Catch the celebration this September , Pride in the Park returns to Quincy’s Clat Adams Park on September 20, a family-friendly, alcohol-free festival that brings local resources, live acts and community stalls together for a free, all-day celebration of LGBTQ+ life and belonging.

Essential Takeaways

  • Free and family-friendly: The event runs noon–6pm, open to all, with no alcohol and plenty of shade and seating.
  • Community resources on site: Regional libraries join the Quincy Public Library mobile unit, plus nonprofits offering support and information.
  • Performance opportunities: This year features an open registration for mainstage variety hour , musicians, readers and stage acts welcome.
  • Local favourites returning: Food and drink vendors, including last year’s hit Lemon Shake Up, are expected back.
  • Volunteer-powered: Organised by TriState Diversity Coalition and funded entirely through donations, sponsorships and volunteers.

Why Pride in the Park matters this year

Pride in the Park has quietly become one of Quincy’s most welcoming neighborhood festivals, growing from a small gathering into a daytime celebration that drew almost 1,000 people last year. The feel is upbeat and inclusive, with a soft hum of conversation, performers tuning up and the smell of summer treats in the air. Organisers say the focus isn’t just celebration , it’s connecting people with practical services they might not otherwise find.

The TriState Diversity Coalition started in 2019 to foster fellowship and visibility. According to event organisers, making support organisations visible and accessible changes lives, especially in smaller communities where resources can be scattered. Expect friendly stalls, approachable volunteers and a relaxed, walkable layout in Clat Adams Park.

What’s new: libraries and an open variety hour

The Quincy Public Library has operated a mobile library at the festival in the past, but this year several regional libraries are joining in , so if your kids love storytime or you’re after community reading lists, there’ll be more on offer. That library presence signals the festival’s shift toward services as much as spectacle.

Another practical change is the open application process for the mainstage variety hour. Organisers are casting the net wider, inviting musicians, authors who want to read a passage, and emerging stage artists. If you’ve got a short set and enjoy a friendly crowd, this is a low-pressure chance to perform.

Entertainment and vendors: what you’ll actually see and taste

Entertainment ranges from drag and theatrical pieces to acoustic sets and spoken word. While drag often headlines conversations around Pride events, the organisers are clear they want a variety of art forms , everything from a quiet book reading to a lively band. That variety keeps the day fresh and makes the programme family-friendly.

Foodwise, vendors are still being confirmed, but staple stalls like Lemon Shake Up return, and organisers aim for a balanced mix of snacks, cold drinks and something savoury. Bring cash just in case, but many vendors will take cards. If you’re coming hungry, plan to arrive a little early , favourites tend to sell out.

Practical tips: getting there, what to bring, and how to join in

Clat Adams Park is an easy walk from central Quincy and has accessible paths and rest areas, according to local park info. Arrive midday to catch the mainstage acts and to beat the late-afternoon crowds. Pack sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and a small blanket for the grass , the park’s trees offer shade, but you’ll want a comfy spot.

If you want to perform, register through the TriState Diversity Coalition’s channels as soon as possible; the open application is new this year and spots will fill. Volunteer roles are vital, too , organisers rely on them, and signing up is a great way to meet people while supporting the event.

Looking ahead: community, connection and small-town pride

Pride in the Park shows how local festivals can do more than entertain; they build networks. With council permits approved and public-safety sign-off secured, organisers are free to focus on the human stuff , music, resources and the conversations that happen when people gather. It’s a modest but meaningful way for Quincy to mark inclusion.

If you’re curious, supportive, or ready to take part, this is an easy, welcoming place to show up. It’s also a reminder that small events can have big impact: you might come for the lemonade and leave with a new contact, volunteer opportunity or friend.

It's a small change that can make every visit to Clat Adams feel a little more inclusive.

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