Rochester's annual Pride festivities are a time when the LGBTQ and allied communities can come together to have fun, celebrate our diversity, and maybe have a few cocktails while we're at it. The recent events of this year have showed exactly why pride events are still necessary today, and they've also proved why it's more important than ever that we move forward in solidarity. New York State's largest pride festival north of New York City, ROC Pride brings with it eight full days of fabulous events.

The celebration kicks off Friday, July 8, with a party at Ontario Beach Park, starting at 5 p.m. Things continue with the Pride Games on Sunday, July 10, and include a 5K run, and golf, tennis, and volleyball tournaments. The popular Pride Parade will be held on Saturday, July 16, at 1 p.m., and the Pride Festival — promising games, activities, acoustic music, and other entertainment — continues over Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17 at Cobbs Hill Park. Tickets to the festival are $10 on Saturday and $5 on Sunday. A weekend pass option that includes both days is available for $10 (through July 13 only).

Other planned events are a "Sassy in the Southwedge" networking happy hour; film screenings; The Art Walk at the Fest; and a number of other events throughout the week. More information and a complete schedule can be found at gayalliance.org/pride.