Black Pride · Detroit, Michigan
Hotter Than July
2027 dates not announced yet · usually July
About Hotter Than July
Hotter Than July is Detroit's Black LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, produced by LGBT Detroit, and it marked its 31st year in 2026. The week includes a candlelight vigil, an annual gathering with a candidate forum, an art and film festival, a picnic in Palmer Park, a worship service, and nightlife events.
Hotter Than July was created in 1995 and is described by its producers as the world's second oldest Black Pride celebration and Detroit's longest running Black LGBT+ Pride. Over the years it has grown into a social justice gathering that weaves culture, spirituality and education into its programming. The 2026 edition carried the theme You Are / We Are Hotter Than July.
The week's Annual Gathering for LGBT+ Issues includes a candidate forum. In 2026 it featured candidates for Michigan State Senate District 3 and Michigan's 13th Congressional District, co-moderated by Detroit journalist and author Aaron Foley and LGBT Detroit Live co-host Joseph Hunter. The celebration has also held open calls for drag queens, drag kings and other performers looking for a stage.
LGBT Detroit, the producer, traces its roots to supporters who served Southeast Michigan from 1994 and to KICK Publishing Company, which it describes as the third Black American LGBT media company in the country and an important source of information during the HIV/AIDS crisis. Its work focuses on youth and young adult development, education and advocacy on sexual orientation and gender identity, and emotional and physical well-being. After each year's celebration it gathers community feedback through a survey and a public planning meeting.
Summarized from the organizer's own website.
What to expect
Black Pride events center Black LGBTQ+ people. Many run over a long weekend, with parties, panels, health and wellness programs and community gatherings.
Hotter Than July has included candlelight vigil, candidate forum, art and film festival, palmer park picnic and worship service.
The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held July 23-25, 2026. It usually falls a week in late July.
- Candlelight vigil
- Candidate forum
- Art and film festival
- Palmer Park picnic
- Worship service
Where it happens
Hotter Than July is held at Multiple venues including Palmer Park in Detroit, Michigan. It is one of 70 Prides in Michigan on this calendar.
Questions about Hotter Than July
- When is Hotter Than July 2027?
- The organizer has not announced 2027 dates yet. In 2026 it was held July 23-25, 2026. It is usually held a week in late July.
- Where is Hotter Than July held?
- Hotter Than July takes place at Multiple venues including Palmer Park in Detroit, Michigan.
- What happens at Hotter Than July?
- Events have included: candlelight vigil, candidate forum, art and film festival, palmer park picnic, worship service.
- Who organizes Hotter Than July?
- Hotter Than July is organized by LGBT Detroit. Their official site is hotterthanjuly.org.
- What other Prides are near Detroit?
- The closest others on this calendar are Motor City Pride in Detroit, MI (same city); Village Pride Detroit in Detroit, MI (same city); Hazel Park Pride in Hazel Park, MI (about 5 miles).
LGBTQ-owned businesses around Detroit
No LGBTQ-owned businesses in Detroit are listed yet. Own one? Visitors to Hotter Than July look for places to eat, stay and shop.
List your business