Bethel CT Pride Parade & Celebration 2024
June 1, 2024
Municipal Center
1 School Street, Bethel, CT
Schedule of Events
TIME | EVENT |
|---|---|
9 AM – 11:30 AM | Set Up |
10:30 AM – 12 PM | Vendor Set Up |
12 PM | Parade Check-In (across from Bethel Train Station) |
12:30 PM – 1 PM | Parade Line Up |
1 PM | Sidewalk Parade Starts |
1:30 PM – 5 PM | Celebration! |
Outdoor event is rain or shine!
Event Day FAQs
Are you taking precautions for Covid-19?
We will follow CT state guidelines in place at the time of our event.
We will have hand sanitizer and extra masks available for use, if desired!
What if it rains?
Our event will take place rain or shine!
Where is the celebration being held?
The celebration is held at the Bethel Municipal Center (a.k.a. Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center), 1 School Street, Bethel, CT, on the front lawn.
Can I take public transportation to the event?
Yes! Take the Metro North Danbury Line* to the Bethel Metro North station. The parade gathering spot will be across the street! It is about a 10 minute walk to the celebration site. If you are only planning on attending the celebration, follow these steps to get to the Municipal Center: When you arrive at the station, take a right on Durant Avenue. Shortly after you pass CVS (on your right), take a left on to School Street. The Municipal Center Lawn will be on your left!
*Unsure how to get to the Danbury line from your location? No problem. Find your route here (please note you will be brought to a page on the MTA website upon submission): MTA Trip Planner
Where can I watch the parade?
Our pedestrian parade will take place on the sidewalks! Marchers will gather on the sidewalks across from the Bethel Train Station, walk down Durant Ave. towards the Bethel Library (passing the Municipal Center lawn on their left). At the corner of Durant Ave. and Greenwood Ave., marchers will take a left on Greenwood and follow the inner sidewalks to PT Barnum Square, then circle back to the Municipal Center lawn. Spectators are encouraged to walk from the Municipal Center or the opposite side of the street from the parade. Check out the map below for details.
Where is the parade route?
Marchers will gather on the sidewalks across from the Bethel Train Station (13 Durant Ave., Bethel), walk down Durant Ave. towards the Bethel Library (passing the Municipal Center lawn on their left). At the corner of Durant Ave. and Greenwood Ave., marchers will take a left on Greenwood and follow the inner sidewalks to PT Barnum Square, then circle back to the Municipal Center lawn. Check out the map below for details.
What is the parade route like? How difficult is the route?
The total route is almost exactly 1K. The parade route can be split into two sections, each about a half kilometer: between the train station and municipal center and the loop on Greenwood Ave. You can do both sections, or jump in or out of the parade at the Municipal Center if you don’t feel you can do the whole route. We will have crossing guards to assist at any crosswalks.
The section between the train station and the Municipal Center is the easier half. It’s absolutely flat, has an excellent sidewalk, and curb cuts at each crossing.
The loop from the Municipal Center out to Greenwood Ave and back to the Municipal Center through P.T. Barnum Square is still mostly flat, but has a slight climb along Greenwood Ave. It then slopes back towards the Municipal Center. The area has streetscaping with cobbles on the sidewalk, which may be more difficult to walk on than a concrete sidewalk if you are using a mobility aid. The sidewalks are also a little narrower due to the light poles used in the streetscaping. You can still pass easily with a wheelchair.
Where are bathrooms located?
Bathrooms will be available within the Municipal Center Building. Check out the map below for details.
Where is the wheelchair accessible bathroom?
NEW AS OF 2023!! The Municipal Center now has three new bathrooms that all include a handicapped accessible stall, including a single room family bathroom! These are accessible from the ramp in front of the building.
Is there an entrance fee?
No! Our event is FREE to the public to enjoy!
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Leashed dogs are welcome outside of the Municipal Center. Please note that there will be a substantial crowd, so make sure your animal will be comfortable in a loud environment.
Where can I park?
Parking is available behind the Municipal Center (use 14 Wooster Street for GPS driving directions to the Municipal Center parking entrance), on the street, and in adjacent lots unless otherwise marked. If you are marching in the parade, you can park at the Bethel Train Station for easy access to our lineup spot. Follow the signs posted on the event date. Check out the map below for details.
Where is the handicapped parking?
The majority of the handicapped parking is behind the Municipal Center. There are two ways to access that parking: from Durant street across from CVS or from Wooster Street (looking for the Pride sign!)
If you plan on being in the parade, you may instead wish to park at the train station. The parade lines up there and then proceeds to the Municipal Center.
Can I bring signs, banners, or giveaways?
We encourage signs, banners, and any other items that represent your group or message. You are responsible for storing your signage after the parade has concluded.
Please do not bring candy or small items to throw, as it can be harmful to animals.
Can I bring a float?
Small, non-motorized floats, such as those made with wagons or strollers are acceptable. If you have an idea and are unsure if it will work for a pedestrian parade, please first reach out to us at info@bethelctpride.com. If suitable, please complete the March Group & Float Request Form in advance so we can ensure that there is enough space to accommodate your float.
What should I wear when marching?
We welcome marchers to positively express themselves as they wish; however, please bear in mind that this is a family-friendly event.
Do I need to march in a group?
No. We encourage anyone who would like to participate to march in the parade. Feel free to march with family and friends.
Where is the wheelchair ramp for the building?
There is one in front of the Municipal Center, right by the activities, and one on the back behind the gym. The back one is next to some of the handicapped parking. The front entry has a power assist door. Please grab a volunteer if you need help with the doors!