Montclair Pride Festival Is Returning For 2025 (See Event Details)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Out Montclair. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Out Montclair recently announced the program and line-up of this year’s Montclair Pride Festival, presented by the Audi Tristate Dealers, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from noon to 6 p.m. The festival will once again transform downtown Montclair into a powerful celebration of LGBTQIA+ life, love, visibility, and joy. With more than 30,000 attendees expected from across New Jersey and the tri-state area, Montclair Pride has become one of the region’s most anticipated Pride events.

Special Guest Host: Dominique Jackson

Acclaimed actress, model, author, and trans advocate Dominique Jackson will join the festival as special guest host for a featured 90-minute appearance on the Main Stage. Known for her groundbreaking role as Elektra in FX’s POSE and appearances in American Horror Stories and American Gods, Jackson’s presence brings star power, visibility, and community inspiration.

Headliner: La Diva Ciccone

La Diva Ciccone, internationally celebrated performer and founder of the annual Madonna Worship Night in NYC, will headline the festival with two electrifying Madonna tribute performances. These will include a recreation of the legendary 1990 MTV Awards 'Vogue' performance, celebrating queer legacy, ballroom culture, and unapologetic authenticity.

Main Stage – Lackawanna Plaza & Bloomfield Avenue

The Main Stage hosted by New Jersey icons Harmonica Sunbeam and Eddie Nicholas, located at the corner of Lackawanna Plaza and Bloomfield Avenue, will feature a dynamic lineup of performances:

• Dominique Jackson (Special Guest Host)
• La Diva Ciccone (Headliner)
• Kris Cherry (Singer and Performer)
• NJ Gay Men’s Chorus
• School of Rock Montclair House Band
• Rocky Horror Picture Show performance by The Ordinary Kids
• Amanda Is Tall (Singer)
• Hades Nuttzz (Performer)
• Isabel Cruz (Spoken Word Poet)
• NAIM (Singer/Justice Advocate)
• Justice LaBrave w/guitarist (Singer Songwriter)
• Dane (from the TV Show The Voice)
• Tiger James (Singer Songwriter)
• Mimi Sashimi (Drag Performer)
• Drums of Thunder
• The Cast of Hair performed by cast of the Vanguard Theater
• Pride Choir
• DJ Vito Fun – Dance Party
• Emcees throughout

Wellmont Plaza Stage – Live Performances

Presented by The School of Rock Montclair, the Wellmont Plaza Stage showcases vibrant daytime programming hosted by Lady Keyante (Drag Performer) and Austin Halls (Disabled Musician). This stage features local talent, headlined by all female band She’s All That, and musical showcases, fashion, and inclusive storytelling for all ages.

• -She’s All That (Headliner Band)
• -School of Rock Montclair (Staff Band)
• -Marina DeMaio (Band)
• -Lady Keyante (Drag Performer)
• -Grayson Tyler (Singer-Songwriter)
• -NJ Gay Men's Choir
• -Sofista Funk (Fashion Designer Show)
• -Adjustable Thrills (3-piece Blues Band)
• -Jazz House Kids
• -Indie Illusion (Drag Performer)
• -Ela Martini (Singer-Songwriter)
• -DJ Jspin_s

Open Call Stage – Church Street & Bloomfield Avenue

The Open Call Stage hosted by Donna Vee (Comedian) and Chauncey Dandridge (Stonewall Inn) features emerging LGBTQIA+ voices and community talent. With performances from queer teens, acoustic sets, spoken word artists, and independent musicians, this space amplifies grassroots expression and offers a dynamic platform for new voices.

A Family Zone – Interactive Programming Area

Centrally located within the festival footprint, the Family Zone offers inclusive activities and kid-friendly fun for families and allies. Programming includes:

• Drag Story Time
• Face painting, crafts, and games
• LGBTQ+ book giveaways
• Sensory-safe space
• Audi Painted Car Activity – decorate a real Audi vehicle as a collaborative art experience

Festival Highlights – Saturday, June 14

• Noon to 6 PM: Montclair Pride Festival – Three stages, Family Zone, Audi VIP Area, over 200 vendors, beer and beverage gardens, food trucks, and community partners throughout downtown.
• 6–9 PM: Street Dance Party
• 9 PM–1 AM: Official Pride After Party at Porta

Food, Vendors & Beverage Gardens

Montclair Pride 2025 will host over 200 vendors, food trucks, small businesses, and community organizations. Guests will enjoy a wide range of pride merchandise, crafts, apparel, local food, and refreshments. Porta Montclair introduces the Party Pavillion with live entertainment and the Lemonade Lounge - serving adult and kid friendly beverages. Beer and beverage gardens will be located throughout the festival footprint.

Audi VIP Hospitality Area

Located near the Main Stage, the Audi VIP Hospitality Area offers invited guests premium access to shaded lounge seating, curated refreshments, and exclusive viewing areas. Hosted by the Audi Tristate Dealers.

Festival Footprint & Street Closures

The new Montclair Pride 2025 footprint will close Bloomfield Avenue from Midland Ave to Grove St. Park Street will be closed from Claremont Ave to Bloomfield Ave. Partial closures include S Park St, S Fullerton, N Fullerton, Glenridge Ave, N Willow Street and S Willow Street. Closures begin Saturday, June 14 at 12:00 AM and reopen Saturday, June 14 at 11:30 PM.

Accessibility & Information

The festival will include accessible viewing areas, ASL interpreters on the Main Stage, and all-gender restrooms. Visit outmontclair.org/montclairpride for full event details, transportation, and accessibility information.

Parking

Public parking is available at:

• Lackawanna Plaza Garage
• Fullerton Deck
• Valley Road Deck
• Montclair Art Museum Lot (overflow)

Month-Long Pride Programming

In addition to Festival Day, Out Montclair is presenting a full calendar of official Pride events throughout the month of June.

• June 1 – Sunday Studio at Montclair Art Museum
• June 3 – Pride Flag Raising and Proclamation
• June 5 – Montclair Pride Cocktail Reception at The Loft (honoring Mayor Renee Baskerville)
• June 6 – Art With Pride Exhibition and Teen Pride Prom
• June 7 – Gotham FC Pride Match and Celebrate Pride: Interwoven Power Tour
• June 8 – Out for Pride Picnic & Ride
• June 9 – Pride Freak Out Variety Show at Vanguard Theater
• June 10 – Out on Screen: Dog Day Afternoon
• June 11 – Doughnuts & Drag + Virtual Lecture: Dog Day Afternoon
• June 12 – ACLU Pride Is Still Protest Dance Party at Porta
• June 14 – Montclair Pride Festival (Main Event)
• June 15 – HAIR: Out with Montclair Pride at Vanguard Theater
• June 16 – Montclair Film: Jeanette (North to Shore Showcase)
• June 17 – Out on Screen: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
• June 18 – Virtual Lecture: Priscilla
• June 24 – Montclair Film: Heightened Scrutiny & Twinless (North to Shore Showcase)
• June 25 – Out on Screen: Pariah & Pride Stride with Fleet Feet
• June 26 – Virtual Lecture: Pariah
• June 28 – Pride Market at Houss Freya & Montclair Film: DICIANNOVE

Special Reception – June 5 at The Loft

Out Montclair will honor Mayor Renee Baskerville as a longtime champion of the LGBTQIA+ community at the Montclair Pride Cocktail Reception. The evening includes live music, curated cocktails, and special guests — and ticket holders will receive VIP access on Festival Day.

Tickets available now at outmontclair.org/events

About Out Montclair

Out Montclair is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to uplifting and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community through year-round programming, support services, and cultural events. We foster inclusivity, visibility, and solidarity for people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.

“Montclair Pride is not just a celebration — it’s a statement. As allies, partners, and neighbors, we show up not only to uplift joy, but to stand in bold solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. This year, we are honored to partner with the ACLU as they mark their 65th anniversary, carrying forward their message that Pride is still protest. In a time when rights are being challenged across the country, our presence, our unity, and our voices matter more than ever.” -Genevieve Wrenn, Director of Events, Out Montclair

Join Us

Visit outmontclair.org/MontclairPride for full programming, maps, accessibility resources, and volunteer sign- ups. Follow @OutMontclair on Instagram and Facebook for performer updates and live event coverage.

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