Category: Community

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We See You. We Stand With You.

A few of us just returned from the USA Prides conference in Atlanta, GA

The last year—and especially the last few weeks—have been exhausting. Whether it’s the relentless attacks on our trans and non-binary community, the anxiety of an uncertain political landscape, the helplessness we feel for our LGBTQ+ youth, or the loss of funding that makes it harder to create the safe spaces we rely on, the weight of this moment is real.

We want to recognize that heaviness. You may be feeling overwhelmed, angry, or exhausted. Please know: you are seen, you are loved, and you are right where you need to be.

This is a time for respite. We must take this moment to reset, replenish, and remind ourselves that queer joy—our very existence—is an act of resistance.

At the USA Prides conference, we stood in a room filled with 175 fellow Pride organizers from 60 communities nationwide. In a time that feels heavy, it was exactly what we needed to lift us up. Being surrounded by others who share our passion, our struggles, and our determination reminded us why we do this work—and gave us the energy to keep going. It’s what enabled me to craft this message for you today.

This year, our theme is UNITE. In moments like these, unity is our strength. We will come together to lift each other up, to fight for justice, and to create spaces where all of us can thrive.

Yes, we will talk politics. We will strategize. But first, we will breathe. We will celebrate how far we’ve come. We will honor those who fought before us. And together, we will stand taller and stronger for the battles ahead.

With love and solidarity,

Michael Goodnow, President
Kitsap Pride

PS: Here are some pictures. Caption below.

Our first workshop presenter, Jordan from Nashville Pride, Opening remarks of the first General Assembly, the Honorable Stacy Abrams telling us to Speak Up!, Stand Firm! & Stay Strong!, and Monica Helms the creator of the Transgender flag and fellow submariner who I chatted at length with including her time in Bremerton.

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2025 Theme

The theme for the 29th annual Kitsap Pride Festival, Unite, reflects our mission to celebrate, support, and unite the LGBTQIA+ community in Kitsap County. In a world facing uncertainty, Unite serves as a call to come together, build connections, and stand in solidarity. We believe that by fostering unity, we strengthen not only our community but also the resilience and hope within us all. On July 19, 2025, we invite everyone to join us at the festival to embrace diversity, share joy and affirm that we are stronger together. Let’s celebrate who we are and the power of unity, because in uncertain times, coming together is more important than ever.”

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STAY UNITED. STAY STRONG.

The recent election results are painful, but they reinforce the need to unite as an LGBTQIA+ community. Kitsap Pride remains committed to celebrating, supporting, and uniting our community, especially amid increasing attacks on trans and gender non-conforming individuals.

Despite setbacks, there are reasons for hope: protections for marriage equality in California and Colorado, two Black women serving in the U.S. Senate, and Sarah McBride becoming the first openly transgender member of Congress.

Here in Kitsap County we are sending Emily Randall, a proud, queer, Latinx, leader, to Congress, strengthening our representation and becoming the first woman, LGBTQ person to represent Washington’s 6th district.

Our work is more critical than ever. We stand in solidarity with the vulnerable, pledging to fight for a world where everyone—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or background—can live with safety, equality, and pride. The attacks on our community, especially trans siblings, are terrifying, but our history shows that we can endure and prevail.

We call on allies and advocates to unite for a future where LGBTQIA+ rights are protected and love overcomes hate. Our values of diversity, respect, and integrity are unwavering. We will not back down or be silenced. We are Kitsap Pride, committed to fighting for equality and dignity, together and in community. Stay Strong, Stay United and please be extra kind to one another.

United in Pride,

Michael Goodnow
President, Kitsap Pride

P. S. Support Kitsap Pride – Click to Donate.

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MONSTER’S BALL

HAUNT is back for 2024 with the Monster’s Ball.

Join us at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds – in the Sheep Barn (Yes, we are turning baas into boos).

Saturday, October 19th at 8 pm

GET TICKETS

Starting at 8 pm we will include a flight of themed cocktails, tarot readings from the Down to Earth Oracle, and more as part of a cocktail hour.

At 9 pm the DJ will turn it up for dancing. We will have Tito’s drink specials all night. There will also be a costume contest with cash prizes.

A night of mayhem, mischief, and money ($500 in cash prizes)!

Support your local pride!

Parking is available in the same lot at the Pride Festival. We are in the Sheep Barn at the NW corner of that Parking Lot.

GET TICKETS

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It’s Pride Weekend…

We are in the final stretch for the 2024 Pride Festival this Saturday at Gordon Fields (Kitsap County Fairgrounds) in Bremerton. We still have spaces for volunteers on Friday and Saturday.

We will have a new TEEN ZONE and KIDS SPACE in partnership with Kitsap Regional Library, The Boys and Girls Club of South Puget Sound, and KiDiMu.

We are excited to return to the fairgrounds for this year’s festival. Gates open at 2:00 pm and at 2:30 we will do a welcome on-stage, including a land acknowledgment, followed by Katrina Duall, a favorite Kitsap performer who is back for the weekend. At 3:00 we will welcome the Rainbow City Marching Band. Next, we have a big block of DJ music and Drag performances. DJ Luke Dice returns from his new home in Las Vegas to play our Pride again. We have a lineup of local and regional performers including Hannah St. James, Sacred Heart, Alexander AllaSTAR, Victoria Joy, Satonya D. Nix, Athena, and Sativa.

Finishing up the night we have a special treat – the ABBAgraphs playing the pop hits of ABBA and the disco era. This year’s theme of Living Your Life 100% Authentic made us think of our reflection, mirrors, disco balls, & disco! The ABBAgraphs seemed like a great fit. We hope to see you Dancing Queens on the lawn as the stars come out!

Thanks to sponsorships from Tito’s Vodka and Silver City Brewery our bar (21+) is looking better than ever featuring the Silver City Pilsner, Heffewisen, and Tropic Haze. We will offer frozen TitoRitas, and a ChiChi (Tito’s based Pina Colada). Plus a Titos Vodka Cranberry Orange and a Titos Vodka Lemonade on draft.

We have a hundred vendors plus a dozen food vendors. Many new and lots of returning. We also have a water station to fill your water bottles. Oh, plus we have some great merch this year, including water bottles with a built-in misting feature. Don’t skip the Merch Tent.

Heard our promos on C89.5 FM? They will be set up at the entrance to get you started with some great music.

Michael Goodnow
President, Kitsap Pride
P. S. Support Kitsap Pride – Click to Donate.
P. S. S. Below is a little video to help you know what to expect.

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Rooftop Party

Kick off Kitsap’s Pride Weekend in Style!

We are taking over the rooftop of the new Marina Square in Bremerton. We will feature Tito’s Vodka cocktails, Music from DJ Luke Dice (Las Vegas), and beautiful views.

Tickets are only available in advance. Access instructions will be emailed to ticketholders.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has sponsored Kitsap Pride for many years.

Before relocating to Las Vegas, DJ Luke Dice was a Kitsap Resident and often DJ for local Red Star events and volunteered with Kitsap Pride. We are excited to welcome him back.

Marina Square is a new waterfront community of apartments, extended-stay units, and more.

Get Tickets

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2023 Kitsap Pride Poster & More

We are so excited to bring you the 2023 Kitsap Pride event at Gordon Fields (part of the Kitsap County Fairgrounds) in Bremerton, WA on Saturday, July 22 from 2 PM to 9 PM.

We have a great lineup on our Pride Stage. Kicking it off with the Purple Passion Swing Band, Local singer-songwriter ILA, 9 local drag Kings & Queens, DJ Woodrow Low (presented by C89.5fm), the BeautyBoiz, and wrapping up with CarLarans.

This year we wanted to honor the legacy of our neighbor and friend the late Patrick Haggerty. Lavender Country, led by singer and songwriter Patrick Haggerty, released what it widely considered the first openly gay country album in 1973. So join us for a Lavender Hoedown.

We have a great T-shirt and some stickers with our Y’all Means All logo. Plus, we will have some of last year’s T’s that didn’t make it before the festival.

We have our 21+ (w/ID) bar sponsored by Tito’s Vodka and Silver City Brewery. We will have Frozen Tito Ritas and Frosé along with cocktails and beer (including the Silver City Nice Day IPA Pride Edition can.

We also have expanded food offerings with an expanded layout with more room for food and watching the stage. Plus more vendors than ever!

Community partners have come together to create a Teen Space and a Kid Zone.

Thank you to our Major Sponsors ($2,000+)

Thank you to our Day Sponsors ($1,000+)

Media Partner

Community Partners

Thank you to our Community Sponsors ($500+)

Special Thanks

We couldn’t do it without the volunteers and sponsors who make this happen. This is our 27th year and support just keeps growing. Thank you. On behalf of the Kitsap Pride Board of Directors. See you at Pride.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Visit our Volunteer page to find out more and click on the link to get signed up. It can be very rewarding to be a part of creating this community event. We can’t do it without our amazing volunteers.

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Performers Wanted

Kitsap Pride is looking for drag performers for the 2023 Pride Festival on Saturday, July 22nd at Gordon Field, part of the Kitsap County Fairgrounds, in Bremerton.

The local drag scene has really exploded in recent years. We are looking to showcase local performers and have added time to the schedule.

Use the link below to submit yourself for consideration before June 15th.

https://www.eventeny.com/events/applications/application/?id=1899

Please share this link.

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2023 Vendor Registration Now Open

Vendor registration for Kitsap Pride 2023 is now open. This year’s festival will be held at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 22rd. We plan for a similar layout as last year with additional room for more vendors and more food vendors. We are planning for 5,000 visitors throughout the day this year.

Vendor Information – Click here for more information about becoming a vendor at Kitsap Pride. We have room for food vendors, businesses, non-profits (including clubs), and artisans. This is a great way to reach the LGBTQ+ community in Kitsap County.

Sponsor Kitsap Pride – Kitsap Pride is a free festival largely because of the generous support of our sponsors! We offer sponsorships starting at $500 as part of the vendor application or click here to find out more about sponsoring Kitsap Pride at whatever level is appropriate for you.