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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Keene Pride Week is back in downtown Keene, bringing a vibrant lineup of events for all ages, beginning this Saturday, Sept. 7 and culminating in the annual Keene Pride Festival on Sunday, Sept. 15. Hosted by the organization Keene Pride, the week-long celebration promises a variety of activities, from outdoor adventures to performances and social gatherings, designed to foster community, inclusivity, and fun.
Event Highlights:
Saturday, Sept. 7: Britney Spears Tribute Show
The week kicks off with a dazzling Britney Spears tribute show at The Colonial Theatre. National and international drag stars, including RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants, will pay homage to the pop icon with stunning performances. The event starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are available starting at $25. VIP ticket options offer exclusive access to meet-and-greets and an after-party.
Sunday, Sept. 8: Group Hike
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a free group hike. Those interested in joining must register at keenepride.org/outdoors to receive the hike’s location.
Monday, Sept. 9: LGBTQ+ Oral History Project
The Historical Society of Cheshire County will host a pop-up recording session from 2-6 p.m. LGBTQ+ individuals in the Monadnock region can share their stories for an oral history project, capturing local LGBTQ+ experiences for posterity.
Tuesday, Sept. 10: Amateur Drag Night
At Madame Sherri’s Cabaret and Lounge, local drag queen Miss Ginger Soulless (Keene Pride board vice president) will host “Drag Me to the Stage,” an amateur drag performance night from 7 to 9 p.m. Performers can sign up at keenepride.org/events.
Wednesday, Sept. 11: Pride Karaoke Night
Yahso Jamaican Grill will host a Pride-themed karaoke night starting at 7 p.m. It’s an open invitation for anyone to sing their heart out in a supportive and celebratory atmosphere.
Thursday, Sept.12: Sober Social
Shadow & Soul Emporium will hold a sober social at 6 p.m., offering a welcoming space with teas, treats, and the chance to connect without alcohol.
Friday, Sept. 13: Friday the 13th Dance Party
A spooky Friday the 13th-themed dance party will take over Madame Sherri’s at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and dance the night away.
Saturday, Sept. 14: Family Picnic
Families are invited to Robin Hood Park for a Pride picnic starting at 11 a.m. The event will include face painting, lawn games, and storytime for children. Attendees are asked to bring their own picnic supplies and enjoy a day of family fun.
Sunday, Sept. 15: Keene Pride Festival
The grand finale of Keene Pride Week is the third-annual Keene Pride Festival, which will be held at Central Square from noon to 6 p.m. The festival will feature circus acts, live music, drag performances, a “Kids Canyon” with a bounce house, and over 90 vendors, including food trucks and local businesses.
Among the highlights of the festival:
Mason Ames, a Quebec-based circus performer and Keene native, known for his impressive street performances. Ames will showcase his talents twice during the festival, captivating both kids and adults alike with his thrilling tricks at 12:30 p.m. and again at 3:30 p.m.
Music lovers can look forward to a performance by Nova One, a four-member queer band from Providence, RI. Their ethereal sound, which celebrates themes of self-expression and queer identity, will fill Central Square from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Their dreamy melodies invite audiences to reflect on self-love and vulnerability.
Adding a touch of aerial artistry, Hattie Gunther will take to the skies with two awe-inspiring performances, blending strength, grace, and elegance in her aerial acrobatics. Gunther will perform at 1 p.m. and again at 3:15 p.m., offering a visual spectacle sure to leave festival-goers in awe.
Spoken word artist and trans performer Kenzie Jacobsen will take the stage from 2:15 to 3 p.m., delivering a powerful mix of hip hop and spoken word. Known for using her platform to inspire and challenge, Jacobsen is an influencer whose art resonates with authenticity and passion.
Keene’s own Doug the Devil Stick Man will also return to the festival, performing his signature tricks from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Known for his street performances and balloon artistry, Doug is a local favorite who brings a playful energy to the day’s events.
Singer-songwriter Alexandra Burnet will provide a musical interlude at 3:15 p.m., delivering a set that promises to be both joyous and nostalgic. Her soulful songs will transport the audience on an emotional journey.
The festival will culminate with two hours of dynamic drag performances, running from 4 to 6 p.m., providing a vibrant and entertaining close to the celebration.
For more details and to register for events/purchase tickets, visit keenepride.org/events.