First Doylestown Pride Festival to be held June 20 through June 23

From June 20 through June 23, Doylestown will host its first-ever Pride Festival, a multi-day event featuring a three-day film series at the County Theater; a kickoff cocktail reception at the Zen Den on June 20; a block party on State Street on June 22; a Stonewall panel discussion following the final film on June 23; and various pop-up events hosted by local businesses and organizations.

“We’re beyond proud to celebrate the many diverse identities of Doylestown and to recognize the significant contributions LGBTQ+ individuals have made to our community throughout history,” said Kris Boger, president of Discover Doylestown and chair of the Pride Festival. "Local businesses, nonprofits, and representatives from the Doylestown community came together and have been working tirelessly to bring this much-needed event to our beloved town.”

Film selections at the County Theater include, "Wild Nights with Emily," a romantic comedy based on the life of prolific poet Emily Dickinson, on June 20 at 7:30 p.m.; "To The Stars," a black-and-white drama following the lives of two teenage misfits in the '60s in rural Oklahoma, on June 22 at 1 p.m.; and "Stonewall Uprising," a documentary on the famous Stonewall riots of 1969. Tickets can be purchased at DtownPride.com.

The block party will take place on June 22 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on State Street in Doylestown and will feature live music and performances, juried vendor booths, and family-friendly activities.  

Doylestown Pride Festival is a collaborative effort between the Borough of Doylestown, Discover Doylestown, Delaware Valley University, A Woman’s Place, Michener Art Museum, The Rainbow Room, Salem United Church of Christ, Borough Council, and the Human Relations Commission.

Dr. Audrey Ervin, academic director of graduate counseling psychology at Delaware Valley University, is vice president of Doylestown Pride. 

"I have been working with the committee, which is comprised of dedicated community leaders, non-profit volunteers, business owners, the mayor of Doylestown and the borough council members, since the fall of 2018 to plan this exciting event," said Dr. Ervin. "I am proud to be part of a university that is a key sponsor of Doylestown's inaugural Pride Festival. Doylestown Pride is a celebration of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. This year is the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots which helped to spark the LGBTQ rights movements in the United States. Pride is also about reflecting on the historical marginalization of LGBTQ communities and coming together as social justice advocates to stand up for human rights. I am honored to be part of a vibrant group of community members who are proudly standing up for justice, love, and celebration of our beloved LGBTQ communities."

In addition to helping with planning the event, Dr. Ervin will be serving as moderator for a panel discussion about the film, "Stonewall Uprising," on June 23 at the County Theater from 1 to 3 p.m. To reserve tickets, please visit countytheater.org/films/stonewall-uprising.

Detailed event descriptions and ticketing information can be found at DtownPride.com.