The Big Rapids Pride Festival, held on June 29, 2025, in the heart of downtown Big Rapids, Michigan, was a resounding success, attracting over 5,000 attendees to celebrate love, acceptance, and community. The festival, now in its fourth year, has become a fixture in the town’s annual calendar, fostering inclusivity and embracing the LGBTQ+ community with a day of vibrant festivities, music, and performances.
This year’s festival, themed “Turn up the Pride: Love Louder”, was organized by Pride Big Rapids, a local advocacy group focused on LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. The event aimed to create a safe, welcoming space for individuals of all identities to come together and celebrate their uniqueness. The festival’s success reflects the growing acceptance and importance of LGBTQ+ rights, even in smaller, traditionally conservative communities.
A Day of Music, Performance, and Fun
The festival kicked off with a lively parade down Main Street, featuring colorful floats, decorated cars, and a spirited crowd showing their support for the LGBTQ+ community. The parade was a true reflection of Big Rapids’ commitment to inclusivity, with residents of all ages and backgrounds participating in the celebration. Local businesses and organizations also joined in, creating a sense of unity and support throughout the town.
One of the major highlights of the day was the performance by Raised on Radio, a local cover band that played a mix of classic rock, pop, and contemporary hits. The crowd gathered around the stage, dancing and singing along to their favorite songs, which included LGBTQ+ anthems that resonated deeply with the audience. The vibrant energy of the performance brought a sense of joy and solidarity to the festival.
Additionally, the festival featured drag shows, which were met with great enthusiasm from the audience. Both local and out-of-town drag performers took the stage, showcasing their talents through dynamic performances that included lip-sync battles, comedy skits, and elaborate costume changes. These performances are a hallmark of Pride festivals around the world and served as an essential part of the Big Rapids Pride celebration, symbolizing empowerment, self-expression, and pride.
A Family-Friendly Celebration of Diversity
What made this year’s festival particularly notable was its focus on family-friendly activities. The kids’ area was filled with playful activities such as face painting, tie-dye workshops, and water tables that kept the younger attendees engaged throughout the day. It was a conscious effort by Pride Big Rapids to create an event that was welcoming not just to adults but to children, showing that pride and love should be celebrated at any age.
Additionally, food trucks lined the festival grounds, offering a variety of cuisines, from comfort food to international dishes, reflecting the town’s diversity and willingness to embrace different cultures and tastes. Local artisans and vendors also set up booths, selling handmade crafts, pride-themed merchandise, and resources for LGBTQ+ support services.
The Importance of Pride in Small Town America
One of the key takeaways from the Big Rapids Pride Festival was the growing importance of LGBTQ+ events in small-town America. In towns like Big Rapids, where the LGBTQ+ community has historically faced challenges with visibility and acceptance, events like the Pride Festival are vital in breaking down barriers and fostering dialogue. This year’s festival was particularly meaningful as it highlighted the town’s increasing inclusivity, with town leaders, school representatives, and local businesses publicly showing their support.
“The Pride Festival is not just about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community,” said Kara Dawson, an organizer with Pride Big Rapids. “It’s about showing that love, respect, and understanding can flourish in any community, no matter how small or big. This festival is proof that love is louder than any prejudice.”
The event was also an opportunity for allies to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Darren Reid, a local business owner, shared, “Being part of a community means supporting each other through thick and thin. Pride is about celebrating diversity, and we’re proud to be part of this event.”
Looking Ahead to Future Pride Events
With the success of the 2025 Big Rapids Pride Festival, plans for future events are already in motion. The organizing committee has expressed their desire to make the event even bigger in the coming years, with hopes of attracting more visitors from across Michigan and beyond. They also aim to expand their educational programs, providing resources and information about LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and wellness.
The Big Rapids Pride Festival is not just a celebration—it’s a movement towards greater acceptance and understanding. As it grows, it will continue to play an important role in fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
