New Haven Pride has grown from a small community gathering into one of Connecticut's most vibrant celebrations of lgbtq+QIA+ life. Organised by the New Haven Pride Center, the festival invites people from across New England to come together in downtown New Haven to enjoy music, art, performance and an open‑hearted sense of community. The 2025 edition will be held on September 7th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., when Crown and Orange Streets will be transformed into a block‑party style festival. Organizers encourage everyone—families, friends, allies and visitors—to stroll the vendor village, watch live performances and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. If you have questions about the event, the Pride Center asks that you reach out to producer Laura Boccadoro and her team.
This year’s event builds on a long tradition of creative programming. In previous years the festival stretched over more than a week, with film screenings, art exhibitions and panel discussions highlighting the history and culture of the queer community in Connecticut. The centerpiece is always the day‑long street festival, which brings together local artists and artisans, non‑profit organisations, small businesses and restaurants. According to the Pride Center, the vendor village is one of the largest and most vibrant in the state, showcasing everything from hand‑made crafts to community resources. Volunteers play an essential role: they help set up stages, greet guests and keep things running smoothly. The organisers say the festival cannot happen without hundreds of hours of volunteer labour and invite anyone interested to sign up. They also highlight the support of sponsors, noting that local businesses and major organisations alike have stepped up to invest in the event.
What makes New Haven Pride special is its grassroots feel. Because the festival is run by a small non‑profit and supported by volunteers, every dollar raised goes back into community programming. The Pride Center offers year‑round social support groups, education workshops, HIV testing, arts programmes and advocacy initiatives. Many of these programs are highlighted at the festival, giving visitors a chance to connect with staff and learn about services. Last year’s event also incorporated a memorial space honouring lgbtq+Q+ elders and those lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, reminding attendees that Pride is both a celebration and a form of resistance.
The 2025 festival will take place downtown at the intersection of Crown and Orange Streets, a location chosen for its accessibility and vibrant atmosphere. Attendees can expect live music from local bands, DJ sets, drag performances and speeches from community leaders. Food trucks and local restaurants will serve a range of cuisines, and there will be beer gardens for those over 21. For families, the Pride Center plans to offer a kid’s zone with face painting and crafts. The vendor village will feature queer‑owned and allied businesses, community organisations, health clinics, schools and university groups. In the evening, as the sun sets, performers will take the stage for a series of high‑energy shows.
New Haven Pride has always balanced celebration with activism. The Pride Center has used past festivals to register voters, promote safe sex, and educate attendees about local policy issues. In 2025 they intend to continue this tradition by hosting booths for advocacy groups working on issues like housing security, trans rights and youth support. The Pride Center encourages attendees to bring signs, wear bold colours and share their own stories.
If you would like to contribute as a vendor, performer, volunteer or sponsor, visit the Pride Center’s New Haven Pride 2025 webpage. The site includes online forms for vendor applications, volunteer sign‑ups and sponsorship packages, as well as contact information for the organising team. Joining early helps the organisers plan the site layout and schedule. You can also follow the Pride Center’s social media for updates on programming and announcements about headliners, new partners and community forums.
Whether you attend every year or are planning your first trip, New Haven Pride is a chance to experience the energy of Connecticut’s lgbtq+QIA+ community and celebrate progress while recognising ongoing challenges. Save the date—September 7th, 2025—and come out to enjoy an afternoon of music, art, food, activism and joy. The Pride Center welcomes everyone to be part of a day that honours the past, celebrates the present and imagines a more inclusive future.
