Photo by John Carocci

Pride Week in Buffalo kicks off on Monday, June 1 with several events throughout the week for the entire community to come together and celebrate gay pride.

The week starts on Monday 12pm with the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony. The Pride Center of Western New York will join Mayor Byron Brown and other city officials to raise a pride flag in front of City Hall. “With our flag at the heart of the city, we invite everyone near and far to join us in celebration and advocacy,” according to the Buffalo Pride Festival website.

The celebration will be more flamboyant on Wednesday night with the Big Gay Sing. Whether you’re a shower-singer, a drivers seat rocker, or a PJ choreographer, the Big Gay Sing is something for you. “At the Big Gay Sing, you will not be shushed. You will not have to endure eye rolls or headshakes. We, and the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus, want you to be as loud as you are proud, and belt out your favorite hits at this sing-at-top-of-your-lungs sing-along event.” This is the first time the event is in Buffalo, being held at Evergreen Commons at 8pm. Tickets are on sale for $10 and can be purchased at www.shop.buffalogaymenschorus.com.

After singing your heart out on Wednesday night, your lungs will be warmed up for the Gay 5K Run on Thursday. Whether gay or straight, runners are encouraged to wear their brightest colors and “look fierce while breaking a sweat.” The race route starts at Delaware and West Chippewa, on a five-kilometer (3.1 mile) loop through the City’s west side. The Gay 5K Run is followed by a celebration at Soho Burger Bar featuring awards for top finishes, “Best Drag” and “Most Pride,” as well as complementary beer and food for race runners. $25 registration is available until June 1 at 5pm and day-of-registration is from 4:30pm to 6pm at Soho Burger Bar with race time at 6:30pm. Runners may register online at: buffalopridefestival.com/Events/Run.

Friday kicks off the busy weekend of Pride Week events with the opening of “Chroma” at Glow Gallery. “Chroma” is in its third year and is curated by and comprised of LGBTQ artists from throughout western New York. The public is invited to attend an opening reception with the artists on Friday, June 5 from 6pm to 11pm, and the exhibition will be on view through June 28.

After checking out the art exhibit, head over to the Waiting Room for “Flex,” an after-dark dance party that celebrates hip-hop queer culture and urban life in Buffalo. Doors open at 10pm with free admission (21 and older).

Saturday, June 6 steps off with the Dyke March at 5pm. The Pride Festival’s website describes the event this way: “The Dyke March is a chance for our community to be seen...We march to celebrate our love and passion for women and for all dykes. We welcome and support all those who are questioning and challenging gender constructs and the social norms for women in this world.”

Saturday night “Momentum” is turning Canalside into Buffalo’s biggest queer nightclub. The 18-plus party starts at 7pm with a $3 cover and features entertainment from Violet Chachki, Pandora Boxx, Mimi Imfurst, RuPaul’s Drag Race Fame, and ABC DJ.

On Sunday the Pride Parade starts off at 12pm at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Forest Avenue. “At the Pride Parade you’ll enjoy vibrant floats, watch entertaining performances, and gather with thousands of your closest friends to celebrate our LGBTQ community. Over 100 organizations participate in the parade, competing for awards like, “Best Overall,” “Best Interpretation of Theme,” and “Most Creative.”

The week’s biggest event concludes Pride Week on Sunday, June 7 with “The Buffalo and WNY Pride Festival.” Now in its 24th year, The festival features live entertainment, family activities, food and gift vendors, bar drinks, retro dance tent, VIP tent, and information tables from local organizations and businesses. Headlining the entertainment is Steve Grand and Mia Martina. The festival runs from 1pm to 7pm with a $5 general admission (children under 10 get in for free), with VIP tickets available for $32.50.

For more information on any of the many events going on during Pride Week visit buffalopridefestival.com.