Most places are gay-friendly, but several cater specifically to the LGBTQ community. Providence’s bar scene is hip and lively enough to rival Brooklyn’s. Richmond Street, the heart of the club zone. Nightlife is mostly concentrated in the downtown area close to the city’s best hotels. Rhode Island’s compact capital has everything from stripper bars to drag clubs and raucous bathhouses to pounding discos, meaning there’s something for everyone Just an hour south of Boston, Rhode Island’s relatively small capital still has a significant LGBTQ population-largely hailing from Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, and Providence College-which has lent itself to a pretty robust gay nightlife scene. The energy in the city is truly electric. The parade features a dazzling display of brightly lit floats, performing artists, marching groups and tens of thousands of spectators.We recommend watching the Parade from Stable, Dark Lady/Alley Cat, and in front of EGO Providence by PPAC. Empire Street is a great place for a seat to watch the parade. The main reviewing area is at the Providence Performing Arts Center under the marquee. The Illuminated Night Parade through Downtown Providence is Saturday and starts at 8PM.This year’s marketplace will feature more than 200 vendors, food trucks, a wine, beer and spirits garden and live shows. Access to PrideFest is via the South Entrance by Wickenden Street or the North Entrance at the start of Memorial Blvd and South Water Street.Stay close to this area at the Renaissance Providence with great views and perfect downtown location. PrideFest is a family-friendly event and according to Rhode Island Pride, the daytime celebration is for all ages and the nighttime portion is PG-13.PrideFest is dog-friendly. PrideFest is Saturday from 12PM to 7PM along South Water Street in Providence.
Ego, an Energetic gay bar featuring a dance floor, DJs & a stage, hosts several after parties with some of the leading international guest DJS and one of the sexiest Sunday parties featuring Lube Wrestling and the Xpose dancers.The Stable also host their own block party event with a special T Dance on Sunday from 12pm to 8pm. Other block party events include the Providence Eagle Pride under the Stars weekend culminating in a T Dance on Sunday from 3pm.On Friday and Saturday, the Beach Ball Block party takes place in Dark Lady/Alley Cat featuring the biggest names in Drag, live performers, DJs and dancers from early evening until late late the next morning.The hotel also hosts a very poplar Drag Brunch on Pride Sunday. The Pride week’s activities typically kick off with a VIP party at the rooftop of the Graduate Providence Hotel.
Events begin early in June with the Flag rising ceremony in Providence City Hall. Pride events, parties and activities take place in the days and weeks leading up to the main parade which is held on the Saturday of the pride weekend. Events are held in the capital Providence, which has been a popular gay destination for decades. This year’s PrideFest will attract more than 50,000 people during the day and 70,000 people for the Illuminated Night Parade. Rhode Island’s first Pride was held in 1976 with fewer than 100 participants. Rhode Island’s Pride celebration just gets bigger and better each year and is one of the most unique pride events in the USA complete with an illuminated night parade.