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Pageant, Pride in the Park, more: See the schedule of events for Macon’s Pride celebration

Niki Vernick, also known as Kraken Skulls, right, skates down Third Street at Macon Pride’s Pride in the Park event Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Vernick participates in the Middle Georgia Roller Derby on the team Derby Demons. The team is looking for new players, and people interested can find out more information on their social media pages. The group will host its first scrimmage of the year Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at 4151 Gray Highway, Gray, Georgia. (File Photo)
Niki Vernick, also known as Kraken Skulls, right, skates down Third Street at Macon Pride’s Pride in the Park event Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Vernick participates in the Middle Georgia Roller Derby on the team Derby Demons. The team is looking for new players, and people interested can find out more information on their social media pages. The group will host its first scrimmage of the year Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at 4151 Gray Highway, Gray, Georgia. (File Photo) Jenna Eason The Telegraph

The 2024 Macon Pride Week is scheduled to kick off Sept. 20 with “Storytellers: Pride Edition” at the Serenity Entertainment Complex.

Macon Pride President Scott Mitchell said the event was started five years ago to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community living in Middle Georgia. He said the festival keeps expanding.

“We started as a small one-day festival in 2019 and have now grown to a 10-day festival that includes national entertainment headliners,” Mitchell said.

Josh Bilbrey, 28, signs his artwork on an open wall at Macon Pride’s Pride in the Park event Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. The wall was open for participants of the event to paint.
Josh Bilbrey, 28, signs his artwork on an open wall at Macon Pride’s Pride in the Park event Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. The wall was open for participants of the event to paint. Jenna Eason The Telegraph

The Macon Pride Week schedule of events includes:

  • Storytellers: Pride Edition: Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Serenity Entertainment Complex
  • Mx Macon Pride Pageant: Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. at JBA 425 Cherry St.
  • Macon it Out to the Movies : Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at The Bibb Theatre
  • Lively Libations Social: Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. at Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen
  • Rainbow Panel Discussion: Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at McEachern Art Center
  • Broadway Does Pride: Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at The Grand Opera House
  • Macon Pride Superstar: Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. at Third Street Park
  • Haus Party Featuring Latrice Royale and LaLa Ri: Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. at Capitol Theatre
  • Pride in the Park: Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. at Third Street Park
  • Official After Party with LaLa Ri: Sept. 28 at 10 p.m. at JBA 425 Cherry St.
  • Macon Pride Worship: Sept. 29 at 12 p.m. at Coleman Hill Park

The annual Macon Pride pageant will name Mx Macon Pride 2024-2025.

Yutoya Leon sings “Titanium” during a “Broadway Does Pride” cabaret show Wednesday night at The Grand Opera House.
Yutoya Leon sings “Titanium” during a “Broadway Does Pride” cabaret show Wednesday night at The Grand Opera House. Jason Vorhees The Telegraph

At the Lively Libations Social, guests will have the opportunity to taste Piedmont Brewery’s offerings, including the beer specially released to commemorate 2024 Macon Pride.

Pride in the Park is the largest celebration of Macon Pride Week, according to the Macon Pride website. Vendors, including nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and food and drink establishments, will be set up.

During the event, participants will be able to learn about issues that interest them, enjoy food and drinks, purchase from local vendors, play games, and enjoy music, dancing, public speakers, and other live entertainment.

The week will conclude with Macon Pride’s third annual multi-faith worship service at the scenic Coleman Hill. In addition to the service, attendees can share food, play games, and enjoy music and dancing.

Pride events are quickly-growing across the United States.

A statement on the Macon Pride website read, “We still face obstacles in achieving full acceptance and protection for our LGBTQIA+ community, but we have made considerable progress. Over the past 50 years, pride festivals, events, demonstrations, and marches have evolved substantially.”

JP
Jessica Payne
The Telegraph
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