Pride Night (21+) at the Roger Williams Park Zoo on July 19th (via Roger Williams Park Zoo)

The Roger Williams Park Zoo will transform into a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ community and culture on July 19th with its “Party with Pride” event, running from 6 to 10 p.m.

The 21-and-over evening will offer queer adults and their allies an exclusive after-hours zoo experience featuring live entertainment, educational programming, and community connections. The event strictly prohibits babies, children, and strollers to maintain its adult-only atmosphere.

Entertainment will include performances by Ace DJ Entertainment, “Queer-e-oke” hosted by Paul Parravano, and drag shows featuring Kennedy Plaza, Lulu Levity, Mi Kabee, Sterlyn Silva, Brae the Fallen, and Coco LaFreak.

Beyond the entertainment, attendees can participate in “Nature is Queer” animal chats that explore LGBTQIA+ themes in the natural world, alongside pride-themed animal enrichment activities that combine education with celebration.

The event will also serve as a networking opportunity with local LGBTQIA+ and allied organizations, including Haus of Codec, Thundermist, Youth Pride RI, TGI Network, and Mentor RI, providing resources and community connections for attendees.

Roger Williams Park Zoo, Rhode Island’s top outdoor family and tourist attraction, is owned by the City of Providence and managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society. The zoo positions itself as a leader in conservation efforts and animal care, creating experiences designed to engage visitors in wildlife conservation efforts.

The “Party with Pride” event represents the zoo’s commitment to serving diverse community segments while maintaining its conservation and educational mission.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...