Celebrate Pride Month in Connecticut: Events, Bars, Restaurants & Specials (2024 Edition)

Hannah Goodman May 30, 2024

Photo Upper Left c/o West Hartford Pride

June has arrived and summer is in full swing. While it is an exciting part of the year because adults finally get to take a much needed beach vacation and children are released from the grips of the early morning wakeups combined with the daily monotonous classroom routine, the month also means something entirely different to others.

Pride represents the celebration of LGBTQ+ values, identity, and a longing to be accepted. Pride is celebrated in June in honor of the Stonewall Uprising that occurred in New York in June of 1969. The first Pride marches and festivities were held the following year and every year since, protesting the hatred and brutality that the Queer community experienced in the past and still continues to experience. While we can all be thrilled that the cold and cloudy days are behind us, it is equally as important to recognize the historical significance that the month of June holds for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

These bars and restaurants are all safe spaces, with exciting events and specials happening all Pride-month long! Also listed are the many town-wide celebrations taking place in June, ensuring a place for you to celebrate no matter where you live in CT!

Bars and Restaurants

The Cake Box - Ridgefield, Westport

https://www.ctcakebox.com/

The Cake Box has been baking from scratch since 2010. Their specialty is the most delicious cakes and cupcakes but the bakery items and local coffee are not to be missed. The Cake Box is also able to accommodate several food allergies and intolerances. Everything is made with a fine, gluten free cake flour that is perfect for a moist and tender crumb. On June 1st and then every Wednesday in June, The Cake Box will feature Pride cupcakes, the profits from which will be donated to Ridgefield CT Pride, a local non profit.

168 York Street Cafe - New Haven

https://168yorkstcafe.com/

168 is one of the oldest gay bars in CT and the only gay-owned and operated bar/restaurant in New Haven. They’ll have Pride events throughout the month of June, including Diva Dinner, Show Off Saturday Drag Show, and their normal Tues-Fri LGBTQ+ happy hour. Check out their calendar for more details.

Chez Est - Hartford

https://chezest.com/

Chez Est is Hartford's only LGBTQ+ restaurant/bar and has been serving its community for over 47 years. The Chez will be marching in the Middletown Pride parade on June 1st and will then host the afterparty, featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, Morgan McMichaels. Take a look at their calendar for more fun Pride events taking place throughout the month of June.

Coals - Norwalk

https://coalspizza.com/norwalk/

On Sunday June 2, Coals will be hosting a drag brunch to ring in this year’s Pride celebration. You can enjoy great food and drinks during the drag performance and they’ll also have a live DJ. Purchase event tickets here.

Deborah Ann's - Ridgefield

https://www.instagram.com/dasweetshoppe/?hl=en

All Pride month long, Deborah Ann’s will be offering their very own homemade Pride-themed ice cream. This delicious and colorful ice cream consists of gummy skittles and rainbow chocolate bits. It’s the perfect cold treat for the hot month of June and it’s festive!

GastroPark - West Hartford

https://www.thegastropark.com/

GastroPark is hosting the West Hartford Pride kickoff party on June 6th at 5pm. Visit here for more details.

Mohegan Sun - Uncasville

https://newsroom.mohegansun.com/2024/05/09/pride-weekend-returns-to-mohegan-sun-june-8th-9th/

On June 8 and 9, celebrate Pride with a weekend of fun activities, games, DJs, cocktails, and much more at Mohegan Sun. The main events include the Connecticut Sun Pride Game, Pride on the Sun Patio, Cocktails and Queens in The Cabaret Theater, Pride @ Night, and Drag Bingo Brunch presented by Troupe429.

Partners Cafe - New Haven

https://www.partnersnewhaven.com/

Partner’s Bar & Nightclub is open seven days a week and has been a staple in New Haven’s nightlife and culture since 1974. They host theme nights, karaoke, and have great weekday drink specials. Check out their social media pages for upcoming Pride month events.

Towne Parlor - Stamford

https://towneparlorpizza.com/

Towne Parlor will be hosting a drag brunch on Sunday, June 9 at two different times so everyone can experience the excitement that these performers have to offer! For more details and to purchase tickets, click here.

Trevi Lounge - Fairfield

https://trevilounge.com/

Trevi is a spacious and laid back LGBTQIA+ bar and lounge and features an outdoor patio, billiards, DJs, and karaoke. Check out their social media pages for upcoming Pride month events.

Troupe429 - Norwalk

https://www.troupe429.com/

Troupe429 is an award-winning bar with cabaret and a dance floor and is the only gay-owned venue in Fairfield County for the LGBT community, allies, friends, and supporters. Celebrate at their annual Pride party on Saturday, June 8. Troupe429 also has weekly DJs, drag shows, karaoke, trivia, and a monthly burlesque show. They are home to the most RuPaul's Drag Race queens in CT!

WeHa Brewing & Roasting Co. - West Hartford

https://wehabrewing.com/

This Pride season, WeHa is hosting the official drag brunch of West Hartford Pride. Two caffeine queens, Barbara Joan Streetsand and Chastity Singer, are performing on Sunday, June 23. Tickets include one mimosa, a brunch buffet, and a two hour long singing drag show. Purchase event tickets here.