By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine.
Downtown Bennington will once again come alive with color, music, and community spirit when Bennington Pride 2026 returns on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., welcoming residents and visitors from across Southern Vermont, eastern New York, and western Massachusetts.
As one of the region’s most anticipated community celebrations, Bennington Pride has become a destination event for the tri-state area, drawing people together for a day centered on visibility, inclusivity, and joy in the heart of downtown.
This year’s celebration begins at 10 a.m. with the block party at the Splash Pad on 119 North Street, where live music from the event’s DJ will set the tone for the day before the parade begins. The earlier start was introduced for 2026 in response to community feedback and offers visitors more time to enjoy the festivities before the midday heat.
At 11 a.m., the parade will step off from the Hemmings Motor News back parking lot, making its half-mile route through downtown before arriving at the block party near the intersection of Pleasant and School streets. For many families, the Splash Pad remains one of the most beloved features of the day, offering a welcome way to cool off while taking in the celebration.
Vuronika Baked, who was named Best of the Berkshires in 2023 and 2025, as well as Royal Majesty of the Berkshires in 2024, said, “Bennington Pride is more than a celebration, it’s a vibrant and bold declaration of visibility! Drag performers dazzle with fearless expression, a parade fills the streets with pride and purpose, and local vendors weave community into every corner, reminding us that being seen, celebrated, and supported can change everything.”
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy local vendors, community organizations, music, and a welcoming atmosphere that transforms this corner of Bennington into one of the most festive and inclusive gathering spaces in the region. A beer garden will also be part of this year’s event, adding another layer to the day’s offerings. The organizers are also working on a Saturday evening after party event with performer who will be doing a set on Pride day, Jenn DeSantis, a lesbian electro-pop rock artist who truly thrives on Pride stages, will be performing at the family friendly day time event AND an after party (location TBA).
Courtnay Wilson, Bennington Pride volunteer coordinator and president of the Shires Young Professionals (SYP), said, “Bennington Pride is volunteer run and every year we have the most amazing volunteers show up to help and support the love and inclusivity that exudes from this event. It is such a joy to lead the volunteers, while witnessing the passion of everyone involved. The Shires Young Professionals are proud to partner with Queer Connect and bring additional volunteers into the mix to give Bennington County a Pride Day that brings the community together in celebration.”
In addition to Pride Day, Queer Connect and its community partners continue to expand Pride celebrations beyond a single event, including the annual Queer Youth Prom in June and the seasonal kickoff show, “Spring Has Sprung: A Drag Production,” held earlier in May at Bennington Theater.
For both longtime residents and first-time visitors, Bennington Pride offers a meaningful reason to spend the day downtown, celebrating community, supporting local organizations and businesses, and experiencing one of the most vibrant gatherings in the tri-state region.
