Missoula Pride

07/03/2026

For those who have been with us for a while, you've seen how our annual "Love Letters" has become a documentary of sorts, inviting members of our very own community to share their stories, hopes, and the truths they wish someone had told them when they were younger.

Each year, we've intentionally expanded the voices represented, creating a richer mosaic of what it means to be q***r, trans, Two Spirit, and LGBTQ+ in Montana. As Missoula Pride celebrated its fifth anniversary, we found ourselves looking inward.

It felt like the right moment to hear from some of the people who have helped build this celebration from the very beginning. Inspired by this year's Missoula Pride artwork and its themes of courage, authenticity, and becoming the people we first imagined ourselves to be, this year's film reflects on the journeys that shaped both our community and the Missoula Pride festival itself.

​In this installment of Love Letters, lifelong ally Emily Rachel, longtime friend Cally Felstet, Director of Operations Kera Rivera, and Executive Director Devin James share their personal stories, the moments that transformed them, and what Pride has come to mean in their lives.

Together, these conversations remind us that becoming our truest selves is never something we do alone. We imagine a better future, and then we build it together.

Thank you to Prisma West for so beautifully capturing these stories, and thank you to Katie and Bryan for opening their home to us for our community meal. And thank you Missoula, for all of the love and support along the way.

We will see you next year: same time, same place - June 18-20, 2027.

View all of the Love Letters installments, as well as photos from previous years at missoulapride.com/gallery

06/30/2026

Missoula, sorry for the radio silence.

What an incredible weekend we had a little over a week ago! To be honest, our team needed a chance to catch our breath, and we all had to get back to the full-time jobs that actually pay the bills.

It's also been so much fun watching all of your photos and special moments tell the story of this year's celebration.

Year 5 of Missoula Pride was truly something special. And how about that sunshine?!

As we begin picking things back up and wrapping up this year's festival, we wanted to share a few of our favorite moments from the weekend.

Thank you to every volunteer who made our events possible, every community partner who hosted events and educational sessions, our vendors and makers, and all the incredible businesses whose support makes one of the largest free festivals in Montana possible.

A special thank you to our title sponsor, Spark1, along with every one of our sponsors, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning. Your belief in this community has helped build something truly extraordinary.

We're just getting started with the gratitude. Stay tuned for many more thank-yous, our free community photo album from our incredible media team, the highly anticipated recap video, behind-the-scenes moments, festival stats, and a few more surprises as we celebrate everything we accomplished together.

And one last thing... mark your calendars.

We'll be back for Year 6 on the third weekend in June, just like we always have been. We'll see you June 18-20, 2027.

Missoula, keep being wonderfully, unapologetically q***r. Keep showing up for one another. We'll see you next June...and probably a few other places along the way 🤫❤️🏳️‍🌈

***rjoy

06/30/2026

Many thanks to Hanna Still for sharing their amazing photography from the 2nd Annual Montana Two Spirit Powwow.

06/25/2026

It is always fun to visit the vendors at a powwow, such talented artists and tasty food. Thank you to all the vendors who joined us at the 2nd Annual Montana Two Spirit Powwow.

06/25/2026

Friday evening, following our 2nd Annual Two Spirit Powwow, we held our first BIPOC drag and variety show. All I can say is WOW, it was incredible! The two spirit community has so much talent and we can't wait to see the show next year.

Thank you so much Landa Lakes, Miso Hornay, Holy Old Man Bull, Buffalo Barbie, Navi Ho, and Auntie Moose Knuckle.

06/25/2026

Without a drum, there is no powwow and the Montana Two Spirit Society was incredibly excited and grateful to have had not just one, but three drum groups at our 2nd Annual Two Spirit Powwow.

Flathead Confederacy, Dancing Boy, and Northwest Outlaws are all talented groups and their contributions to our powwow are greatly appreciated.

06/25/2026

Thanks to all who helped make this possible!

Missoula, you did it again! 4,500 lbs of waste was sent to get composted during the Pride Parade and Block Party over the weekend! What an amazing weekend of celebrating and loving our neighbors, while showing up for the environment!

Diverting 4,500 lbs of waste in a single day is something to be greatly proud of! Again, a huge thanks to Green Team for helping sort and educate the community, and of course for organizing an awesome week of activities!

Here's to Missoula doing it better, together! 💚♻

06/19/2026

Pride isn't just about who we are. It's also about how we build community, create belonging, and form meaningful connections with one another.

Join The Q***r Hour on Saturday afternoon for a series of thoughtful, discussion-based gatherings exploring community, relationships, authenticity, and self-expression.

✨ **Q***r Ingredients in Festivals and Gatherings** at the Missoula Chamber of Commerce (2 p.m.)
What makes a gathering feel truly inclusive? Whether you're curious about festival culture, involved in co-created communities like Burning Man or the Radical Faeries, or simply interested in imagining new ways to connect, this conversation explores what makes q***r spaces meaningful, welcoming, and transformative.

💜 **Recipes for Connection: Crafting Your Unique Relationship Profile** at the Missoula Chamber of Commerce (3 p.m.)
Relationships don't come with a single blueprint. Through guided discussion, participants will explore communication, boundaries, desires, and relationship structures with a focus on building connections that reflect personal values and authenticity.

🧘 **Naked Yoga** at Private Location (4 p.m.)
This q***r-focused, body-positive yoga session offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and practice mindfulness in a safe, judgment-free environment. Open to all genders, bodies, and abilities ages 18+. RSVP is required to receive location details, email us at q***[email protected]

All events are q***r-focused, open to all, and intended for adults 18+. Entry is by donation, with surplus proceeds benefiting Missoula Pride.

Come for one session or stay for all three, and join a conversation about the many ways we create community, connection, belonging, and authenticity.

Find full details and RSVP information at missoulapride.com

06/19/2026

Pride looks different for everyone, and that's exactly the point. 💜

Whether you're looking for a creative activity, a quiet place to recharge, a family-friendly space, opportunities to connect with community, or just a cold drink with friends, there are plenty of ways to celebrate throughout Saturday's festivities.

🖨️ Pull Your Own Pride Print at (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Try your hand at printmaking and create your own Pride poster on Noteworthy's historic cylinder press. This free, all-ages activity is a perfect way to take home a handmade piece of Pride.

🏳️‍🌈 First Methodist Community Space (12 - 3 p.m.)
Need a break during or after the parade? First United Methodist Church is opening its doors with a quiet sanctuary space upstairs and a family-friendly community space downstairs featuring treats, conversation, and activities for kids.

🌿 Missoula Pride Sensory Zone at (1 - 4 p.m.)
The excitement of Pride can be a lot. The Sensory Zone offers a calm, welcoming environment with low-key crafts and activities for anyone who needs a moment to rest, recharge, and reset before heading back into the celebration.

😷 Missoula Mask Bloc: Crafts and Trans Montana History! at Goodworks Place (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Join Missoula Mask Bloc for crafts, games, free N95 and KN95 masks, and an opportunity to explore Crossings: Gender Roads in Montana, an exhibit highlighting the stories of transgender Montanans throughout history.

🍻 Bears & Brews at (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
Wrap up your day with live music, food, community, and $5 beers on the patio. Music starts at 4 p.m., and everyone is invited to come celebrate Pride together.

From creative experiences and quiet spaces to community gatherings and celebrations, Pride Weekend is built for everyone. Find the events that fit you and make the day your own.

Find details for these events and dozens more at missoulapride.com

06/19/2026

Pride is more than a celebration, it's an opportunity to learn, create, connect, and grow together.

Looking for ways to engage beyond the Block Party this Saturday? Our community partners are hosting a full day of events for all ages across Missoula:

🌈 **Navigating the Genderverse** at (10 a.m.)
Join for an interactive workshop exploring gender diversity, inclusive language, allyship, and the experiences of transgender, non-binary, and Two-Spirit Montanans.

📚 **Sidewalk Signing with Laramie Dean** at (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Meet beloved local author, educator, and horror writer Laramie Dean during downtown market hours. Pick up a signed copy of *Haunt Me, Then* or *Black Forest* and celebrate q***r voices in Montana literature.

🎨 **Get Ready for Pride** (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
Create your own wearable Pride art with artist Patricia Thornton. Print a design on a bandana or bring a favorite T-shirt and leave with something vibrant to wear to the festivities.

🫖 **Teen Pride LGBTea** at (3 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
A welcoming afternoon for teens to gather, build community, celebrate identity, and connect in a supportive space.

Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding, support local artists and authors, make something creative, or find community, there's a place for you this Pride Weekend.

Find details for these events and 50+ more happening throughout Missoula Pride at missoulapride.com