Harbor Country Pride Week

Harbor Country Pride is a week of Pride events across the Harbor Country communities of southwest Michigan, organized by OutCenter Southwest Michigan. The 2026 week included bowling, karaoke, bingo, a dance lesson night, a leather night, an open mic, and an afternoon event at Tower Hill Camp.

OutCenter Southwest Michigan works to advocate for change and build community for LGBTQ+ people, their allies and families across Berrien, Van Buren and Cass counties. Its work includes education for civic leaders and elected officials, support, social and discussion groups, and partnerships aimed at equitable services, with a particular focus on rural LGBTQ+ communities.

Harbor Country Pride is built from partner events hosted by local businesses. The 2026 week opened May 31 with family-friendly bowling and cider at Peat's Cider Social and a karaoke party at a new bar whose name nods to the queer slang term Tom cat. Later nights brought bingo at Out There, a beginners dance lesson and dinner at Tapa Taco with a $10 cover, a leather night at The False Front, an open mic for LGBTQ+ performers and allies, and a night of food and music at PostBoy in downtown New Buffalo.

A teen beach party at Tower Hill Camp for LGBTQ+ and ally students in sixth through 12th grade was planned but canceled because of weather. The week closed June 7 with a Madonna-themed afternoon of music, dancing and live performances at Commune+Market with DJ Tess. At Tapa Taco, part of the cover and 15% of sales went to the OutCenter.

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.

Harbor Country Pride Week has included bingo, open mic, dance night, leather night and community day at tower hill camp.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held May 31 to June 7, 2026. It usually falls first week of June.