Roc Pride 2018 celebrates the accomplishments and history of the LGBTQ+ community. Produced by Out Alliance, Roc Pride is one of New York State's largest pride festivals north of New York City. Now in its 29th year, Roc Pride encourages the community to be true to themselves, find inspiration from icons in the LGBTQ+ community and utilize every color of the spectrum to highlight individuality and diversity.
With nine days filled with a range of events, we've pulled together a guide with what you need to know about Roc Pride 2018.
Saturday, July 14
Q-Day at Seabreeze
Q-Day gives members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families, friends, and supporters a day to come together for fun, sun, rides, food, at Seabreeze Amusement Park.
Sunday, July 15
Pride 5K Run
Run, walk, skip, or sashay to your heart's desire in the Roc Pride 5K Run! This race is a community organized, family-friendly event that will take racers through the beautiful Cobb's Hill neighborhood.
Pride Kick-off Beach Party Picnic
Fill up your coolers, fire up the grill, and soak up some rays at the Pride Kick-off Beach Party. This family-friendly party at Ontario Beach Park is free and open to everyone who would like to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Roc Pride Games Volleyball & Kan Jam Tournament
Cheer on your favorite team at the Roc Pride Games Volleyball & Kan Jam Tournament that is part of the Pride Kick-off Beach Party Picnic.
Monday, July 16
Opening Ceremonies
Gather at the steps of Rochester City Hall for the Opening Ceremonies of Roc Pride 2018. Bring flags to celebrate and honor the legacies of local and iconic members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Fabulous Lives
This event will capture the rich history of drag in Rochester, past, present, and future and will also explore the art of drag.
Gayme Night
Enjoy an evening of games and frivolity at The Playhouse @ Swillburger. Drinks and food can be purchased at the bar and burger counter with all proceeds going to the Out Alliance. This event is 18+ after 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 17
Euchre Tournament
YETI has teamed up with Roc Pride to host a fundraiser for the Out Alliance. Tournament entry cost is $30 per person and includes pizza, snacks, and one complimentary drink at the cash bar. Space is limited!
Gayme Night
Stand out, loud, proud, and rainbowtastic (dress in your best rainbow attire) at Gayme Night at the Bachelor Forum. After 9:00 p.m. all beverages will be half-price with free pizza and delicious snacks.
Wednesday, July 18
Euchre Tournament
Night two! YETI has teamed up with Roc Pride to host a fundraiser for the Out Alliance. Tournament entry cost is $30 per person and includes pizza, snacks, and one complimentary drink at the cash bar. Space is limited!
Stand Out on The Town
Enjoy Rochester's beautiful summer weather on a pedal tour that will bring you to some of the oldest gay bars in the city. Bar stops with Rochester Pedal Tours include Avenue Pub, 140 Alex, Bachelor Forum, Lux Lounge.
Thursday, July 19
Sassy in the South Wedge
Come out for a fabulous event in Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood for the Lux Backyard Party, PRIDE Youth Dance (open to all LGBTQ+ youth 13-19 years old), and The Good, The Bad, and The Funny open mic for the trans and gender-expansive community.
LGBTQ+ History Tour
Tour key city sites in the LGBTQ+ movement including Rochester's City Hall, the Rochester Federal Building, Genesee Crossroads Park, and Two Saints Church.
Friday, July 20
Pride Party Pep Rally
Come together as a community at Cobb's Hill Park to get in the spirit of pride and get ready for Roc Pride Parade and Roc Pride Festival Weekend.
Pride Party Silent Disco
The party doesn't stop after the pep rally--dance into the night with Roc Pride's first silent disco! Never been to a silent disco? You control the music you dance to with wireless headphones and dance the night away in Cobb's Hill Park.
Saturday, July 21
Roc Pride Parade
The annual Roc Pride Parade starts from Park Avenue and Alexander Street and makes it way all the way down Park Avenue to Brunswick Street. Whether you are marching, riding with a group, or watch from the parade route-- this event is fun for everyone.
Roc Pride Fest- Day 1
Roc Pride Fest is jam-packed with games, activities, food, refreshments, and performances in Cobb's Hill Park. Saturday's headliner performances include:
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Ada Vox @ 4:45 p.m.
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Charles Emanuel @ 6:15 p.m.
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Deborah Cox @ 6:45 p.m.
Sunday, July 22
Roc Pride Fest-Day 2
Roc Pride Fest is jam-packed with games, activities, food, refreshments, and performances in Cobb's Hill Park. Sunday's headliner performances include:
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Rev. Yolanda @ 1:00 p.m.
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Daughters of Art @ 1:45 p.m.
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DJ Citizen Jane @ 2:15 p.m.
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NickNSix @ 3:15 p.m.
For more information on Roc Pride 2018, visit www.rocpridefest.org. And, don't forget to share your photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #VisitROC and #ROCPRIDE2018.