Baltimore Pride 2026: parade, dates and hotels

Dates and details about Baltimore Pride 2026 are still TBC.

Baltimore Pride is one of the Mid-Atlantic region's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, typically held each June during Pride Month. The event has been running for several decades and has grown significantly over the years. With over 100,000 spectators, Baltimore Pride is frequently one of the biggest Pride events in Maryland.

Baltimore Pride is organized by the Pride Center of Maryland (formerly the GLCCB – Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore), which uses the event both as a celebration and as an opportunity to raise funds for year-round community services and support programs. Baltimore is John Waters’ country, so it’s a fitting place to host Pride events.

What to expect in 2026

While official dates and theme details for 2026 are yet to be announced, we've outlined what you can expect based on previous Baltimore Pride celebrations.

Pride Parade and Pride in the Park

The Baltimore Pride Parade typically takes place on Saturday, moving through the historic neighborhoods of Mount Vernon and Station North. After the parade, Pride in the Park follows at Druid Hill Park, featuring live performances, food vendors, and community activities across the weekend.

Twilight on the Terrace and Community Events

Twilight on the Terrace, Baltimore Pride’s signature gala event, is expected to return as an evening of dining, drinks, and entertainment. The gala serves as a major fundraiser supporting the ongoing work of the Pride Center of Maryland, alongside a range of community-focused events held throughout Pride Week.

Baltimore Pride history

Baltimore Pride has a rich history dating back to 1975. What began as a modest rally of activists in Charles Plaza has transformed over the decades into a weekend-long festival attracting tens of thousands of attendees. Throughout its journey, Baltimore Pride has weathered challenges from the AIDS crisis of the 1980s to political opposition, while consistently providing a voice for the city's diverse LGBTQ+ communities. 

The event has been particularly notable for its strong connections to Baltimore's Black LGBTQ+ community, embracing intersectionality long before it became a mainstream concept. As the event grew, it migrated from its original home in Mount Vernon to various locations, including Druid Hill Park, though always maintaining its distinctly Baltimore character.

The Pride Center of Maryland (formerly the GLCCB) has guided the event through these transformations, ensuring that while the festival has grown more inclusive and commercially viable, it remains true to its activist roots and community-oriented mission.

Planning on staying for Baltimore Pride? Check out our guide to the best hotels in Baltimore for gay travelers.