OGUNQUIT, Maine – Ogunquit Pride is back with balloon rides, parties, dancing and even a show featuring the “best of burlesque and drag from Maine and New York City.”
The three days of festivities kick off on Friday, May 31 with a kick-off party at 5:30 p.m., with live music at the West Meadow Pub at the Meadowmere Resort.
The celebration continues Saturday with the flag raising, a picnic in the park, Pride Tea and the drag show “Burlesque Beyond the Beach” with Rev. Legs Malone.
On Sunday there is a Pride Drag Brunch with Cherry Lemonade, a Heals & Harness Tea Dance and a Drag King show with Piper Allnight.
Here’s a look at the special events taking place during Ogunquit Pride.
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Ogunquit Pride Kick-off Party at Maine Street
Pride starts with two parties, one at 5.30pm at the West Meadow Pub in the Meadowmere Resort and another at 9pm with DJ Aga on Mainestreet.
The West Meadow Pub offers live music from Lee Ross, Pride cocktails and festive fun to welcome guests to Ogunquit Pride.
Mainestreet is hosting an Ogunquit Pride Month Kick-off Party with DJ Aga “spinning the hottest beats.”
“It will be an exciting evening celebrating love, diversity and community,” said Mainestreet.
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Pride flag raising ceremony
Former Maine Speaker of the House of Representatives Ryan Fecteau will join the Ogunquit community and friends for the opening ceremonies on Saturday, June 1, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Park. The ceremony, led by Blake of Maine’s Coast 93.1, includes the flag raising, speakers and music, followed by all participants joining to carry a giant Pride flag from Veterans Park to Dorothea Jacobs Grant Common.
Before heading to Saturday morning’s flag raising, admire Ogunquit by plane with a free ride aboard RE/MAX Realty One’s hot air balloon, launching from Agamenticus Field from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Picnic in the park, party in the Cove and Pride Tea
The party continues on Saturday at Grant Common with Picnic in the Park, from 11am to 2pm, with live music from Lynn Deeves and Carole Wise, and entertainment by DJ Don. In addition to the music, LGBTQ+ vendors and their allies will be in attendance.
A Party in the Cove, with live music from Lisa Mills and the Ocean Ave. Band, will take place from 2pm to 4pm, while in Mainestreet there will be a Pride Tea and free BBQ at 3pm.
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Burlesque Beyond the Beach at the Leavitt Theater
Reverend Legs Malone, the minister with the 34.5-inch inseam, returns to the Leavitt Theater with “Burlesque Beyond the Beach” at 8 p.m.
“’Burlesque Beyond the Beach’ is packed with delight, merriment and magic!” reads the show’s description. “Raffle prizes, dance competitions and much more – come see what it’s all about!”
The show features Peekaboo Pointe, The Maine Attraction, Tansy, Vivian Vice, Raya Sunshine and stage kitten extraordinaire La Petite Mystique.
Leavitt Theater also hosts a Drag King show with Piper Allnight on Sunday at 10pm.
“Enjoy an evening of soft tones and romance as Drag King, Piper Allnight, sings an hour of iconic tunes from across the ages, with the perfect hint of rainbow flavor,” according to the show’s description.
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More drag shows on MaineStreet
Mainestreet will host the “Dance, Edie, Dance!” drag show at 8 p.m. Saturday followed by Dueling Drag Divas at 9:30 p.m
“Dance, Edie, dance!” features drag sensation Edie, who will have you dancing in your seat.
Dueling Drag Divas is billed as an “outrageously offensive comedy drag show” with all live singing.
There will also be dancing with DJ Steve Sidewalk at 9 p.m. and DJ Ken at 10:30 p.m.
Drag Brunch, Tea Dance and Ogunquit’s Got Talent
Sunday’s events start with Drag Brunch at Nikanos with entertainment by Cherry Lemonade at 12pm, followed by Mainestreet at 3pm with a Heels & Harness Tea Dance.
The main event on Sunday is Ogunquit’s Got Talent at 7 p.m., a fundraiser for the Frannie Peabody Center on Mainestreet.
The show, hosted by Minerva Maine, puts you and your talents in the spotlight. Whether you are a singer, dancer, magician, comedian or have a unique skill, the MaineStreet Ogunquit stage eagerly awaits your performance.
Tickets are available for $20 and can be purchased online at mainestreetogt.com/tickets.
Ogunquit businesses show their pride
Ogunquit Playhouse will highlight Pride during performances of “Waitress” (through June 8) and “Crazy for You” (starting June 13) by lighting the theater in rainbow colors all month long.
Businesses throughout Ogunquit will be announcing other promotions, events and fundraisers throughout the month. For the most current schedule with complete details, visit https://www.ogunquit.org/ogunquit-pride/.
The festival is brought to you by title sponsor Kennebunk Savings Bank; Prime Minister sponsors Village Food Market and Perkins Cove Pottery Shop; associate sponsors Ogunquit Playhouse and Omelette Factory; and supporting sponsors Aland Realty, Backyard Coffeehouse, Edward Jones/Jackie Pampinella, Nikanos and Sweet Pea’s Ice Cream.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Ogunquit Pride 2024: Here’s everything you need to know
