photo by: Mike Yoder/Special to the Journal-World

Representatives from Plymouth Congregational Church march in the Lawrence Pride Parade through downtown Lawrence on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Lawrence’s LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations will kick off next week with a downtown parade and a block party in South Park.

The Lawrence PRIDE parade will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, in downtown Lawrence. It will start near Seventh and Massachusetts streets and travel south through downtown to South Park.

At the park, you’ll find drag and other live performances; vendors with crafts, food and Pride-themed merchandise; and activities for all ages. The celebration is free and open to the public.

Lawrence PRIDE is still seeking volunteers to help with the event. You can sign up at https://shorturl.at/Gcsc5.

Lawrence PRIDE will also have its monthly queer bowling social at Royal Crest Lanes, 933 Iowa St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 14. It costs $12 per person, including shoe rental. The event is open to all ages, and kids and families are welcome.

At Northside Social, 444 Locust St., there will be a Queer Voices storytelling event from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, June 15. Queer Voices is a story night where members of the LGBTQ+ community share the stage to tell true stories about their lives. The event is for ages 18 and up.

In addition to the parade and other festivities, Lawrence PRIDE and Liberty Hall will be offering a queer movie night every week in June. The schedule of movies is below:

• 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 – “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”

• 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10 – “Rafiki”

• 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 – “Bound”

• 7 p.m. Sunday, June 21 – “The Birdcage”