We’re excited to celebrate with you on Sunday, June 9th, 2024! Meanwhile, let’s reflect on the fun from last year.

ELLSWORTH PRIDE

Ellsworth Pride is a volunteer community of local LGBTQ+ people and allies who plan and execute Pride events such as PrideFest, one of the largest FREE annual events in the Ellsworth. PrideFest takes place at Knowlton Park every June. The committee meets every month (more frequently leading up to the festival) and is supported by generous donations from many local businesses.

2023 June Pride Month Event Calendar

PrideFest at Knowlton Park on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LGBTQ+ (and allies) Hike at Woodlawn Trails on Saturday, June 17, 2023 starting at 11:00 a.m.

Intergenerational Coffeehouse Chat at Flexit Café on Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 1 to 3 p.m.

PrideFest 2023

Ellsworth PrideFest 2023 took place Sunday, June 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Knowlton Park. This is a FREE, annual, family-friendly event for people who embrace diversity and love. Emceeing the festival was GiGi Gabor and Rachel Yves. Performing on stage was The Wayside, Midnight Rose, and Curbside Queens closing the show.

Thank you to Desert Harvest, Hannaford, Maine Community Foundation, Northern Light Maine Coast and Blue Hill, and Healthy Acadia for sponsoring this year’s festival!

What wass included in 2023 festivities? There was something for everyone.

• Live music performed by The Wayside at noon

• Speed-dating-style networking in the activity pavilion at noon

• Live music performed by Midnight Rose at 1:15 pm

• Story Time with Chartreuse on the lawn at 1:15 pm

• Yoga on the lawn at 2:00 pm

• Headlining drag show performances by Curbside Queens at 2:30 pm

• Food trucks and booths by Shore Road

• Fan decorating arts and crafts in the activity pavilion

• Silent auction

• Artist and maker vendors

• Merch (t-shirts, fans, ribbons, temporary tattoos and much more!)

• Sponsor and organizational vendors

• Hosted by Rachel Yves and GiGi Gabor

We recommend bringing cash, sun protection, water, family and friends. In the event of rain, the show will go on! Check the local forecast and bring rain gear if needed.

Public Parking

Public parking will be available at the following locations:

• Mill Mall, a 6-minute walk to Knowlton Park

• St. Dunstan’s Church on State Street after 12 p.m.

• City Hall parking lot, an 8-minute walk to Knowlton Park

• Moore Community Center

• Local street parking, where permitted.

  PLEASE NOTE: Wood Street is NOT available for public parking during the event.

History of Ellsworth Pride

The first Ellsworth PrideFest took place in 2021, inspired by passionate youth voices from Ellsworth High School’s Gender/Sexuality Diversity Alliance (GSDA). PrideFest 2021 celebrated the rainbow crosswalks at the high school and middle school and reunited the community in the wake of the pandemic. It provided a welcoming and joyful space for LGBTQ+ individuals and local community members to honor Pride Month. The first PrideFest in Ellsworth created a new tradition of acknowledging the importance of equal justice, opportunity, and expression for and by the LGBTQ+ community, as well as an occasion for all community members to enjoy Pride festivities together.

In 2023, Ellsworth Pride proposed that the City of Ellsworth officially designate June as Pride Month. On May 15, 2023, City Council officially proclaimed June Pride Month! It’s an important, symbolic victory that gave local LGBTQ+ people something to celebrate!

In January 2024, Ellsworth Pride and Bar Harbor Pride hosted the Curbside Queens for a night of drag at The Grand sponsored by Fogtown Brewing. The local LGBTQ and ally community turned out, nearly filling the theater! It was a fabulous time! Check back for more upcoming Pride events.

Heart of Ellsworth is the fiduciary agent of Ellsworth Pride.

Thank you to this year’s major donors!