 million people attended in 2024, and this year’s event is slated to be bigger than ever. 

Boston’s Pride events are just as diverse as its local communities. In addition to the Boston Pride for the People festival (June 14), there’s a Black Pride Parade & Music+Art Festival (TBD July), the annual Boston Dyke March (June 13), and a special performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra featuring Orville Peck (June 5), the infamously masked country singer (and gay icon)!

Where to stayThe Boxer Hotel is an industrial-chic hotel nestled between the historic North End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods, perfect for travelers who love a modern aesthetic. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

For a more luxurious stay, consider The Whitney Hotel, a 65-room boutique hotel in Beacon Hill and recent winner of two MICHELIN Keys and the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Foodies should book The Envoy Hotel, where two-time “Chopped” champion Tatiana Rosana chefs up Latin fusion at her restaurant, Para Maria. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Visit the Stonewall Inn and Celebrate Big at NYC’s Iconic Street Parades

The Stonewall Riots of 1969 were a catalyst for the modern gay rights movement in America. The Greenwich Village bar is very much alive and well these days; in fact, it’s now recognized as a national monument. 

Inspired by this history, Manhattan is home to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world. The annual NYC Pride March and PrideFest events (June 29) welcome travelers near and far for larger-than-life exhibitions, rainbow floats, and fun activities all in the name of equality and freedom of expression. 

NYC Pride also hosts Youth Pride (June 28) and a big ol’ kick-off party, HERITAGE, featuring house DJs and progressive artists from all over. 

Not to be outdone by its neighboring borough, Brooklyn has its own Pride festivities. Mark your calendars for June 14 and the 29th Annual Brooklyn Pride Twilight Parade, the only nighttime Pride parade in the Northeast. 

Brooklyn Pride hosts many Pride events all through June, too. Last year’s program included a 5K walk, drag bingo, and Pride Night at the Ballpark with the Brooklyn Cyclones. 

Where to stay:  Take your pick of Manhattan pied-à-terres at Hotel 48LEX, an upscale hotel in Midtown East. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Stay close to the action at the Aliz Hotel Times Square, topped with a swanky rooftop lounge that’s fit for James Bond. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Across town in Brooklyn, The Tillary Hotel offers gorgeous views of the Manhattan Bridge from its outdoor terrace. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

And for a creative stay, make yourself at home in NU Hotel Brooklyn, a funky boutique guesthouse with local murals and cool artisanal touches. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Relive Your High School Prom in Philadelphia

Not to be outdone by its Northeast neighbors, Philadelphia will host a supersized Pride celebration of its own. On May 30 at Pride Around the City, locals will unfurl a giant 600-foot rainbow flag (the largest in state history!) and carry it through the streets, stopping at cultural landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The museum picks up the Pride baton on May 31 with its annual Pride Promenade, a 21+ soiree with a hint of high school prom nostalgia. And on June 1, everyone joins together for the Philly Pride March in a powerful display of LGBTQ+ visibility and solidarity. 

While you’re in town, check out the historic Philly AIDS Thrift at Giovanni’s Room, a bookstore-meets-thrift-shop with tons of LGBTQ+ literature, artworks, and secondhand fashions. 

Where to stay:  The Rittenhouse — Classic and elegant, this hotel exudes luxury in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, one of Philadelphia’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Along with its prime location, the MICHELIN Key hotel offers the largest rooms in the city, an artisanal tea salon, and French-inspired dining at its AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant, Lacroix. Book the Celebrate Pride With Purpose package here.

Book one of our Celebrate Pride With Purpose packages and discover a world of unique hotels and resorts with Independent Collection.