Details:
Bemidji Pride Celebrates 5 Years of Living Out Loud with annual events August 21-23
Bemidji Pride will celebrate its fifth anniversary this month with its annual weekend of events focused on visibility, inclusion, and community outreach. Running from August 21–23, the 2025 festival carries the theme “Living Out Loud,” marking half a decade of 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility and advocacy in the Bemidji area.
Founded in 2020, Bemidji Pride has grown into an annual regional gathering that combines art, performance, and community programming for both 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. This year’s schedule features music, comedy, drag performances, and a large-scale family festival.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Thursday, August 21 — Living Out Loud Queeraoke
6:00–10:00 PM | 18+ | Sliding Scale Admission, $0-15
Rail River Folk School | 303 Railroad St SW, Bemidji MN
Presented in partnership with Pride Support Network, this occurrence of the monthly karaoke series will serve as the official kickoff for Bemidji Pride 2025. Queeraoke features an 18+ space where you can sing out your favorite tunes, celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, and receive resources. A bar will be available on-site for guests of drinking age.
Friday, August 22 — Laugh Out Proud: 2SLGBTQIA+ Comedy Showcase
6:00–9:00 PM | 18+ | Presale tickets: $15, On-site tickets: $20
Rail River Folk School | 303 Railroad St SW, Bemidji MN
The Laugh Out Proud comedy show returns for a second year with a fantastic lineup featuring: Maggie Faris, Sarah McPeck, Harrie Bradshaw, and Khadijah Cooper—four performers known for their work in 2SLGBTQIA+ comedy spaces across the Midwest. A bar will be available on-site for guests of drinking age.
Saturday, August 23 — Family Festival
12:00–5:00 PM | All Ages | FREE
Rail River Folk School Marina | 303 Railroad St SW, Bemidji MN
The weekend’s central daytime event offers live music, games, children’s activities, and an open-air vendor market. Local nonprofits and small businesses will also host informational booths. The event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, August 23 — Kids & Crowns: Family-Friendly Drag Show
3:00–4:30 PM | All Ages | $5/person or $20/family donation
