By Shelby Clark Petkus
It's not too early to start planning a trip to Lansing for Michigan Pride. The multi-day event celebrates LGBTQ pride in the state's capital, featuring a variety of adult and family-oriented events from Aug. 22-23.
MI Pride kicks off with the White Party at 8 p.m. on Friday in Lansing's Old Town. The all-night party (themed around white or silver attire) is Michigan's largest white attire event. For $10, a wristband gets party-goers access to all venues: Sir Pizza, Grand Cafe, Spiral Video & Dance Bar and Esquire Bar.
Activities are packed into the following day, starting with the March to the Capitol. The march, which will set up at noon at 200 N. Grand Ave., kicks off at 1 p.m. and will feature various religious groups, local LGBTQ owned and welcoming buisnesses, citizens groups and individuals riding in floats. (All participants are urged to dress appropriately as well.)
Once the march ends at the capitol steps, a commitment ceremony – "Stand Up and Out" – will take place at 1:30 p.m. Participants, who can register at 12 p.m. on the steps, will receive a certificate from the group-style commitment ceremony. There is no fee, but donations to the minister are appreciated. A rally will also take place on the steps from 1:30-3 p.m., celebrating the LGBTQ community's civil rights progress in the state.
The main event – the Festival in Old Town – runs from 12 to 11 p.m. at 206 E. Grand River Ave. The suggested admission is $5-10. All ages are welcome at the festival, which will feature live music, a bounce house, crafts, games, food and vendors. Some featured entertainment includes the LanSingOut Gay Men's Chorus, comedian Mimi Gonzalez and a drag show.
For post-Pride events, visit www.michiganpride.org.
