LGBTQ+ community members and allies gather at Rochester Pride Picnic for a celebration of inclusion, resilience, and unity

Rochester, New York – Members of Rochester’s LGBTQ+ community, along with friends, families, and supporters, will gather Sunday afternoon at Genesee Valley Park for the annual Rochester Pride Picnic, continuing a tradition that has brought people together for more than five decades.

The event, now in its 54th year, is expected to serve as a place for celebration, reflection, and community connection. Organizers describe the picnic as an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and recognize the strength and diversity of Rochester’s LGBTQ+ community.

The gathering will feature remarks from several local leaders, including Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Brighton Town Supervisor Bill Moehle, and Assemblymember Harry Bronson. Officials are expected to discuss the importance of pride, acceptance, and inclusion throughout the Rochester community.

Organizers say the annual picnic has become much more than a single-day event. Over the years, it has grown into a long-standing tradition where LGBTQ+ Rochesterians and their allies can share experiences, build friendships, and celebrate progress.

The event is described by organizers as a “joyful celebration of resilience, community, and pride” that welcomes attendees from different backgrounds and generations.

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For many participants, the Pride Picnic represents an important opportunity to feel connected and supported. The gathering provides a space where people can come together openly, celebrate identity, and recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ residents throughout the Rochester area.

“For many attendees, it represents not just a summer gathering, but a longstanding space for connection, visibility, and belonging,” organizers said.

Organizers also noted that the picnic reflects the perseverance of Rochester’s LGBTQ+ community, which has continued to grow and advocate for equality while creating spaces where people feel welcomed.

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As the event returns for another year, organizers hope the celebration will continue strengthening relationships among community members, allies, and local leaders. The Pride Picnic remains a symbol of unity and a reminder of the importance of inclusion across Rochester.

With more than half a century of history behind it, the annual gathering continues to bring people together for a shared celebration of pride, community, and belonging.