PrideFest returns the last weekend of June—Saturday and Sunday, June 28–29. Civic Center Park will again welcome more than half a million visitors, with food trucks, drag shows, and music filling every corner. Look for our booth in the Family Zone, marked by hand‑painted banners that read You Belong Here and Ahavah (Love) Wins. Stop by to make pronoun buttons with the kids or grab some sunscreen (we’ll have plenty and are happy to share.) 

The celebration actually begins on Friday, June 27, with Pride Shabbat at the JCC. Rabbi Caryn Aviv, of Judaism Your Way. leads a Kabbalat Shabbat service that blends familiar melodies with songs that resonate in queer spaces. Partway through, community members are invited to speak. Daniel Siegel, JCC Program Manager, recalls one participant who grew up frum (ultra‑Orthodox) that said she never imagined hearing Hebrew prayers among openly queer Jews. The moment captured the spirit—ruach—that carries the whole weekend. 

On Sunday morning the focus shifts to the Coors Light Pride Parade, which moves this year to 17th Street. Our coalition has room for 150 marchers in blue “Jewish & Proud” shirts. Staging starts early, so bring sturdy shoes and a refillable water bottle. The parade route is long, but encouragement from the crowds makes the distance easier. 

Amid the celebration, it’s important to note that The Center on Colfax—the nonprofit organization that produces Denver Pride—has lost nearly 60 percent of its sponsorship revenue because many corporations have reduced DEI funding. “When dollars disappear, people showing up matters even more,” Daniel says. “Our booth, our Shabbat, and even small crafts remind LGBTQIA+ Jews that their city and our community stands with them.” 

Ways to Participate 

• March: Reserve one of the 150 parade spots while they’re available. 

• Volunteer: Two‑hour shifts at the booth or Pride Shabbat to help everything run smoothly. 

• Give: Any contribution supports craft supplies, accessibility seating, and additional dinner chairs when registration exceeds expectations.

To RSVP, volunteer, or donate, visit jccdenver.org/pride. Your presence, whether in the parade line‑up, at the Shabbat tables, or behind the craft station strengthens our community.