Registration Now Open for 2020 Parade and Festival Marking its 50th Anniversary

 (Boston, MA) – Dec. 3, 2019 – Boston Pride announced today that online registration is now open for the 2020 Pride Parade and Festival to be held on June 13, 2020, the 50th anniversary of the organization. The 50th anniversary of Boston Pride commemorates the decades-long activism and advocacy of the region’s largest LGBTQ organization. The Pride Parade is the largest annual public parade in New England and the third largest in the U.S. behind New York and San Francisco.    Boston Pride also announced several changes to the Parade and Festival including an earlier start at 11am for the Parade and the Festival moves back to Boston Common from City Hall Plaza due to anticipated construction at the plaza. Boston Pride is excited about hosting the 2020 Pride Festival on Boston Common because that’s where the first Pride march and festival originated in 1970. 

“During the past 50 years, Boston Pride has been the premier LGBTQ organization advocating for equality for our community and we plan on celebrating our history in a major way,” said Linda J. DeMarco, Boston Pride President. “We have seen momentous changes in Massachusetts with marriage equality as one of the highlights, but there are still major struggles affecting the LGBTQ community which is why we will continue our fight for diversity, equality and inclusion.”

Boston Pride Board has also announced an increase in parade registration fees primarily for corporations and large businesses. The parade has increased exponentially over the past 50 years and the fees were not in line with other similar Pride parades across the country.

“The costs associated with putting on the Pride Parade have increased significantly since we began the march in 1970, and the Board made the decision to bring the parade fees in line with other Prides,” said DeMarco.  Parade fees for small nonprofits and grassroots organizations will increase slightly with the major increase for the corporate levels. Other modifications to the parade were announced including a limit on number of marchers per group as well as the limit on total amount of vehicles in the parade. “We want to ensure that the Pride Parade in 2020 is a safe and inclusive event for all including marchers and spectators who will join us in celebrating our 50th anniversary.”   

DeMarco says that there are many ways that people can help out. “We invite everyone to participate in the 2020 Pride Parade or volunteer to help us make our 50th anniversary truly spectacular.”

Boston Pride’s Official Broadcast Partner NBC10 Boston, Telemundo Boston and NECN will be returning in 2020 to help spread awareness of Pride Week and the 50th anniversary through special programming, news stories, live coverage and interviews, moderating events.

About Boston Pride

Boston Pride produces events and activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness in Greater Boston and beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, visibility and dignity, we educate, communicate and advocate by building and strengthening community connections. Boston Pride Week 2020 will be held Friday, June 5 – Tuesday, June 16.