Rhode Island Pride’s Illuminated Night Parade Returns June 18

Photo by Jen Bonin and edited by Options Magazine

Rhode Island Pride has formally announced the return of both the Illuminated Night Parade and all traditional pride programming.

On March 8, RI Pride announced the Rhode Island PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade will return to Providence on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Options Magazine was first to report in October that RI Pride was planning for the return of festivities in 2022, but the recent announcement goes into detail about what Pride will look like this year and has even opened registration for the events.

RI Pride’s in-person festival and parade had seen a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, but they plan for 2022 to be the year Pride is back. This follows RI Pride tapping Rodney Davis to take the helm of the organization last summer and the group’s successful Halloween events last October. RI Pride plans for the return of a vendor exhibition area, community resource hub, mainstage entertainment, and a full parade. RI Pride plans to announce additional programming, events, and other features such as hotel room blocks to be announced at a later date.

In a press release sent to Options, RI Pride stated: “We are committed to having our annual celebration with the utmost attention on our participants’ health and safety. Pride organizers regularly consult with local and state officials and will be following their recommendations to mitigate risk. We will continue to monitor the news related to the pandemic and make informed decisions in concert with the Rhode Island Department of Health.”

“All of us are looking forward to gathering together in celebration of our diverse communities,” Rodney Davis, president of RI Pride stated and added that “many things have undergone change over the last two years. Pride has to be mindful and deliberate as we organize and plan for this year’s event. It’s going to be a lot of work and a lot of reconnecting. There is not an ‘add water, instant solution’ in producing these events. However, we are determined to work hard to create them with your help.”

RI Pride also made a call for volunteers for all of Pride’s events. They are planning a series of information sessions, including virtual and in-person connect people with the planning. Their first volunteer opportunities session is virtual and will be on Wednesday, March 23 at 7:00 pm. Volunteers can register here.

Registration for vendors and parade participants for the 46th Annual Rhode Island PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade opened on March 11. Early bird registration ends on April 14. Those with a vendor or parade registrant that opted to transfer their 2020 registration should select “2020 Registration Credit” during checkout. In addition to vendor and parade applications, PrideFest entertainment applications are also available.

RI Pride can assist those who have questions about participating in PrideFest and related events, via email at Pride2022@prideri.com.