THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AT THE

GRAND OPENING!

August 30th | 12 PM - 7 PM
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
4805 Edgemoor Lane Bethesda, MD 20814

AUGUST 30th, 2025 marked the GRAND OPENING of MoCo Pride Center, the first physical LGBTQIA+ resource center in Maryland's most populous county!

The Grand Opening was an amazing success thanks to the hard work and passion of so many people. Since 2017 MoCo Pride Center, Inc. has been looking to create an affirming space where the LGBTQIA+ community of Montgomery County can receive consistent service and care, and now we have it!

To our amazing volunteers, speakers, interpreters, performers, artists, vendors, photographers, security, custodial workers, property managers, families, and those of you that just showed up to support us: thank you. This is a place for EVERYONE, and we are so excited to welcome you through our doors. We are not going ANYWHERE! Revisit some of the history below.

Read our press release

What is MoCo Pride Center?

Grand Gallery

Relive the magic of this day with photos by Jude Scheidt/ExclamationImagery!

EVENT PROGRAM

Vendor Market

12 PM - 5 PM
1st floor green

From 12 PM to 5 PM, walk through our beautiful vendor area upstairs on the lawn. We’ll feature a combination of LGBTQIA+ owned small businesses, artists, civic leaders, non-profit organizations, and even healthcare advocates. Visit a booth and meet the leaders of your community, and come back to B-CC every month for another market.

STI/HIV Testing

12 PM - 5 PM
Mobile testing unit, street level

From 12 PM to 5 PM, you can get yourself tested for HIV and other STIs, courtesy of our testing partner Us Helping Us. MoCo Pride Center holds testing EVERY WEEK — check out our full testing schedule for the year here.

Indoor and Outdoor Activities — all ages

12 PM - 7 PM
Wisconsin Room, 1st floor green

We have some incredible activities planned for the whole day! Visit the indoor area on the 2nd floor for face painting, a Drag Story Hour, crafting sessions, origami classes, science demos, and so much more! Outside, party with bubbles, hula hoops, ribbons, and more under the watchful eyes of our engaging volunteers. Check our posters throughout the event for timed activities.

Opening Remarks and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

12:10 PM - 1:00 PM
Front entrance, 1st floor

Kick off our event with rousing speeches from County Councilmembers, local leadership, MoCo Pride Family staff, and state and federal offices! Then, after Opening Remarks conclude, witness the official opening of MoCo Pride Center! There will be cheers, photos, and also cupcakes…

Performances

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Fountain stage, street level

We have a phenomenal Run of Show for you today that includes drag artistry, live music, dance, and even fire-eating. Hosted by Javon Love and DJ’d by Franky J, you won’t want to miss a second of this action-packed schedule. Visit the stage at 4:30 PM for the reveal of our big giveaway winner!

Office Tours

1:15 PM - 7:00 PM
2nd floor offices

After the ribbon-cutting, we invite you to take a tour of the NEW MoCo Pride Center offices! We have 2 tours every hour running for the public! Learn about what services we provide, our upcoming events, and take a tour of our beautiful library.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
1st floor green

Fitness Classes

Move your body with MoCo Pride Center! During our Grand Opening, you can attend a FREE fitness class led by Coach Marcos with MoCo Crossfit, or a FREE evening yoga class with certified instructor Chris. Beginners welcome! Register in advance here.

Library Dedication

2:00 PM
2nd floor offices

Please join us in commemorating the opening of the Kason Mordechai Smith Inclusive Books Library and LGBTQIA+ Archive, the first of its kind in Montgomery County. You can learn more about our collection online here! Help us honor Kason’s legacy with your attendance.

Final Remarks and Close-Out

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Fountain stage, street level

To conclude the event, you’ll hear again from our Pride Center staff, and then DJ Franky J will play us out. We hope you enjoy your visit to MoCo Pride Center!