Royal Oak Pride Returns, Grammy-Nominated R&B Singer Headlines Event

ROYAL OAK, MI — Pride Fest returns to Downtown Royal Oak for the first time in 20 years Friday. The two-day festival opens Friday at 5 p.m. and will feature live music, drag entertainers, DJ’s, food trucks, PRIDE partners and vendors.

There is a $5 cover charge on Friday and Saturday after 5 p.m. The festival remains open until 11 p.m. each night. There will be a main stage at Seventh and Washington, and a sound stage at Sixth and Lafayette streets.

Grammy Award nominated, multi-platinum R & B/Pop recording artist and actress Deborah Cox will headline the event Saturday night. Cox has been recognized with awards and honors for her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community since 2015.

On Friday night, New York City drag queen and comedian Miz Cracker will host the Detroit Drag Showcase on the main stage. She launched her career in 2011 participating in marches for marriage equality in Times Square.

Cracker also went on to compete in RuPaul’s Drag Race season ten, landing a spot in the top five and becoming a fan favorite. She later appeared in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season five, landing a spot in the top three.