Pride Month Preview: 'Every Day is Pride' in Berkshire County
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — This is the 10th season of Berkshire Pride celebrations, and the nonprofit has declared "Every Day is Pride."
Pride Month begins on June 1, and Berkshire Pride has lined up programming all month to celebrate and support the LGBTQ-plus community. The flagship event, a parade and festival at The Common on June 20 beginning at 11 a.m., will be preceded by several events around the county for all ages.
Officially established as a nonprofit in 2017, Berkshire Pride offers resources, programs, events, advocacy, and community building year-round for the queer community to feel supported in their identities.
"During the month of June, a series of flagship events in Pittsfield, supported by North Adams, Lee
and Lenox will foster connection, visibility, and joy, reinforcing the region’s commitment to an inclusive future. As resilience becomes a bold declaration, Berkshire Pride commemorates its 10th anniversary affirming 'Every Day is Pride,'" President Michael Taylor wrote in a press release.
"Building on a decade of representation and community support, the Berkshire Pride festival has become a regional highlight, recognized in 2025 as one of the standout community events of the year ensuring that LGBTQ-plus identity is celebrated from the northern peaks to the southern hills."
Nearing the start of Pride Month on Saturday, May 30, Mayor Peter Marchetti will lead a Pride flag-raising proclamation at City Hall, and the Community Partner of the Year Award will be presented. School Street will then come alive for a Pride kick-off block party with music by DJ Pup Daddy, games, food by Brazzuca's, and beverages from Hot Plate Brewing Co.
Last year, the City Council voted unanimously to declare Pittsfield a sanctuary for transgender and gender diverse individuals in response to executive orders made by President Donald Trump declaring only two sexes and targeting gender-affirming care.
Berkshire Pride on Tuesday announced that the Elizabeth Freeman Center was selected as the 2026 Community Partner of the Year because of its "outstanding commitment" to supporting and uplifting LGBTQ-plus individuals and families throughout Berkshire County.
Greylock Federal Credit Union was given the award last year.
The EFC has played an integral role in Berkshire Pride’s Educating Equity Program, GSA Unification Project, and after-school program for LGBTQ-plus youth, as well as providing financial support, staffing resources, and professional development opportunities.
The center, which purchased the Old Central Fire Station on Allen Street a couple of years ago, also has dedicated affirming services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
On Sunday, May 31, at 9 a.m., the Rainbow Run 5K will be held on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and on June 5, beginning at 5 p.m., there will be a "Sing Out Loud" karaoke fundraiser at Hot Plate Brewing Co.
The inaugural Lenox Pride event will commence on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. North Adams Pride Night will be on June 12, and Lee Pride will return for the second year on Saturday, June 13, and run all day.
The youth Pride celebration will be on July 12 at Burbank Park.
Berkshire Pride said sponsorships and volunteer support are needed now more than ever to sustain the month of free Pride programming; multiple sponsorship tiers are available for a variety of events.
For a full list of events and more information, visit Berkshire Pride’s website.
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