Providence celebrates PrideFest

June 17, 2023 1:57 pm

Gino DeAngelis,

Mayor Brett Smiley gives opening remarks at PrideFest. (WLNE)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island’s 47th annual PrideFest kicked off Saturday at the new Providence Innovation District Park.

Mayor Brett Smiley was in attendance to give remarks at the celebration, which included more than 250 nonprofit organizations, businesses, and food vendors.

“We are grateful, year-in and year-out, to have one of the best Prides in the country,” Smiley said.

The main stage at the festival also featured local, regional, and national acts.

Rhode Island PrideFest took place in Downtown Providence. (Ethan Lopez/WLNE)

Smiley added that the city is going to continue fighting for communities that need support.

“We are definitely the only capitol city, and I think the only mid-sized city in the country with a gay mayor and a queer city council president,” he said. “In Providence you have representation, you have allies, and you have champions.”

The day is set to conclude with the annual Illuminated Night Parade.