Philadelphia Kicks Off Pride Month with Record-Breaking Flag Ceremony

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Philadelphia launched its Pride Month celebrations on Friday, May 30, 2025, with a remarkable 600-foot Progress Pride Flag procession. The flag, which marks the start of a month dedicated to LGBTQ+ acceptance, began its journey at the Philadelphia Museum of Art at 9 a.m.

Sasha Suda, Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, expressed the event’s purpose: “It celebrates inclusivity. It celebrates the launch of Pride Month.” Each year, the flag grows by 200 feet, adding significance to the celebration.

The flag’s route included various neighborhoods, with a planned stop in Manayunk by 11 a.m., before heading to City Hall at 2 p.m. There, Mayor Cherelle Parker hosted a flag-raising ceremony attended by city councilmembers and community leaders. “Let’s recommit ourselves to creating a city where everyone, and I mean everyone, feels safe, accepted and celebrated,” Mayor Parker stated.

This year’s Pride events unfold against a backdrop of concerns for LGBTQ+ rights, which have faced challenges in recent years. Councilmember Rue Landau, Philadelphia’s first openly-gay councilmember, remarked, “You know that the backlash is because of the rights that we have gained in the laws.”

The Main Pride March is set for Sunday, June 1, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Sixth and Walnut streets and concluding in the Gayborhood. Last year, the events attracted a record turnout of around 100,000 participants.

Pride festivities in Philadelphia are expected to feature numerous activities, including the opening-night party titled Pride Promenade at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which starts at 8 p.m. on May 31. Highlights include performances by noted musicians and the presentation of the L.U.V. Awards.

Through community and city efforts, Philadelphia aims to welcome everyone in the celebration. As part of this goal, Philly Pride365 continues to work toward ensuring that Pride Month remains an inclusive event that champions love, equality, and acceptance for all.