Paws & Pride Dog Walk, Bellevue’s largest LGBTQIA+ event, is set to return for its second year on Saturday, June 1. This year, it will be located at Bellevue Downtown Park. Hosted by the Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA) and Eastside Pride PNW, and presented by sponsor Symetra, this event will kick off Pride Month with an array of activities and a walk around the park.
The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. with participants gathering for the walk and post-walk festivities. The festivities include a mimosa and beer garden, a RuPaw’s Dawg Costume Contest, music from DJ Puma, and a performance by Drag Queen Gaysha Starr. Additionally, the event features booths hosted by local pet-focused businesses, LGBTQIA+ organizations, and allies.
“We are delighted to support this fun, family-oriented event that champions inclusion and celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and allies on the Eastside,” said Trinity Parker, SVP and chief marketing officer at Symetra and BDA board chair. Symetra’s continued sponsorship highlights its commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
Participants are encouraged to wear bright colors and pride attire, and bringing a dog is optional. The event provides free parking at the West Main (Amazon Dynamo) building located at 85 106th Ave NE.
Donations from the event will go toward Seattle Humane in Bellevue and Lambert House, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering LGBTQIA+ youth in the greater Seattle area.
Corrinalyn Guyette, Board President of Eastside Pride PNW, expressed the organization’s enthusiasm for the event. “We’re honored to provide visibility and representation for the LGBTQIA+ community through Paws & Pride Dog Walk. Our collaboration with the Bellevue Downtown Association, City of Bellevue, and Symetra demonstrates how partnerships can lead to positive change.”
Patrick Bannon, BDA President, added, “The park is the perfect downtown setting to welcome and celebrate Pride Month as a community. We can’t wait to host Paws & Pride at one of Downtown’s favorite public gathering spaces.”
For those looking to participate, registration is open at https://www.bellevuedowntown.com/events/paws-and-pride-dog-walk.
