Pride events in June celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s history, diversity, and ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance. These events often include parades, marches, parties, and educational activities that are fun for the whole family. This article focuses on the all-ages and family-friendly events, but there are more 21+ events that can be found on the ABQ 2024 Pride Fest and Santa Fe Pride websites.
Important Tips
It is ALWAYS hotter and sunnier than you think it will be at these events. Wear sunscreen, loose long-sleeve shirts, hats, and sunglasses. Bring sunscreen to reapply, umbrellas/parasols to block the sun, and consider a misting spray bottle. Where allowed, make sure you have water to drink and snacks for the kids.
Bring chairs or a blanket if you attend the ABQ Parade. It has A LOT of floats, and you will stand for a long time. Even if your child is happy to stand or has a comfy stroller, the adults will be glad to have a place to sit. Arrive EVEN earlier than you think you should to ensure you get a good spot near the street so you and your family can get Pride-themed swag, bubbles, and candy handed out by the various passing floats! I recommend watching the parade from whichever side of Central you parked so that if the youngins get fussy or the family gets hot, you can leave early without having to walk across the parade.
Kids Fest
Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 | 6 pm – 8 pm | The Orpheum Community Hub | 500 2nd St. Albuquerque, NM 87102
A free event and celebration for our youth. It is an all-ages event with food, fun, games, storytime, prizes, and performances by Pride titleholders.
Pre-Fest
Friday, June 7th, 2024 | 5 pm – 8 pm | Balloon Fiesta Park | 5500 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, Albuquerque, NM 87113
A free event for all ages. Come scope out what Balloon Fiesta Park has to offer. Music, Exhibitors, food, open mic, outdoor art show, dancing, and educational events.
Albuquerque Pride Parade
Saturday, June 8th, 2024 | 10 am | On Central | Starts at Gerard and Goes East to San Mateo
This is one of New Mexico’s largest parades and is always a good time This is a can’t-miss annual event for my family. Be mindful that it starts PROMPTLY at 10 am. See the tips listed above, and make sure that you park in a location where your car will not be towed. Check the signage in the neighborhoods where you park, and as always, make sure you don’t leave anything valuable in sight in your vehicle! I recommend bringing a small bag or saving some room in the diaper bag for the swag and candy you acquire.
New Mexico Pride Fest: Gather, Dream, Amplify
Saturday, June 8th, 2024 | 2 pm – 8 pm | Balloon Fiesta Park | 5500 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, Albuquerque, NM 87113
Music, exhibits, food, entertainment, drag show, dancing, and educational events. The event will culminate with a nighttime balloon glow. Collectible balloon pins are available! Complete with a kids’ area as well as free tickets for those who are under 18 while supplies last. Reserve these in advance online.
Pride on the Plaza: Santa Fe
Saturday, June 29th, 2024 | 10 am – 5pm | Santa Fe Plaza | 63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The biggest Pride celebration in Santa Fe’s history. This event boasts a parade, outdoor spirits garden, and tons of fun for all ages.
The parade starts at 10:30 am at the Lamy Building. It will make its way into the Plaza, ending at Lincoln Avenue and Marcy Street.
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
