Show Your Pride Downtown Edmonds

Following the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan in 1969, a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States, “Gay Pride Day” was celebrated on the last Sunday of June. In major cities across the country, that day soon turned into a month-long series of events that attract millions of participants from around the world—from people who identify as LGBTQIA+, to friends, families, and allies. The intended purpose of Pride Month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

That recognition certainly extends to downtown Edmonds.

Ed!’s mission is to “ensure our downtown stays lively, attractive, prosperous, and welcoming to everyone.” Part of our work to better serve all who operate in our business improvement district is to highlight the important work they’re doing to show citizens and visitors alike their support of human rights issues. Pride plays a major role in that. 

Barre3 donation-based class for The Trevor Project

So, we asked our downtown shops what they’re doing for Pride month. Some, like Barre3, have already done a lot (like raising $2,000 for The Trevor Project from two donation-based classes). In addition to their successful fundraiser, Barre3 has a bunch of bright retail for anyone looking. 

While this list certainly isn’t exhaustive, it should send you on a strong path toward ways to keep celebrating Pride in Edmonds.

ARTspot is hosting a free Pride Paint in the Park event on Sunday, June 25th from 4pm until 9pm. Meet the ARTspot team at the Edmonds City Park Gazebo. Supplies will be provided. This event will surely be fun for all ages—and all people! Additionally, We ARTspot is featuring the work of queer Seattle artist, Sam Case, for Art Walk. His art is on display all through the end of June. Pride flags fly and merch is on the shelves (including pronoun pins) all year long! 

At Bellissimo Beauty Bar, Pride hits close to home—a large percentage of their staff is LGBTQIA+. Walk by to check out their windows, painted for Pride. The salon decor is all Pride-inspired.  

Bench & Board has a Pride window display and will be giving 10% of sales on June 24th and to The Trevor Project to support at-risk LGBTQ youth.

Newcomer Camp Vintage is getting in on the party with vibrant cards and stickers from neighbor The Paper Feather (more on them below) and will be showing off all their rainbow goods. 

At Crow, each customer will receive a rainbow Edmonds sticker with purchase June 23-30th.

A rainbow of vases at Driftwood Modern

Driftwood Modern put rainbow colors of midcentury art glass vases in their front window to symbolize their ongoing approach to honor and respect all hues of humanity through art, design, and home environment. Everyone is warmly welcome!

Edmonds Bookshop’s Pride picks

All of June, Edmonds Bookshop has a table dedicated to LGBTQIA+ books and authors. Stop in and find your next great read!

A rainbow of Pride merchandise at FIELD

At FIELD, the Pride flag flies all year. To honor Pride month specifically, the team has a few featured products: their popular Poppy & Pout lip balm line just released a series of summer scents including the Olipop strawberry/vanilla collab, and a delicious Pride Punch! They also have LGBTQ-inspired pennants from Oxford Pennant and other rainbow merchandise. Pop in to check it out!

Maize & Barley proudly flies the original Gilbert Baker Rainbow Flag year-round. In June, they will be featuring Pride movies every Wednesday night. They will also be participating in the Pride Crawl, and hosting Brewster Wrestle—a costume arm wrestle showdown featuring the women of the Pink Boots Society—at 8pm! Each competitor will be wrestling to split the winnings for a charity of their choice and the Human Rights Campaign. Cast your vote for who will take the competition! 

Paper Feather’s window of love

Swing by The Paper Feather to check out their hand-painted Pride window display and Pride-themed products: pencils, rainbow earrings, stickers, and greeting cards!

On June 30th from 4-6pm, join the folks at Rogue for a pop up with That’s So Andrew!  Humorous, inclusive and on trend. Shop hilariously snarky queer cards, pins, stickers,  journals and candles.  Andrew is a Monroe native and small business owner—follow him on Insta @thatssoandrew_ and come stock up on awesome gifts for your people!

At nearby Sugarology, flags will be flying all month long. A founding member of Trans Friendly, a website that lists safe and welcoming businesses for Trans individuals, Sugarology believes sugaring and great skincare is for all!

Table for 12 is flying their Pride flag proudly, and always serving up a rainbow of flavors. 

And, don’t sleep on Walnut Street Coffee, which is proudly flying its Pride flag to celebrate all month with employees, customers, and neighbors. Everyone is always welcome at Walnut’s big round table (and beyond)! 

Meet Us Downtown on June 30th To Hear from The Mayor

Flags will go up on June 23rd around the fountain and at the intersection of 4th and Main. On June 30th, Mayor Nelson, surrounded by the flags, will speak at 5pm. Here’s what you can expect on that day:

• 4pm: Traffic closed on 5th, flags and signs out. Music starts through the PA system on the steps of the museum
• 5-6pm: Mayor Nelson addresses those gathered
• 6-7pm: Anyone crawling or spending time downtown can draw on the street with chalk and chat with groups tabling at the courtyard
• 7pm until you’re ready to go home: Celebrate, crawl, cheers, and carry on

Kelnero’s fabulous unicorn mug, photo by Kalia Machado

Cheers To Pride in Edmonds—Literally

Following Mayor Nelson’s Pride speech at the Historical Museum, participating bars and restaurants in downtown Edmonds will be hosting a Pride Crawl from 6-9pm to support the  Human Rights Campaign. Participating locations will offer Pride specials with a portion of the proceeds donated to benefit the HRC. Pick up a PRIDE Crawl drink card at any participating location. Get five stamps and enter to win one of several Pride prizes! 

Participating locations include Vinbero, Kelnero, Church Key Pub, Salt & Iron, MARKET Edmonds,  Fire & The Feast, Brigid’s Bottle Shop, Maize & Barley.  

Ready to have some fun while supporting a great cause? Yeah, you are. See you there!

And, as always, show us where your Pride celebrations take you. Tag us on Instagram and Facebook so we can join in the party. 

By Whitney Popa, main photo by Matt Hulbert