Celebrate Pride Month in Connecticut: Events, Bars, Restaurants & Specials
June is here, and as we kick off the summer season, many take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate Pride Month. Pride Month is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its many contributions to our society and culture throughout history. It is typically observed in June, commemorating the Stonewall riots that took place in 1969. Since then, Pride has spread across the United States and even around the globe with parades and other special events all month long. Though you may see some cities celebrate Pride at other times of the year, June is when you will notice the highest volume of events.
Here in Connecticut, several cities and towns will recognize Pride Month throughout June with limited-time menu items and special events, including drag brunches and dance parties. If you are looking for ways to commemorate Pride Month and raise a rainbow-colored glass to the LGBTQ+ community, keep reading to see what local events are happening around you throughout June.
NOTE: This guide has been organized into two sections. The first is a list of bars and restaurants participating in Pride Month festivities throughout June, and the second is a list of town-wide celebrations.
Bars and Restaurants
168 York Street Cafe-New Haven
https://www.168yorkstcafe.com/
168 York Street is a Gay Bar that welcomes all members of the LGBTQ+ Community and Allies. Not only are they one of the oldest gay bars in CT, but they are also the only gay-owned and operated bar/restaurant in New Haven. They are PROUD to welcome all members of the LGBTQ+ Community and our allies. Their kitchen is open 5 days a week. Diners and appetizers are served.
Armada Brewing-New Haven
On June 3rd, get ready for a rainbow tidal wave as we take over Armada Brewing with our curated LGBTQ+ vendor market, featuring 15+ of the best queer vendors in the tri-state area! Grab food from the on-site food truck and get your drink on! You can feel good knowing you'll be drinking for a VERY worthy cause, because $1 from each draft pour of QUEER OCCULT will be donated to local queer organization, A Place to Nourish Your Health. More info available here.
bartaco-Wilton, Stamford
https://bartaco.com/location/westport/
For the entire month of June when you purchase a bartaco + Wilton Pride sticker, you’ll receive a free taco at bartaco Westport or bartaco Stamford when you show your sticker!
The Cake Box-Ridgefield
For the month of June, you can purchase limited-time Pride-themed cupcakes at The Cake Box.
Chez Est-Hartford
Hartford's only LGBTQ+ Restaurant, Bar, and Cabaret space has proudly served ALL of the community for over 45 years. Chez Est will host special events throughout the month of June, including participating in Middletown Pride June 1-3. “There’s Something For Everyone.” Learn more about their Pride Month events here.
Coals-Norwalk
https://coalspizza.com/norwalk/
Coals will host a drag brunch on June 18th, presented by Troupe 429. Event is 21+ and hosted by Sienna Rose and a rotating Connecticut diva and visiting regional star, ticket does not include brunch prior to the event. More info here.
Deborah Anns-Ridgefield
For the month of June, you can buy Pride ice cream at Deborah Anns with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Ridgefield Pride.
Empire-Gotham Citi Cafe Nightclub-New Haven
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028607966773
New Haven’s landmark nightclub since 1996 has moved to an all-new state-of-the-art entertainment space with two dance rooms and a large outdoor patio.
GastroPark-West Hartford
https://www.thegastropark.com/
GastroPark will host the West Hartford Pride kickoff event on June 9th at 5PM. Visit here for more information.
Mohegan Sun-Uncasville
From June 24th - June 25th, Mohegan Sun will host a fun-filled Pride weekend to celebrate members of the LGBTQ+ community. Join Cocktails & Queens at The Cabaret Theatre Saturday at 8 PM, and show your Cocktails & Queens ticket at the door of Avalon to skip the line and pay no cover. Cap off the weekend with Sunday's You Better Work: Diva Brunch at novelle on Sunday from 11 AM-2 PM. Click here for more information on the weekend’s events.
New Park Brewing-West Hartford
https://www.newparkbrewing.com/
Visit New Park Brewing on June 16th for Laugh With Pride, featuring Julia Scotti and Sureni Weerasekera and hosted by Griffin Leeds. Click here for more information.
Partners Cafe-New Haven
http://www.partnersnewhaven.com/
Open seven days a week, Partners is proud to be a staple in New Haven nightlife and culture since 1974. Come on down and celebrate pride in their diverse and friendly atmosphere. They welcome all!
The Place 2 Be-New Haven
https://theplace2be.com/new-haven
Join The Place 2 Be in New Haven on June 3rd for its Drag Extravaganza Special PRIDE Edition. Brunch, lunch, and dinner options will be available. Doors open at 3 PM for a 4 PM show and again at 6PM for a 7 PM show. More info available here.
The Place 2 Be-Hartford
https://theplace2be.com/downtown-hartford
The Place 2 Be in Hartford will be the place to be on June 10th for its Drag Extravaganza Special PRIDE Edition. Brunch, lunch, and dinner options will be available. Doors open at 3 PM for a 4 PM show and again at 6PM for a 7 PM show. More info on Eventbrite.
The Pond House Cafe-Hartford
The Pond House Cafe in Elizabeth Park will host Havana Night on June 1st, kicking off Hartford Pride! The event will take place from 6:30 PM - 11:30 PM. Tickets include food, drinks, and live performaces. More info here.
Steve’s Bagels-Ridgefield
For the month of June, Steve’s Bagels will feature the LGBT (Let’s Get Brunch Together) special: a breakfast sandwich, pastry, and coffee (excluding their B-dough sandwich) for a minimum of 2 people.
Tisane-Hartford
Tisane serves unique fusion cuisine using traditional European techniques blended with Asian spices. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with brunch served on weekends.
Town Parlor-Stamford
www.instagram.com/towneparlorpizza
June 17, 11:00am - Join Town Parlor (112 Bedford St, Stamford) for their Pride Drag Brunch! This event will be featuring Frankie Cyanide, Angelina Fierce, Clementine KuLayd, Tiki Malone, & Paxx Headroom.
Trevi Lounge-Fairfield
An LGBTQIA+ bar and safe space in Fairfield featuring beer, wine, and spirits. Events take place throughout the week, including karaoke every Tuesday and Thursday and shots after midnight.
Troupe429-Norwalk
Troupe429 on Wall Street in Norwalk is your one-stop shop for all things PRIDE year-round! Located in a historic building, Troupe429 is an award-winning bar/theater/nightlife venue with craft beers, CBD mocktails, fabulous décor, pinball, darts, Mario Kart, karaoke, and trivia! Home to the most RuPaul's Drag Race queens in CT! Open Wednesday to Sunday at 6PM. For events, follow on all social media @Troupe429
WeHa Brewing & Roasting Co-West Hartford
WeHa Brewing & Roasting Company, in partnership with West Hartford Pride, is hosting a drag brunch on Sunday, June 25th. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here: Caffeine Queens: Pride Drag Brunch Tickets, Sun, Jun 25, 2023 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
Town-wide Celebrations
Bethel Pride - June 3
Middletown Pride Fest - June 3
Ridgefield Pride in the Park - June 3
Hamden Pride in the Park - June 10
Canton Pups & Pride Parade - June 10
Norwalk Pride in the Park - June 10
Suffield Pride Parade - June 11
Enfield 1st Annual Pride - Jun 17
East Hampton Pride Stroll - June 24
West Hartford Pride - June 24
Westport Pride-June 4
