Don't Miss These LGBTQ+ Pride Events in the St. Croix Valley
Some of Wisconsin's most iconic scenery is found in the St. Croix River Valley, home to the wild and scenic St. Croix waterway. Towering rocky bluffs line the winding river, which flows past charming river towns before emptying into the mighty Mississippi.
This beautiful locale is an excellent spot to escape with your family and friends, especially when you want to celebrate a little LGBTQ+ Pride. So, add these two Pride events to your calendar, then pencil in extra time before or after to explore the valley and some of the businesses owned by or supportive of the LBGTQ+ community.
To receive more information on local LGBTQ+ events, please contact the nonprofit Out in the Valley. This organization has been serving the St. Croix Falls area since 1999 and provides support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Pride at Rush River Brewing Company - River Falls
Every June, Rush River Brewing Company celebrates Pride Month by issuing a novel brew that can be paired with some great food. You and your group may be able to sample a salted lime Berliner Weisse beer, for example, or the brewery's fruity Glimmer Berliner Weiss, which holds notes of fresh mango, guava and passion fruit.
Enjoy your favored selection with a Mexican street waffle from Wilder Waffle Co., a food truck that sells both sweet and savory Belgian Liège waffles. Or indulge in some of the decadent cookies created by Mei Mei's Cookies & Creamery, a frequent event cosponsor. The company sells both traditional cookies, such as molasses and sugar, and more unusual versions, like lemon lavender, spumoni and caramel M&M. The female-owned business also offers equally inventive and scratch-made soups, fresh salads and more.
Looking for somewhere to stay? About an hour drive east in Eau Claire, rest up at either The Lismore or The Oxbow hotels. Both have been sponsers of Chippewa Valley Pride in the Park events.
Valley Wide Pride Fest - Hudson
Another great option for celebrating Pride with friends and family is Valley Wide Pride Fest in Hudson. Held at the city's scenic Lakefront Park, it drew more than 1,000 people in 2023, its inaugural year. Begin your day at the event by joining the morning yoga session, then browse the vendor booths while enjoying lots of live music. If the kids are in tow, the family-friendly event also includes crafts for kids and teens and a drag story time.
Don't miss drag bingo, where a sparkling drag queen entertains the audience while calling the bingo numbers. And, of course, there's always plenty of food and drink, including a wine and beer tent.
Speaking of suds, check out Hudson's Hop & Barrel before you return home. The brewery offers free tours on Saturdays with the purchase of a beer like their novel pastry stout, fruited sour, shandy or hazy double IPA. Food trucks are often on-site, allowing you to nosh while you sip. No worries if no trucks are present when you stop in. Hop & Barrel allows you to bring in your own food or order from one of the tasty local establishments.
Add more fun stops to your list by discovering LGBTQ+ businesses to visit while traveling in Wisconsin.
