9th Annual Northwoods Pride Festival Hosted at ArtStart on June 21

The 9th Annual Northwoods Pride Festival will take place at ArtStart in Rhinelander on Saturday, June 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a family-friendly day of celebration, education, and community connection in support of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies throughout the Northwoods. This event is hosted by Nicolet College Rainbow Hodags student club and ArtStart.

“ArtStart is the perfect venue for this event and we’re grateful for their partnership,” said Di Wu, the Northwoods Pride Festival committee chair. “The theme of this year’s Northwoods Pride is Rainbow Resilience: Breathe, Heal and Thrive, as we want to call on community awareness in mental wellness, which is especially important for LGBTQ+ individuals living in rural communities, where support and resources are often limited. We want to create a space where people can breathe, heal, and thrive—together.” 

Festival Activities

To support this mission, the festival will feature free events open to the public, including an LGBTQ+ community resource fair with local nonprofits, healthcare providers, social groups, affirming churches, government agencies and businesses offering information and support. There will also be live music, food trucks and local vendors, a family-friendly drag show, raffles and giveaways, and children’s activities.

The Northwoods Pride Festival has a fundraising goal of $6,000, which will help cover event costs and provide scholarships for LGBTQ+ students at Nicolet College.

Mama Bears Film Screening & Discussion

The festival kicks off earlier in the week on Tuesday, June 17 at 5 p.m. at Nicolet College Theatre, with a special film screening of Mama Bears, a heartfelt documentary that tells the story of conservative Christian mothers who become fierce advocates for their LGBTQ+ children.

The evening will begin with a social hour in the Lakeside Lounge, followed by the screening and a community discussion on faith, family, and LGBTQ+ acceptance.

Support and Get Involved

“It truly takes a village to make Pride happen in the Northwoods,” said Wu. “We invite all community members, businesses, and organizations to participate—whether by attending, volunteering, donating, or sponsoring. Your support matters.”

For event details, to make a donation, or to sign up as a volunteer, sponsor or vendor, please visit the Northwoods Pride Festival website.