Delaware Pride

Delaware Pride builds meaningful relationships with Delaware's LGBTQIA+ community and its allies through community events, mental health support and advocacy, working toward a braver and kinder world. Founded in 1997 so LGBTQIA+ Delawareans would have a space to be seen, loved and themselves without judgment, the organization produces the statewide Delaware Pride Festival each year and also runs a youth program, speaking engagements and local events.

The Delaware Pride Festival takes over the Legislative Mall in Dover each June with live music, drag performers, panels, food vendors, charity booths and community organizations sharing resources. Year-round, the calendar includes the Big Gay Drag Brunch at Makers Alley in Wilmington, an all-ages, family-friendly outdoor show; free Pride Community Kickboxing on the fourth Saturday of each month, hosted with Ignite Fitness Kickboxing at its Middletown and Dover gyms; and Conversations With Caffeine, a Sunday afternoon meetup in Wilmington for meeting board members and making new connections. Delaware Pride also produces the Miss Gay Delaware America, Femme and Esquire pageant weekend at Theatre N in Wilmington.

For connection outside the bar setting, the Trans & Queer Support & Social Group meets on the second Tuesday evening of each month, giving trans and queer people a relaxed place to share stories and build community.

Volunteers sign up through the online registration form to help staff the festival and events. Recurring donations start at $15 a month, and businesses can apply to vend at or sponsor the festival.