Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival Rescheduled Due to Severe Weather

Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival Rescheduled Due to Severe Weather

The vibrant celebration that annually brings together the LGBTQ+ community in Annapolis has had to make an unexpected change of plans. Originally set for May 31, the Annapolis Pride parade and festival have been postponed due to a severe weather forecast. This decision, while disappointing to many, was made with the safety of all participants and attendees as the primary concern.

The announcement came from Joe Toolan, the Board Chair of Annapolis Pride, who stated, "The safety of our community comes first." This decision aligns with guidance from the Annapolis Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service, who alerted the Pride board about the potential dangers posed by severe thunderstorms, lightning, and the possibility of flooding.

While the enthusiasm for celebrating love and inclusivity is sky-high, the safety hazards posed by the impending weather conditions required immediate action. "Based on the latest forecasts, and in consultation with emergency management agencies, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the 2025 Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival," Toolan explained. "The threat of severe weather, including thunderstorms and potential flooding, poses too great a risk."

Severe weather alerts have been issued across the Mid-Atlantic region, covering large sections of Virginia, D.C., and Maryland, including Anne Arundel County, where Annapolis is located. Tornado and flood watches are in effect, with the National Weather Service cautioning locals to prepare for possible extreme conditions.

"We are all sad and terribly disappointed that we cannot proceed with the parade and festival on Saturday," Toolan continued. "Hundreds of hours have been spent on planning and coordination, and we were expecting tens of thousands of attendees. But at the end of the day, safety concerns outweigh all other concerns."

Despite the postponement of the main event, the spirit of Pride remains unbroken. There are several other Pride-related events that are still going forward as planned. These events offer continued opportunities for celebration and community gathering, ensuring that the spirit of Pride continues to shine throughout the city.

Upcoming Pride Events in Annapolis

While waiting for the rescheduled date for the parade and festival, participants can enjoy a series of other Pride events in Annapolis:

• May 30: Ladies Night - SOLD OUT
  6–10 p.m., Eastport Democratic Club, Annapolis
• June 1: Drag Brunch at Leo - SOLD OUT
  10 a.m., Leo Annapolis Restaurant, 212 West St.
• June 1: Ecumenical Pride Worship Service
  3 p.m., Eastport United Methodist Church, Annapolis
• June 3: Annapolis Pride Beer Launch
  4–7 p.m., Forward Brewing, Annapolis
• June 5: Pride on the Pier
  6–9 p.m., Bread and Butter Kitchen, Annapolis
• June 6: Big Gay Dance Party
  10 p.m.–close, Tsunami Restaurant, 51 West St., Annapolis
• June 7: Pop-Up Market: Benefiting Annapolis Pride
  10 a.m.–3 p.m., Annapolis Town Center
  Special discounts @Kendra Scott 6/7–6/8
• June 14: Silent Disco
  7–11 p.m., Eastport Democratic Club, Annapolis
• June 21: Teen Dance Party
  6–9 p.m., Art Farm, Annapolis
  For high school freshmen – juniors

Each of these events, some of which have already sold out, promise to bring the community together, celebrating diversity and inclusion with the same enthusiasm and love that the Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival are known for.

As for the parade and festival, organizers are hopeful to reschedule for some time this fall. Toolan assured, "We will announce a rescheduled date as soon as it is confirmed." This gives everyone something to look forward to, as the community eagerly awaits the chance to come together in celebration once more.

For the latest updates and additional information on the postponement and future scheduling of the Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival, please visit the official Annapolis Pride website.