Montclair Pride Festival

Out Montclair announced the lineup for this year’s Montclair Pride Festival.

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. She is known for her groundbreaking role as Elektra in FX’s POSE and appearances in American Horror Stories and American Gods.

La Diva Ciccone, internationally celebrated performer and founder of the annual Madonna Worship Night in NYC, will headline the festival with two Madonna tribute performances.

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 daytime programming hosted by Lady Keyante (drag performer) and Austin Halls (disabled musician). This stage features local talent, 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.

Family Zone – Interactive Programming Area
– 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
12–6 pm: Montclair Pride Festival – Three stages, Family Zone, Audi VIP Hospitality 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

Note: Bloomfield Avenue from Midland Avenue to Grove Street; and Park Street from Claremont Avenue to Bloomfield Avenue will be closed. Partial closures include South Park Street, South Fullerton, North Fullerton, Glenridge Avenue, North Willow Street and South Willow Street. Closures begin Saturday, June 14, at 12 am and reopen at Saturday, June 14, at 11:30 pm.

Note: The festival will include accessible viewing areas, ASL interpreters on the Main Stage, and all-gender restrooms.

Note: Public parking is available at:
– Lackawanna Plaza Garage
– Fullerton Deck
– Valley Road Deck
– Montclair Art Museum Lot (overflow)

Month-Long Pride Programming
Out Montclair is presenting a full calendar of official Pride events throughout the
month:
• 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
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.