The Royal Oak Pride Festival, now in its second year, will be returning to Washington Avenue between Fifth and Seventh Streets in August with a grand lineup of headliners! Bo for the event includes Brooke Lynn Hytes and Alyssa Edwards of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame, amazing vocalist VINCENT, Puddles Pity Party, Barbara Payton, and top tribute artists with full bands paying homage to some of music’s biggest names. Organizers Gary Baglio are in high hope that this year’s event will even better than the previous, attracting an unprecedented amount of attendance.
The Royal Oak Pride Festival is set to take place on Washington Avenue between Fifth and Seventh Streets in August, for the second year running. This year, organizers of the celebration of unity, diversity, and community are looking to attract an even wider audience, including those who are allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Last year, the festival had a turnout of 20,000 – organizer Gary Baglio expressed his hope that this figure could increase by either 50% or 100%.
Brooke Lynn Hytes and Alyssa Edwards, stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race, will be headlining both days on the main stage, adding an extra layer of glamour to the event. Baglio is proud to have revived this festival in Royal Oak, as it had previously been held at Oakland Community College in 1993, before moving to a parking garage in Royal Oak, Ferndale in 2001, and Downtown Detroit in 2011. This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better!
Also on the bill is VINCENT, a singer-songwriter and a finalist on “The Four”, whose impressive vocal range and unique style will be sure to astound. Puddles Pity Party, a 7-foot clown with a golden voice who has gained huge success on YouTube and “America’s Got Talent”, will also take the stage, delivering an unforgettable experience. Barbara Payton, a long-time backing vocalist for Bob Seger, as well as top tribute artists with full bands paying homage to the greatest hits of Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, and Prince, will round out the incredible lineup!
This remarkable event, proudly sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority, will take place on Friday, Aug. 4 from 5-11 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 5 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Featuring two stages of live DJ music and karaoke, as well as performances by VINCENT, Puddles Pity Party, Barbara Payton, and tribute artists, there is something for everyone! Attendees can also enjoy the Family Fun Zone full of bounce houses, face painting, Drag Queen storytelling, and entertainment for all ages, as well as a Vendor Village with local artisans, LGBTQ+ -owned businesses, and nonprofit groups. Delicious drinks and international food from food trucks are also available to ensure everyone’s needs are taken care of.
Downtown Manager Daniel Hill expressed excitement for the event, “Highlighting Royal Oak as a place where LGBTQIA+ people are celebrated and all walks of life are welcome to join in the festivities. Performance schedules and ticket information can be found at royaloakpride.com.”
The Royal Oak Pride Festival promises to bring an unforgettable experience for all this year – attracting allies of the LGBTQ+ community and featuring incredible headliners alongside guest speakers, singers, and bands. With hopes of over-doubling its attendance from last year, visitors should be sure to make the most of the exciting event by gathering friends for a celebration of unity, diversity, and community!
