Amherst Will Celebrate Pride Month with Parade on June 28
Photo: amherstma.gov
Source: amherstma.gov
Amherst Pride aims to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, promote visibility, and provide valuable resources and support. It’s a day for everyone to come together, celebrate love and identity, and strengthen the bonds of our community. This exciting event will feature a festive parade, an empowering rally, and a community resource fair.
View the 2026 Town of Amherst Pride Month Proclamation.
Pride Parade
The Amherst Pride parade will be held on Sunday, June 28 from Noon to 3 p.m. beginning at Amherst Regional High School and proceeding to the Town Common. Questions? Contact Amherst Pride Volunteers by emailing amherstmapride@gmail.com
Click below to view this year’s event details!
Parade Route
The Pride Parade begins at 12 pm at the Amherst-Pelham Regional High School (21 Mattoon St,). The parade will head west along Mattoon St and Triangle St to the roundabout near Kendrick Park. From there, they will go south down Pleasant Street, concluding at the Amherst Town Common (1 Main St)..
Instructions for Parade Participants
Full instructions and group order will be posted soon!
- Groups will line up in the high school parking lot according to their group number. All groups must line up and follow the group number which they have been assigned. Each group must stay in their assigned section for the duration of its participation in the parade.
- Groups are welcome to check in and line-up as early as 11:00 am and should arrive no later than 11:30 AM. Sign-making materials will be available from 11 am to 12 pm. The parade will begin promptly at 12 pm.
- Parking is available at Amherst-Pelham Regional High School and Middle School for those marching. Those tabling/meeting us at the Common can park in the Amherst College Alumni Parking Lot. Volunteers will be ready to direct you.
- If you have a vehicle/float in the parade your vehicle will station itself in line according to your group number. At the end of the parade route, all vehicles/floats will park at the Amherst Town Common. There will be a street monitor to help guide you.
- Please note: Pride volunteers will be working to make the Pride march a great experience for everyone. The drivers of your vehicles MUST follow all instructions given by volunteers and committee members.
- Throwing Objects: Objects may not be thrown or tossed from vehicles to or at the participants or spectators. Amherst Pride and sponsors assumes no responsibility or liability for injuries caused by such actions.
Safety
The parade route will be closed to outside traffic during the parade and there will be police officers on site directing vehicles. Parade Marshals will also be on-site during the parade and rally, and are available to help you. Parade Marshals will wear orange vests.
We anticipate Amherst Pride to be a celebratory and safe event. However, disruptions may occur – either unintentionally or intentionally by disruptive person(s). While this may not happen, it is always helpful to be prepared! If you encounter hecklers, we strongly encourage groups to ignore them. Stay calm, friendly and avoid confrontation. Help to set and maintain the tone of the action: positive, non-violent, friendly, helpful, calm. Avoid feeding into the hostile atmosphere that disruptors may attempt to create. Stay cool, calm, and respectful – think about what helps you do this.
Tips for Parade Participants
- We recommend wearing shoes/clothes you feel comfortable walking a mile in (the parade route is 1 mile).
- Please bring a filled water bottle. Hydration is important and it will be a hot day!
- Bring signs, decorations, banners, etc. that reflect your group’s personality and joy! And snacks to keep you going!
This event is hosted by Amherst Pride Volunteers, the Town of Amherst Department of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, and the Amherst Business Improvement District.