Grand Rapids Pride Festival, 343 Atlas Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI (2026)

06/17/2026

🌟✍️WORDS THAT HEAL. VOICES THAT RESIST.🔊✨

The PRIDEFEST 2026 main stage is a space for every form of beautiful, unfiltered self-expression. This year, we are incredibly honored to introduce a deeply impactful, soul-stirring feature: the PRIDE POETS CLUB, bringing together two phenomenal wordsmiths and storytellers to elevate our community's voices.

Get ready to feel the power of the spoken word with these two brilliant creators...

🌟 FEATURED POET: SOLITA 🌟
Solita is a mover, shaker, and storyteller conjuring chaos and community in all the places they go. Solita's incredible artistry has been experienced internationally, whether it be commanding stages, in theatres, during powerful community protests, on Zoom calls, swinging around a pole, and more. Grounded in deep purpose, Solita is forever grateful for the rich legacies of q***r + trans Black folx that continuously inspire and drive their creative passions.

🌟 FEATURED POET: SHAYNA “AKANKE” MARIE 🌟
Shayna “Akanke” Marie** is a poet, writer, facilitator, and community organizer from right here in Grand Rapids whose work deeply explores storytelling, healing, identity, grief, and resistance. Through the power of spoken word and intentional community engagement, she beautifully creates spaces for honest dialogue, reflection, and collective imagination. Shayna uses poetry as both a profound art form and a tool for advocacy—encouraging audiences to confront difficult truths while envisioning more just and compassionate futures. Her performances blend vulnerability, urgency, and lyrical depth, inviting listeners into a world where pain and pleasure coexist, and where storytelling becomes a direct pathway toward connection and liberation.

Prepare to be moved, inspired, and completely transformed by the incredible energy these two are bringing to the stage. Let’s make 2026 a GLOW UP to remember!

📢 Don’t Forget! We are still actively seeking Volunteers for PRIDEFEST 2026! Sign up now!

06/16/2026

🌟👑TWO LEGENDS. ONE UNFORGETTABLE STAGE.🔊✨

We are pulling out all the stops for PRIDEFEST 2026! This year, we are creating an absolute powerhouse of a special set, featuring back-to-back performances from two undeniable pride legends: MAMSER and NICKO DA GREAT!

When you bring this much iconic energy, style, and stage presence into a single slot, you know history is about to be made on the main stage.

🌟 FEATURED LEGEND: NICKO DA GREAT 🌟

Hailing from Benton Harbor, Michigan, **NICKO DA GREAT** creates music as a powerful outlet for self-expression and a way to connect with everyone who loves a true anthem. No stranger to bringing the heat to our community, Nicko has rocked the main stage at both Grand Rapids Pride and BIPOC Pride over the last few years, alongside dominating local events and performance competitions. With a stacked catalog featuring hit tracks like the crowd-favorite "See Sum," Nicko is an absolute force on a massive trajectory—with sights set on booking every stage possible from Atlanta Pride to Rolling Loud!

🌟 FEATURED LEGEND: MAMSER 🌟

She has no genre. She has no gender. All she has is ten minutes, and she's going to use every single second of them to show you exactly what she's made of. Get ready for a completely raw, boundary-breaking performance that will leave the entire crowd breathless!

Get your crews together and make sure your phone is charged, because this legendary link-up is going to be one for the history books. Let’s make 2026 a GLOW UP to remember!

📢 Don’t Forget! We are still actively seeking Volunteers for PRIDEFEST 2026! Sign up NOW!

06/16/2026

The wait is officially OVER! 😤🙌

You’ve refreshed your feed, you’ve begged in our DMs, and you’ve waited long enough. The stars have aligned, the glitter has settled, and we are finally ready to drop the full, unadulterated, two-day schedule for PRIDEFEST 2026!

From legendary DJs and powerhouse vocalists to spellbinding drag hours and local icons, your weekend is officially booked. Grab your calendar and start planning your look, because we are ready to turn the energy all the way up!

ALSO: IF YOU'VE NEVER ATTENDED GR PRIDE FEST BEFORE, HERE IS A LINK, TALKING ABOUT WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT: https://grpride.org/pride-festival/what-to-expect-at-pride-fest/

See you at the GLOW UP of the YEAR this Saturday! 🏳️‍🌈✨

📢 P.S. Don’t Forget! A festival this legendary doesn't build itself. We are still actively seeking Volunteers to help us keep the magic running smoothly!

06/16/2026

👑🎤THE QUEEN OF THE MIC IS IN THE HOUSE! 🔊✨

A festival this legendary deserves an equally legendary leader to steer the ship, and we have the absolute best in the business! We are beyond honored to welcome back the Official Host & MC of PRIDEFEST 2026—the incomparable DeeDee Chaunte!

Originally from Detroit and now ruling the scene in Grand Rapids, DeeDee has been completely dominating the entertainment industry for over a decade across Michigan and beyond. She is a former titleholder for the Gay Greater Grand Rapids and Miss Rumors pageant systems, and she currently serves as the brilliant Show Director of Rumors Nightclub and a proud member of Doll House Productions in Muskegon. In short: she is absolute royalty.

But DeeDee’s impact goes far beyond her breathtaking stage presence. She is a fierce community advocate who cofounded *Family Over Everything LLC*, an organization dedicated to protesting systemic injustices, combating houselessness and hunger, and uplifting the Black Lives Matter movement. Her dedication to our community is why she is the most trusted voice in the state, serving as the official host for Grand Rapids Pride, Newaygo Pride, Pride Big Rapids, and the Mx Allegan Pride Pageant.

In the words of the icon herself: *"It is an honor to be here; let’s have FUN! Remember; if we ALL do our part we can make a difference for tomorrow."* Get ready for unmatched energy, pure love, and a massive GLOW UP with DeeDee at the helm!

📢 Don’t Forget! We are still actively seeking Volunteers for PRIDEFEST 2026! Sign up now!

06/16/2026

ATTENTION ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS! With PRIDEFEST coming at the end of this week, we know it cag a little hectic around the center. In an effort to ensure we are serving our community as best we are able, here are our ADJUSTED HOURS for FEST WEEK at GRPC.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause & hope to see you at PRIDEFEST!

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A rainbow framed picture featuring the PRIDE CENTER LOGO and the adjusted hours for FEST WEEK at the Grand Rapids Pride Center.

06/16/2026

AUTHENTIC, RAW, AND UNMISTAKABLY WEST MICHIGAN! ✨🎶

We are incredibly proud to shine the main stage spotlight on a phenomenal force in our local music scene. Get ready to experience the brilliant artistry of Jules Camp at PRIDEFEST 2026!

Jules is an multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer based right here in Grand Rapids. Known as one of the creative minds behind the atmospheric electronic project Ethereal, she operates as a true DIY artist, writing, recording, and self-producing captivating indie, alternative, and electronic music. Talk about a powerhouse—she been known to produce many of her own stunning tracks by layering the guitar, piano, violin, drums, mandolin, and accordion entirely herself!

Camp’s music is marked by deep vulnerability, raw lyricism, and moody electronic textures. Her definitive studio album, *Cellar Door*, serves as a poignant sonic reflection on her journey through hardship, beautifully celebrating the milestone of being nearly eight years clean from addiction. Whether she is performing her original introspective tracks or captivating the crowd with her unique, stripped-down alternative covers, Jules creates a deeply personal soundscape that explores memory, growth, and resilience.

Come support one of our community's most authentic independent voices on the main stage. Let’s make 2026 a GLOW UP to remember!

📢 Don’t Forget! We are still actively seeking Volunteers for PRIDEFEST 2026! Sign up now!

06/14/2026

✨🎸MOTOR CITY SOUL IS COMING TO GRAND RAPIDS!🏙️🔥

Get ready to experience the undeniable power of real Detroit music! We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the multi-award-winning Laura Rain Duo Sheen to the PRIDEFEST 2026 lineup!

Born and raised in the Motor City, Laura Rain is a hard-driving soul singer who uses the incredible power and finesse of her voice to inspire and electrify the spirit. Alongside her creative partner, producer, and co-songwriter George Friend, the pair has spent the last decade heavily touring the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Together, they have released five albums and nine singles, forging an original sound that has won them eight prestigious Detroit Music Awards—including “Outstanding Soul/R&B Group” and “Outstanding R&B Songwriters.”

Their music beautifully reimagines the R&B, gospel, and soul that Detroit made famous, weaving elements of vintage soul, funky 60’s organ boogaloo, electronic dance music, and rock. Laura's latest show, “THE SOUL OF DETROIT,” captures the absolute essence, sound, and spirit of Motor City music. Through a distinctive collection of original compositions, her fearless emotion and authenticity instill hope, joy, and celebration while paying tribute to a massive musical legacy.

Come ready to be uplifted by a classic, yet thoroughly modern funky style that will help make 2026 a GLOW UP to remember!

📢Don’t Forget! We are still actively seeking Volunteers for PRIDEFEST 2026! Sign up Now!

06/13/2026

PREPARE TO FEEL THE MUSIC! ✨🎶

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome a phenomenal West Michigan talent to the PRIDEFEST 2026 lineup! Get ready to be completely captivated by the brilliant artistry of Shai-Li!

Shai-Li is a 27-year-old singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based just down the road in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A truly versatile creator, her music beautifully blends neo-soul, R&B, folk, pop, and indie styles to forge a unique sonic fusion that is entirely her own. For Shai-Li, songwriting is a powerful tool used to process her own emotions and life experiences—and through sharing that vulnerability, her goal is simply to make you feel.

Come ready to connect, catch an unforgettable vibe, and experience her incredible live set on the main stage. Let’s make 2026 a GLOW UP to remember!

📢 Don’t Forget! We are still actively seeking Volunteers for PRIDEFEST 2026! Sign up Now!

06/13/2026

💋🎬DON'T DREAM IT, BE IT! 👠💥

Get ready to celebrate a piece of theatrical history, Grand Rapids! We are beyond thrilled to welcome a legendary local force of love, acceptance, and chaotic camp to the PRIDEFEST 2026 lineup—The Rocky Road Shadowcast of West Michigan!

The Rocky Road Shadowcast is an all-volunteer motley crew of ragtag misfits... and they are damn proud of it! For decades, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has stood as a historical sanctuary of true belonging and radical support for the LGBTQ+ community. This stage has always been a safe haven where you can leave judgment at the door, dress exactly how you want, and be precisely who you are surrounded by chosen family.

This crew is bringing that exact spirit of unconditional acceptance to the main stage as they pantomime the cult classic live and continue to ROCKY HORROR HARD! Come ready for a wild, unforgettable ride where everyone belongs. Let’s make 2026 a GLOW UP to remember!

📢 Don’t Forget! We are still actively seeking Volunteers for PRIDEFEST 2026! Sign up Now!

06/13/2026

BRINGING THE LAUGHTER AND THE HEALING!😂✨

Get ready to laugh until it hurts, Grand Rapids! We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the powerhouse hometown talent, Comedian Turbulence Tyme, to the PRIDEFEST 2026 lineup!

Turbulence Tyme is a stand-up comic from right here in Grand Rapids with a brilliant comedic style described as “Storytelling with a Twist”. She is a massive force in the comedy industry, serving as Co-President of NewWorldComedy ( ), Co-CEO of Club Comedy, Partner of the Grand Rapids Comedy Jam, and Co-CEO of Health-ish. She has lit up some of the most incredible stages across the country—including The Laugh Factory, Funny Bone, Riddles, The Punch Line, and local favorites like the Ambrosia Theater and The Comedy Project! When she isn't touring, she co-produces and hosts packed monthly comedy shows right here in Grand Rapids alongside her partner, Comedian Dave Jones.

But Turbulence Tyme is so much more than just a multi-talented actress, writer, host, and producer. Deeply rooted in community, she is an Ordained Pastor, a Youth Minister, a passionate community activist, and a motivational speaker dedicated to raising autism awareness. Guided by the deep love and loyalty she holds for her community and her family—who serve as a huge inspiration for her career—she uses her rising comedy platform to bring healing through laughter and give upcoming talent the same breakthrough opportunities she was given.

Come experience her unmatched charm and incredible stage presence as she helps make 2026 a GLOW UP to remember!

📢 Don’t Forget! We are still actively seeking Volunteers for PRIDEFEST 2026! Sign up Now!

Grand Rapids Pride Festival

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