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In celebration of Pride Month, this Postcard gives you the inside scoop on what’s happening in Santa Fe over the next couple of weeks.
But first a quick story. In 2009, I moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to Santa Fe. After many years in the Bay, I was used to ginormous Pride celebrations, parades that went on for hours, and the infamous Dyke March. Everything was big and fabulous!
So when I arrived in Santa Fe I was excited to go to my first Pride Parade here with my friend Kristin (another Bay Area ex-pat). Our plan was to meet at the parade, which was due to start at 10 am as I recall, then walk to the Plaza together for more festivities. I was running a few minutes late so I texted Kristin to let her know I’d be there soon. “Get here as fast as you can, the parade will be over soon!”
This was at 10:05.
I couldn’t help but laugh. I did get there in time to catch the last few floats and marchers, and we still had a great time. Nothing like San Francisco’s parades, but fun nonetheless. Santa Fe Pride has grown a lot since then, and I’m pretty sure the parade now stretches to almost a full hour! These photos are from my friend Jen Stillions, a photographer who has a gift for capturing the spirt of an event and the people in it.
If you’re in Santa Fe in the coming weeks and looking for ways to celebrate Pride, here are some of the many things you can be part of:
Saturday, June 22, 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Let’s Go Birding Together!
Randall Davey Audubon Center, 1800 Upper Canyon Road, Santa Fe
A free bird walk for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community led by an expert bird guide. This is an Audubon tradition for Pride month, now going into our 5th year. Please register by contacting: stella.reed@audubon.org Meet at 8:30 at the Santa Fe Nature Conservancy/Dale Ball Trailhead parking lot on Cerro Gordo Road.
Saturday, June 22 9:00 pm - June 23, 1:45 am
Disco Inferno: Trash Disco
Boxcar, 133 W. Water St., Santa Fe
Get ready to unleash your inner disco diva at Disco Inferno: Trash Disco - Santa Fe PRIDE 2024's Grooviest event! Let's turn up the heat and ignite the dance floor with funky beats spun by DJ Oona, dazzling lights, and non-stop grooves!
Sunday, June 23 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
PRIDE Week Kick Off T-Dance and Lawn Party
The Mystic 2810 Cerrillos Dr, Santa Fe
🌈✨ Get ready to kick off PRIDE Week in style at our PRIDE Week Kick Off T-dance and Lawn Party! Join us for an afternoon of celebration and music. $10 – $15
Thursday, June 27 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
PRIDE Drag Bingo!
Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery, 2791 Agua Fria Street, Santa Fe
Join us for the PRIDE edition of our monthly Drag Bingo extravaganza, where the fun never stops! For just $20, you'll snag your golden ticket to an unforgettable evening.
June 28 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday Night with Dorothy
The Sunset Terrace, 112 West San Francisco St 3rd floor, Santa Fe
Come celebrate the start of Pride Weekend and meet old and new friends
Saturday, June 29, 10 am – 5 pm
The Big Day! Parade and Pride on the Plaza
A day of celebration, love, and inclusivity as we take over the Plaza and beyond! All ages are welcome to join in on the fun!
The Pride Drive Parade will start promptly at 10:30 a.m. in the Lamy Building parking lot, just off Santa Fe Trail and Paseo de Peralta. Throughout the day, groove to live music, indulge in delicious concessions, enjoy our beer garden, and shop from various vendors offering unique treasures. Vanessa Patricks will be the host for the day, and entertainment will feature DJ FlightPhonic, DJ Eldon, DJ The Muse, DJ IN, gothabilliejean, Natcha Mendez Trio, G. Precious, Brandi, Rusty Nutz, Tiara Latrice, CoCo Caliente, and Avery Martini.
Wish you were here!
This looks like so much fun! Thank you for sharing this glimpse into the scene!
Maia, I lived in the heart of the Castro for a few years, so I know what you mean about the parade size there. Love the images!