Garrett County Pride, Inc. is proud to announce its Second Annual Pride Festival, taking place Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Friendsville Community Park. After the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural festival, this year’s event promises to be even more dynamic, inclusive, and unforgettable.
With the theme “Mountain Made, Mountain Proud,” this year’s Pride Festival celebrates the spirit of Appalachia and the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community in Western Maryland. The event will feature a full day of activities, including:
- Live performances from local artists
- Interactive arts activities and a juried art contest
- Visual exhibitions and creative showcases
- Diverse vendors and community partners
- Food trucks and local cuisine
- A strong, safe, and welcoming atmosphere for all.
“Something we kept on hearing: ‘Never in a million years would I have thought there would be a Pride Festival in Garrett County!’ Well, it didn’t take a million years,” said Devin Barroga, founder and chairperson of Garrett County Pride, Inc. “And we don’t have to dream about it anymore — Garrett County Pride Festival is here and ready to rock for the second year in a row.”
More than 400 attendees celebrated at last year’s main event, with over 150 more joining the afterparty. To accommodate even more attendees, the 2025 festival moves to Friendsville Community Park, offering additional space for creativity, connection, and celebration.
“This year’s slogan, Mountain Made, Mountain Proud, embodies the deep connection to our mountainous landscape in Appalachia, as well as the resilient spirit of its LGBTQIA+ community,” said Barroga.
Garrett County Pride, Inc. is now a fully chartered 501(c)3 nonprofit and recently became a member of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. The all-volunteer team behind the festival is committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming space. AfterHourz Security will again provide professional security services, supplemented by trained volunteer teams.
The Pride Arts Contest also returns this year, inviting LGBTQIA+ artists and allies in Youth, Teen, and Adult categories to showcase their work under the theme “The Road to Belonging.” Submissions will be featured at the festival and exhibited at $MART ART Space at The Gallery Shop from June 20–July 11.
Join the celebration on June 14 in Friendsville:
Festival Details:
Friendsville Community Park
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Contact: garrettcountypridefestival@
Art Contest Info: Registration Form
Follow @GarrettCountyPride for updates
Mountain Made. Mountain Proud.