Your guide to Michigan Pride Parade & Fest 2017

Princess Gabbara | Lansing State Journal

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LANSING - Solidarity and diversity are the unofficial themes of Michigan Pride's 28th annual celebration.

"It's a chance for people to come together and celebrate each other in a safe and supportive atmosphere," explained Leigha Faith, one of the event organizers.

Michigan Pride is expected to draw thousands of people from all walks of life to Old Town, Adado Riverfront Park and the state Capitol this weekend.

More: From the Archives: Michigan Pride

For members of the LGBTQ community, the festivities are a reminder that "the fight toward equality did and does not begin or end with us," Faith said.

But she added that "we cherish the support from our allies, because it strengthens our community."

When?

The celebration takes place Friday, June 16 through Saturday, June 17.

White Party

Purchasing a $10 wristband allows guests to access several Old Town bars and restaurants, including Spiral Dance Bar, Esquire Bar and Sir Pizza Grand Café.

Folks are encouraged to wear white to express their solidarity with the LGBTQ community.

Michigan artists Alise King and Ty Teon will perform at Sir Pizza.

How to go: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday. Spiral, 1247 Center St., Lansing. $10 per person.

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Parade and rally

The parade starts at noon Saturday at Adado Riverfront Park and ends on the Capitol steps.

How to go: Adado Riverfront Park, 300 N. Grand Ave., Lansing. Free.

Immediately following the parade, a rally will be led by Shane Shananaquet, a 14-year-old transgender activist from Adrian.

How to go: Michigan State Capitol, 100 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. Free.

Saturday entertainment

Emma Sapphire a.k.a. Miss Amateur PowerDiva 2017 makes her debut at Michigan Pride at 2 p.m.

A drag show featuring Chelsea Delray will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Ty Teon performs at 6:30 p.m.

Lansing's '80s cover band StarFarm hits the stage at 7 p.m.

How to go: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Intersection of Grand River Avenue and Turner Street in Lansing. Suggested donation is $10.

Parking Information

Parking is available at Lot 56. Carpooling encouraged.

For more about information about the festivities, go to www.michiganpride.org.

Contact Princess Gabbara at pgabbara@lsj.com or 517-377-1006. Follow her on Twitter at @PrincessGabbara.