The 11 Best Pride Party Ideas for an Outstanding Event

As reported by Think with Google, interest in Pride celebrations is showing substantial growth, mirrored by the escalating number of such events worldwide.

This mirrors the increasing public sentiment and support for LGBTQ+ rights. However, while the prolific increase in Pride celebrations should be celebrated, successfully organizing such an event involves a delicate balance.

The aim isn't solely to throw a vibrant party adorned in rainbow colors. The real challenge lies in fostering an atmosphere that not only encapsulates fun and excitement but also pays homage to the struggle, history, and spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.

Now, this might seem intimidating but worry not.

In this guide, we'll share innovative and impactful ideas that perfectly balance fun and sentiment, ensuring your Pride party will be memorable and resonate with Pride's core values.

Let's get started!

A. Pride party ideas

Here are 11 Pride party ideas that will make your event unforgettable.

1. Rainbow-themed decor

Bring your Pride party to life with rainbow-themed decor for an unforgettable experience.

Here are some practical ways to do it:

• Banners and streamers: Hang rainbow-colored banners and streamers across your venue. They're simple to set up and instantly brighten up the space.
• Balloons: Fill the party area with colorful balloons. You can have them floating around or in a balloon arch at the entrance.
• Fairy lights: Multicolored fairy lights can provide a soft, warm glow. Wrap them around railings, drape them over tables, or hang them across the ceiling.
• Table decorations: Add color to your table with rainbow centerpieces, colorful napkins, or rainbow table runners. 

Each color of the Pride flag represents something unique, including:

• Red: Represents life
• Orange: Signifies healing
• Yellow: Denotes sunlight
• Green: Stands for nature
• Blue: Symbolizes serenity and harmony
• Purple (Violet): Expresses spirit.

Choosing a rainbow theme for an event truly embraces and celebrates these meanings, acknowledging the diversity and spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.

2. Pride parade-watching party

A Pride parade-watching party is a great way to feel connected to the larger Pride celebrations happening worldwide, especially if you can't attend in person. This is where you gather your guests to watch a live or recorded broadcast of a Pride parade.

Here's how to do it:

• Find a stream: Look for a Pride parade broadcasted on TV or online.
• Set up a screen: Arrange a suitable viewing area in your event space. This could be a big screen or even your living room TV.
• Provide snacks: Have some snacks and drinks ready for your guests to munch on as they watch the parade.
• Discuss: Converse about the parade like the history of Pride, notable figures and groups, or even personal stories. It can help guests feel more engaged and connected to the wider Pride community.

It's a fun and easy way to bring the energy of a Pride parade into your event.

3. Pride-themed potluck

A Pride-themed potluck is a wonderful way to involve your guests and make the party interactive. It also allows attendees to express their creativity and learn about different dishes.

Here's how you can plan it:

• Theme It: Ask guests to bring a dish representing their Pride interpretation. This can be anything from a rainbow-colored dessert to a dish from a culture that's a part of their identity.
• Organize: Consider assigning a food type (appetizers, main course, desserts) to guests based on the first letter of their names or any random selection.
• Decorate: Encourage your guests to make their dishes colorful and consider their presentation.
• Introduce: When everyone is put together for the meal, give each guest a chance to introduce their dish and why they chose it. This could lead to interesting and inclusive conversations.

Ultimately, a Pride-themed potluck is not just about the food but about sharing and celebrating diverse experiences, identities, and expressions.

4. Charity fundraiser

Incorporating a charity fundraiser into your Pride party can be a meaningful way to give back to the community. 

Here's a quick guide on organizing it:

• Choose a cause: Find a charity or cause that serves the LGBTQ+ community and aligns well with your event goals. Research properly to ensure the organization is reputable and performs impactful work. Some popular charities include The Trevor Project, PFLAG, and Lambda Legal.
• Set a goal: Decide how much you aim to raise from the party. Having a target can motivate guests to donate more. Here’s how: 

• Estimate the number of guests and their potential giving capacity. This might be based on previous donations, their relationship to the cause, or general socio-economic factors. 
• Deduct any costs associated with hosting your event from the total you aim to raise. If you've held similar events in the past, look at how much you were able to raise then and adjust your goal accordingly. 

• Decide the method: Deciding your fundraising method could take a few forms. You could collect donations via a donation box at your event, sell tickets, or use an online crowdfunding platform such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo. If you opt for an online platform, ensure to set it up in advance and share the links with your guests so they can easily access it and contribute.
• Promote: Ensure your guests know the event will have a fundraising aspect. It's also essential to promote the fundraiser during the party. Visual aids like banners, posters, or digital presentations can serve as constant reminders of the fundraising goal. If using a platform like GoFundMe for online fundraising, you could display a live tracker of donations.
• Thank everyone: After the event, thank everyone for their contributions. You could follow up with an email or social media post sharing how much was raised and how it will be used.

A charity fundraiser doesn't just collect donations; it can raise awareness about the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community and underscores the importance of everyone's involvement in making a difference.

5. Drag Bingo night

A Drag Bingo night is an engaging and entertaining way to bring excitement to your Pride event. It combines the classic game of Bingo with captivat ing performances by drag performers. 

Here's a simple guide to organize one:

• Hire a drag performer: Look for a famous drag artist like RuPaul (host of the popular reality show"RuPaul's Drag Race), Bianca Del Rio (Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6), Trixie Mattel (Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 3). They will call out the numbers, engage with your guests, and deliver a show-stopping performance.
• Prepare Bingo cards: Provide Bingo cards and markers for each guest. You can print out traditional bingo cards or even create custom Pride-themed ones.
• Arrange prizes: Keep a selection of prizes ready for the night. This can include small gifts like quirky mugs, keychains, tote bags, or t-shirts, gift cards, or even donations to an LGBTQ+ charity in the winner's name.
• Coordinate performances: Discuss the schedule with your drag performer to ensure a balanced mix of bingo rounds and performances. This keeps the night moving and maintains the guests' interest throughout the event.
• Promote inclusivity: Ensure the event is welcoming and accessible to everyone, regardless of background, gender identity, or sexuality. Create a positive environment that promotes a genuine celebration of Pride.

With these steps, you can create a lively, interactive, and unforgettable Drag Bingo night that leaves your guests in awe and spreads joy in the spirit of Pride.

6. Outdoor movie night featuring LGBTQ+ films

An outdoor movie night showing LGBTQ+ films perfectly creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere while appreciating diverse stories. 

Here are some highly acclaimed LGBTQ+ films:

1. "Call Me By Your Name" - A romantic drama based on the novel of the same name.
2. "Moonlight" - This film won the Best Picture Oscar and tells a powerful story of self-discovery and sexuality.
3. "Carol" - A romantic drama set in the 1950s, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
4. "Brokeback Mountain" - This film broke ground with its depiction of a romantic relationship between two cowboys.
5. "The Birdcage" - A comedy-drama about a gay cabaret owner and his partner.
6. "Boys Don't Cry" - Based on a true story, this film features a transgender man navigating life in rural Nebraska.
7. "Pariah" - The story of a 17-year-old African American embracing her identity as a lesbian.
8. "The Danish Girl" - It tells the story of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery.
9. "Pose" - A series, not a film, but incredibly influential; it depicts the lives of queer and trans people in the ballroom culture of 1980s New York.
10. "Blue is the Warmest Color" - A French film about a young lesbian couple.

These movies cover a range of stories and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community and can be a powerful way to increase understanding and empathy.

Here's a simple plan to host one:

• Select a film: Choose an LGBTQ+-themed film that's engaging, entertaining, and inclusive. Check the film's rating on IMDb and content to suit your audience.
• Set up the screen: Find a spacious outdoor area for the screening. You can use a portable projector screen or a plain wall, along with a quality projector and audio equipment.
• Arrange seating: Provide your guests comfortable seating options like blankets, chairs, or bean bags. You can also encourage them to bring their own.
• Provide snacks: Offer movie snacks like popcorn, chips, or candy. Consider adding a Pride twist with rainbow-colored treats.
• Incorporate discussion: Encourage attendees to discuss the themes and characters after the film. It helps deepen the understanding of the film and fosters connections among guests. For example, if you hosted Call Me By Your Name, possible discussion topics might include:

• The depiction of Elio's self-discovery journey and eventual acceptance of his sexuality.
• The portrayal of a romantic relationship with a considerable age difference.
• The metaphor of the peach in the movie and what it signifies for Elio and Oliver's relationship.

An outdoor movie night aims to share diverse stories and celebrate Pride in an unforgettable experience for attendees.

7. Pride-themed trivia night

A Pride-themed trivia night is the best way to entertain and educate attendees during your celebrations. 

Here's a quick guide to help you with this:

• Prepare your trivia questions: Your questions can cover a wide range of LGBTQ+ history, famous personalities, or even popular culture. For example, you might include questions about important figures like Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician elected to office in California, or RuPaul, a prominent figure in drag culture. You could quiz attendees about pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ history such as the Stonewall Riots, or when same-sex marriage was legalized across the US. Pop culture questions could touch on iconic moments in TV and movies, like notable LGBTQ+ characters or pivotal shows and films. Make sure to create a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions to keep things interesting and inclusive.
• Set up the format: Determine how many rounds and questions to include in each round. For example, you could choose to have three rounds with ten questions each, and follow that with a bonus round. You can also settle on a themed round related to a specific category like LGBTQ+ cinema, important milestones in LGBTQ+ rights history, or pivotal figures in LGBTQ+ activism.
• Set the rules: Convey how answers should be submitted and how points will be awarded. Remember to explain what happens in case of a tie.
• Arrange prizes: Have little prizes or certificates for the winners. These could be Pride-themed accessories or tokens.
• Facilitate discussions: Use the trivia night as a starting point for conversations about LGBTQ+ history or current issues—prompt discussions following each round or at the end of the event.

This event promotes fun and encourages learning and discussion about the diverse spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences.

8. Karaoke night featuring iconic LGBTQ+ anthems

A karaoke night featuring iconic LGBTQ+ anthems like "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga, or "Dancing Queen" by ABBA can make your Pride event an absolute hit. 

Here's how you can organize it:

• Create the playlist: Include a broad selection of significant anthems in the LGBTQ+ community. Add popular hits that everyone can sing along to.
• Arrange the equipment: You'll need a sound system, microphones, a screen for the lyrics, and a karaoke machine or software. Ensure everything is set up correctly and test it before starting the event.
• Set the stage: Create a dedicated space where your guests can perform. This could be a stage or a designated area in your room.
• Provide lyrics: Make sure the lyrics are visible to the singer. Whether displaying them on a screen or providing printouts, ensure they're easy to follow.
• Encourage participation: Motivate your guests to take a turn at the microphone. It's all about fun, so remind everyone there's no need to be shy!

A karaoke night can provide an outlet for expression and enjoyment, filled with laughter, cheer, and memorable performances celebrating Pride.

9. Fashion show with Pride-themed outfits

A fashion show with Pride-themed outfits adds glitz and glamor to your Pride event. It opens a creative avenue for individuals to display their interpretation of Pride while incorporating the vibrant symbols of the community. 

Here's how to conduct an exhilarating and inclusive Pride-themed fashion show:

• Theme and guidelines: Establish a clear theme like "Iconic LGBTQ+ Moments in Pop Culture," where participants can dress up as characters from popular LGBTQ+ films, TV shows, or as famous personalities. Or, consider a theme like "Pride Through the Decades'' where everyone dresses in the style of a particular decade significant to the LGBTQ+ movement. You could also opt for a "Rainbow" theme where everything from dress code to decorations to food and beverages follows the beautiful colors of the Pride flag.
• Recruit participants: Encourage members of your community to participate as models. Make it clear that everyone, irrespective of their gender identity or body type, is welcome.
• Source outfits: You can partner with local designers, encourage participants to create outfits, or combine both. The focus could be creativity, expressiveness, and ingenuity rather than high-fashion or haute couture.
• Set up a runway: Design a safe, visible catwalk where models will strut their stuff. Consider accessibility to make sure all guests can view the show.
• Arrange lights and music: Illuminate the runway with lively lights and choose music that complements the event's energy.
• Choose judges or audience voting: Decide how the winner will be selected. You could appoint a panel of judges or let the audience vote for their favorite outfits.
• Celebrate the winners: Reward the winners with certificates, tokens, or trophies. You could have categories like “Most Creative,” “Most Symbolic,” etc.

Remember, the key focus of the event should be individual expression, inclusivity, and the celebration of Pride. Let everyone showcase their personality and creativity through their outfits and let the runway become a platform for their Pride expressions.

10. Pride swag contest

A Pride swag contest is a delightful way to add an aspect of competition and fun to your Pride event. This contest allows your guests to showcase their creativity and Pride spirit through their attire, accessories, or items they've made. 

Here's how to put together a successful Pride swag contest:

• Define the categories: Before the event, decide on the categories for the contest. This could include the best Pride-themed attire, creative accessory, or handmade Pride swag.
• Communicate with your guests: Ensure they know about the contest in advance so they can come prepared. You can also describe the contest categories in your event's invitations or promotional materials.
• Organize a walk-off: Much like a fashion show, allow each participant a moment in the spotlight to show off their swag. This enhances the competitive spirit and gives everyone a fair chance to win.
• Appoint judges or vote: Choose whether you'll have appointed judges or if everyone at the event can vote for the winners. Both methods have their fun - while judges might add a touch of seriousness, audience voting can increase participation.
• Reward the winners: Arrange for small prizes that could be awarded to the winners. These could be anything from certificates, trophies, or even Pride-themed gifts.

Remember, the main goal is to have fun and let everyone shine uniquely while celebrating Pride fully.

11. Closing dance party

Closing your Pride event with a dance party is a perfect opportunity for your guests to let loose and enjoy some iconic LGBTQ+ anthems. 

Here's how you can create a high-energy and inclusive atmosphere:

• Hire a DJ: Consider hiring a DJ familiar with LGBTQ+ anthems or provide them with a specific playlist. They can ensure the music keeps everyone dancing and celebrating.
• Create a vibrant atmosphere: Arrange for colorful lights, a disco ball, or a laser light show to create a festive ambiance. Include Pride colors in your decorations.
• Organize a dance-off: A friendly dance competition can add excitement—award prizes to the best or most spirited dancers.

This event serves as the grand finale of your Pride party, embodying the spirit of joy and freedom that Pride represents. Let everyone dance the night away and go home with unforgettable memories of a lively and love-filled celebration.

B. Organize an event worth celebrating

There is no shortage of inspirational ideas for Pride Party activities. Aim to select a concept that aligns with your community and demographic, and consider opportunities to collaborate with local entities or behind-the-scenes sponsors to maximize your event's reach.

Regardless of the type of event, Ticket Generator can streamline your organizational process. You can manage ticket sales, oversee registrations, and tap into intelligent promotional techniques with Ticket Generator's suite of marketing tools at your disposal.

So, channel your inventive spirit and conduct a Pride event that is a source of pride for you and your community!