Bethel Pride

Bethel Pride is an afternoon LGBTQIA2S+ celebration presented by Bethel Area Arts and Music at The Gem theater. It includes a lobby gathering with local artists and community groups such as OUT Maine.

The 2026 edition was the fourth annual Bethel Pride. The afternoon begins in the lobby of The Gem, where local artists such as S List Pottery, YOUniquely MEcycled, Becca Hoskins Art and Printing Perspective set up alongside community groups including OUT Maine, Queerly ME, Equality Maine, the Larry Labonte Recovery Center, the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition and SAPARS. Food is available for purchase, and the lobby hour is open to all ages.

In the early evening, the program moves to a family-friendly drag show featuring Chartreuse Money and other performers from around Maine. Later, the theater screens a feature film starring well-known drag performers; that screening is rated R and limited to those 18 and older.

Tickets for both shows are pay what you can, with a suggested donation of $10 per show, and a share of the proceeds goes to OUT Maine. The theater has security on site during the event. Bethel Pride is presented by Bethel Area Arts and Music, which programs events at The Gem.

Pride events celebrate LGBTQ+ people and mark the Stonewall uprising of June 1969. Most combine a parade or march with a festival of performers, community groups, vendors and food.

Bethel Pride has included community fair and performances.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held June 13, 2026. It usually falls second Saturday of June.