Saugatuck-Douglas CommUNITY PRIDE Week 2026
May 31 – June 6, 2026, throughout Saugatuck-Douglas, MI

The 7th Annual Saugatuck–Douglas CommUNITY PRIDE Week kicks off Sunday, May 31, and continues through Saturday, June 6, 2026. This vibrant, week-long celebration focuses on the LGBTQIA+ community to foster inclusion, raise awareness, strengthen connections, and support local organizations that make our lakeshore community welcoming and affirming for all.

Set against the scenic charm of Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan, PRIDE Week blends celebration with purpose by offering a dynamic mix of social gatherings, outdoor activities, educational presentations, and live entertainment designed to engage and inspire. Highlights include an evening paddle cruise on Lake Michigan, a Jazz For Justice Block Party, a colorful and high-energy 2 mile PRIDE Color Run, and thought-provoking presentations from bestselling local author and artist Wade Rouse and Human Rights Campaign’s Vice President of Leadership Giving, Tim Bahr.

The week culminates on Saturday, June 6, with the annual CommUNITY PRIDE Parade followed by PRIDE in the Park at Douglas’s Beery Field. The celebration features refreshments, local business vendors, and dancing to iconic 80s hits performed live by Chicago bands Sixteen Candles and Hello Weekend.
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Whether you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, everybody is welcome at CommUNITY PRIDE events. This week is a joyful reminder that all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, deserve to feel seen, safe, valued, included, celebrated, equal, and proud.

For additional information and full event details,
​please scroll below the week's schedule ⬇ 

Helpful Links:

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Questions? 

PRIDE Week Tea Dance

The Dunes Resort, one of the nation’s largest and most celebrated LGBTQIA+ entertainment venues will be the location of a TEA DANCE, officially kicking-off our CommUNITY PRIDE Week festivities! This lively gathering for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies features music, dancing and more!
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Tea Dance, The Dunes Resort, 333 Blue Star Highway, Douglas
4:00 pm

PRIDE Putt-Putt

Grab your family and friends, and come on out for an evening of mini golf and friendly team competition! With 18 holes to play, foursome teams will start at each hole and play the entire course.  Fun prizes will be awarded. Entry fee is $10 per entrant/$40 per foursome. Registration and food/drinks available at 5:30 pm.

PRIDE Putt-Putt:  Saugatuck Mini Golf, 3460 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck

• 5:30 – 7:30 pm (Tee off time is 6:00 pm)
• Entry fee is $10 per entrant/$40 per foursome
• Food and drinks for purchase will be available beginning at 5:30 pm
• This will be a popular event and space is limited so please register now to secure your spot
• Pre-registration is required for this event and will be available beginning May 1. Please check back here at that time to link to the event registration form.

Pickle & PRIDE Pickleball Tournament

Hey pickleball lovers! Get ready for fast rallies, big energy and nonstop fun at the first annual PRIDE pickleball tournament.

​The theme is “Love The One You’re With” meaning teams will be chosen as the tournament begins. Expect exciting matches, friendly rivalries and plenty of unforgettable shots, so grab your paddle, bring your game face and join the action. Big thanks to our event co-hosts, the Saugatuck Douglas Pickleball Club!
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• Pickle & PRIDE Pickleball Tournament, Schultz Park, 301 Riverside Drive, Douglas
• 4:00 – 6:00 pm
• There is no entry fee to play
• This will be a popular event and space is limited so please register now to secure your spot
• ​Pre-registration is required for this event and will be available beginning May 1. Please check back here at that time to link to the event registration form.

PRIDE Paddle Cruise

Ahoy, Mateys! Last year’s cruise was too much fun, so we’ve added a second! Get ready for an evening on the water you won’t soon forget aboard Saugatuck’s very own sternwheeler paddleboat, Star of Saugatuck! This is your chance to see the beauty of the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan from a different perspective on this unique 90-minute cruise.

PLUS, our PRIDE Paddle Cruises feature DJ Ruth Crowe, a dancefloor, complimentary snacks, and a cash bar for your enjoyment!
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We’re proud to announce that in partnership with our friends at Star of Saugatuck, both 2026 PRIDE Paddle Cruises will benefit Resilience: Advocates For Ending Violence and other CommUNITY PRIDE events.

Cruise #1: 

• Ticket sales begin at 4:15 pm at the Star of Saugatuck at 716 Water Street
• Cruise departs promptly at 5:00 pm
• Tickets are $40.00 per person, per cruise and cash is always preferred.

Cruise #2: 

• Ticket sales begin at 6:15 pm at the Star of Saugatuck at 716 Water Street
• Cruise departs promptly at 7:00 pm
• Tickets are $40.00 per person, per cruise and cash is always preferred.

PLEASE NOTE: Both cruises will be popular and space is limited to 75 passengers per cruise. Plan to arrive early to allow time to find parking and to purchase your tickets. An opportunity to purchase tickets in advance will not be available. Individuals may purchase up to 2 tickets only on site prior to each cruise.

Author Spotlight Presentation & CommUNITY PRIDE Social

Overview: This evening event will appeal to all the senses. First, a one-of-a-kind presentation at the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library featuring special guest, Wade Rouse, a USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly and international bestselling author and local resident discussing his latest novel, “That’s What Friends Are For.” 

The evening continues just two doors down with a first! A CommUNITY PRIDE Social at the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center.  
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Details: The evening begins with a CommUNITY PRIDE Author Spotlight: Wade Rouse

As part of our CommUNITY PRIDE Speaker Series, we are thrilled to feature Wade Rouse in our week’s line-up of events!  Join him for an in-depth discussion of his latest novel, “That’s What Friends Are For,” a heartwarming novel inspired by The Golden Girls, featuring four older gay friends in Palm Springs who form a chosen family, mirroring the sitcom’s dynamic as they navigate life’s challenges. His book explores themes of aging, love, friendship, and chosen family with humor, sass and drama, much like the beloved show. Following his presentation there will be time for Q&A.
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“Wade Rouse has written the most unabashedly joyful novel you’ll read this year, a rip-roaringly funny ode to found family, Palm Springs, drag, and Bea Arthur." -Grant Ginder, author

Come share a smile and a laugh or two with your “found family.”
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The evening concludes with a CommUNITY PRIDE Social

Immediately following the Author Series presentation (and just two doors down), join our CommUNITY PRIDE Social, hosted by the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center. Enjoy an evening of wine, delicious food and good conversation in the heart of downtown Douglas. This event features a performance by the Grand Rapids Original Swing Dance Society, delicious food, wine, and book signings with special guest, Wade Rouse. 
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Our thanks to the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center, Douglas United Church of Christ, First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, and Out at St. Peters (Catholic Church) for their sponsorship of the social.
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Author Spotlight Presentation: Saugatuck-Douglas Public Library, 174 Center Street, Douglas.  

• 5:30 – 6:30 pm
• Seating will be limited, so please arrive early. 
• The presentation will begin promptly at 5:30 pm ​

CommUNITY PRIDE Social: Saugatuck-Douglas History Center, 130 Center Street, Douglas

• 6:30 – 8:30 pm
• Admission to both parts of this evening’s event is complimentary; a freewill donation for food is appreciated with beverages available for purchase.

An Evening at the Kirby

Chef Christopher Labelle and the team at The Kirby/J Paul’s Dining Room will once again host an incredible combination of culinary excellence and insightful dialogue, in our second Speaker Series event of the week. Featuring Tim Bahr, who has served as Vice President of Leadership Giving at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) since July 2004. 
The evening kicks off with a reception at 5:00 pm where guests can enjoy beverages from the cash bar with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. At 5:30, guests can gather to hear Tim Bahr, VP of Leadership Giving for Human Rights Campaign, discuss: 

• An overview of the work of HRC and the HRC Foundation 
• HRC's plan and strategy for the 2026 Midterms
• How YOU can engage in HRC's work 

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Tim will also allow time for questions.

Following the presentation, Chef LaBelle will present a multi-course dinner with wine pairings from Modales Winery.  Please note:  Guests must make reservations in advance to attend the dinner, which will be served promptly at 7:00 pm. The per/person cost is $150.00 with proceeds from the dinner, net of The Kirby’s costs, going to the HRC.

Reception: The Kirby Hotel & J Paul’s Dining Room, 294 W. Center St., Douglas.

• 5:00 – 5:30 pm
• Seating/space is limited so please arrive early
• No admission fee for attending.

HRC Presentation: The Kirby Hotel & J Paul’s Dining Room, 294 W. Center St., Douglas.

• 5:30 – 6:30 pm
• Seating/space will also be limited. 
• No admission fee for attending

Dinner: The Kirby Hotel & J Paul’s Dining Room, 294 W. Center St., Douglas

• 7:00 – 9:00 pm, 
• Dinner reservations for this portion of the event are required in advance. 
• Guests will need to check-in and be seated in the dining room by 6:45 PM. 
• The per person cost for dinner is $150.00 per person.
• (dinner reservation link coming soon)

Jazz For Justice Block Party

Once again, our friends at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Saugatuck are hosting a PRIDE celebration block party, featuring the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra!  This event takes over the entire street and features food trucks, wine and beer, ice cream with some incredible jazz performances.  Admission is free and please bring your lawn chairs for seating!
Jazz For Justice Block Party, 252 Grand St., Saugatuck.

• Friday, June 5
• 5:30 – 8:30 pm

2026 2 Mile PRIDE Color Run/Walk

Get ready to run, walk, dance, prance and celebrate in a vibrant explosion of color, community, movement and PRIDE at our first-ever PRIDE Color Run, sponsored and managed by Encompass Wellness. 

This isn’t about speed; it’s about showing up, being seen, and having fun! 

• A fun run for everyone and every BODY
• All paces welcome: run, walk, strut, roll or stroll   
• Multiple color stations throughout the course
• Get ready for music, high energy, and joyful vibes
• Celebrate love, inclusivity, and CommUNITY PRIDE

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just here for the color and connection, this event is for you! Bring your friends, your family, and your PRIDE…and wear white!
Proceeds will benefit The AWARE Scholarship Fund and other CommUNITY PRIDE events.

2026  2 Mile PRIDE Color Run/Walk, corner of Fremont Street and Main Street, Douglas

• Saturday, June 6
• Registration begins at 8:30 am
• Run/Walk begins at 9:30 am
• Registration is $40.00 per person through April 30 and $50.00 per person May 1 - June 6, and includes a swag bag full of color fun. Bags are guaranteed to the first 200 and/or those signed up by May 20.
• Interested in participating?  Click this link:  2026 2 Mile Pride Color Run / Walk

CommUNITY PRIDE Parade

Our annual CommUNITY PRIDE Parade is the perfect time for EVERYONE to come out and celebrate.

You’ll enjoy a motorcade of classic cars, convertibles, floats, the 2026 Grand Marshal and some very special guests as they motor their way while showing their PRIDE.

​The parade kicks off at Saugatuck High School and continues through the streets of Saugatuck to Blue Star Highway, across the Kalamazoo River to Douglas, ending on Center Street at Beery Field. It’s a fun event for people of all ages.

CommUNITY PRIDE Parade, from Saugatuck High School to Beery Field in Douglas

• Parade lineup at Saugatuck High School begins at 10:30 am
• Parade kickoff is at 11:00 am
• The parade consists only of motorized vehicles. Due to the length and nature of the route, individuals walking are unfortunately unable to participate.

PRIDE in the Park

This is the grand finale celebration of CommUNITY PRIDE Week! PRIDE in the Park is a party that lasts all afternoon at Beery Field in Douglas. Grab your friends and enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious food, dancing, drinks, music from DJ John and Thump Box Music, vendors displaying products and services, and LIVE musical performances by TWO of Chicago’s favorite bands Bands:  Hello Weekend and Sixteen Candles!
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It’s a day filled with love, inclusivity, and pure celebration. Come be part of the fun and show your CommUNITY PRIDE!
PRIDE in the Park, Beery Field, Douglas

• 11:30 am (immediately following the parade) – 6:00 pm
• Admission is free.  IDs must be shown to receive a drink band for alcoholic beverages. 
• Unfortunately, pets are not allowed within the gates of the event.