June marks the beginning of Pride Month— a celebration and commemoration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community (LGBTQ+). The month of June is packed with vibrant Pride celebrations from parades to festivals. With many celebrations happening on the weekend, you can take advantage of the Commuter Rail’s $10 Weekend Pass, which allows you to get off and on the train as many times as you’d like on Saturdays and Sundays. While there are different Pride events happening all around Massachusetts and Rhode Island to check out (using this map), these five standout events are easily accessible by the Commuter Rail.
Note: The map below shows you Pride celebrations and their closest Commuter Rail Station. In addition, you’ll find some LGBTQ+ owned businesses to explore near the stations.
Cambridge Pride
On June 8, join Mayor E. Denise Simmons and the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission for the 36th Annual Cambridge Pride. Located on the second floor of Cambridge City Hall, this joyous celebration will include live performances from Queer musicians, facepainting, games, an ice cream and taco bar, and a Queer History Exhibit.
How to Take the Commuter Rail to the Festival
If you are coming from South Station:
- Take the Red Line outbound towards Alewife
- Get off at Central Station
- Walk 0.2 miles
If you are coming from North Station:
- Take the Orange Line inbound
- Get off at Downtown Crossing
- Take the Red Line outbound towards Alewife
- Get off at Central Station
- Walk 0.2 miles
For those traveling on the Fitchburg Line:
- Ride the train to Porter Station
- Take the Red Line outbound towards Alewife
- Get off at Central Station
- Walk 0.2 miles
Boston Pride for the People Parade
Since 2022, Boston Pride for the People, an organization dedicated to celebrating and empowering the LGBTQ+ community, has hosted the Boston Pride Parade. This year, both the parade and the festival take place on June 14. The actual parade will begin at Copley Square at 11 a.m. and travel to the South End before ending at the Boston Common. When the parade concludes at the Common, it transforms into a festival with live music, performances, vendor booths, and food trucks.
How to Take the Commuter Rail to the Parade
For those participating in the parade:
- Ride the Commuter Rail to Back Bay Station and walk about 0.2 miles to Copley Square
For parade participants coming from North Station:
- Take the train to North Station
- Take the Green Line outbound on the D or E train
- Get off at Copley Station
For parade participants coming from South Station:
- Take the Red Line inbound to Park Street
- Board any Green Line train outbound
- Get off at Copley Station
For those watching the parade:
- Take the Commuter Rail to Back Bay Station and walk about 0.2 miles OR
- Take the Commuter Rail to North Station, take the Green Line outbound on the D or E train, get off at Boylston or Arlington Station, and walk about 0.3 – 0.6 miles.
Rhode Island’s Annual PrideFest Celebration & Illuminated Night Parade
Every year, Rhode Island hosts their annual PrideFest Celebration that includes various vendors and live performances. This year, the festival takes place on June 21 at 11:30 a.m., while the Illuminated Night Parade begins at 8 p.m., featuring a display of illuminated floats, marching groups, and performers.
How to Take the Commuter Rail to the Parade and Festival
To get to the festival, take the Providence/Stoughton Line to Providence Station and walk about 0.7 miles to District Park. The parade passes through three nearby streets: Dorrance Street, Washington Street, and Weybosset Street.
Plymouth Pride
Plymouth Pride will return to Nelson Memorial Park on June 29 from 11 am to 5 pm at 235 Water Street, Plymouth, MA. This year’s festival will include music, entertainers, drag performances, a beer garden, and 90 craft and retail vendors. Plus, the park has direct beach access and a splash pad and playground for kids.
How to Take the Commuter Rail to the Festival
Take the Kingston Line to Kingston Station, and then take a ride share to the festival or have friends and family who live in the area pick you up on the way.
Worcester Pride Festival
For those looking to celebrate Pride beyond June, the Worcester Pride Festival will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 2 pm to 7 pm in Downtown Worcester (the intersection between Franklin and Main Street). This festival welcomes LGBTQ+ and ally artists, makers, crafters, food vendors, live performers, and speakers. While there is no parade this year, the festival will be a special event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
How to Take the Commuter Rail to the Festival
Take the Framingham/Worcester Line to Worcester Station and walk about 0.4 miles to Downtown Worcester.
Celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community by checking out Pride events happening throughout June and beyond.