Erie Pride 365 Block Party on Aug 9

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Perry Square in downtown Erie transformed into a dynamic celebration as Erie Pride 365 hosted its second annual Pride Block Party. The free, family-friendly event emphasized joy, wellness, and intersectionality, and drew well over 300 attendees who filtered in and out throughout the day. Organized by Dalen Hooks of Central Outreach (a 2025 40 Under 40 honoree), the block party was co-hosted in collaboration with Compton's Table and Erie's Black Wall Street. The event centered Black and Brown queer voices and created a space where attendees felt "safe, seen, and celebrated."

Money Mook Dawg, a trans rapper from Pittsburgh, headlined with a high-energy multimedia performance. Erie's own Brittany Morton brought soulful sounds to the stage. Additional acts included HomeboyMusic, DJ Jaden2Waavy, and a Drag Hour hosted by Shea D'Heaux and Fasha Doll.

28 community members engaged with on-site wellness screenings and PrEP services provided by Central Outreach Erie. Erie Arts & Culture hosted interactive stretch workshops. The event also launched the Erie Pride 365 "Stamp of Approval", awarded to organizations completing S.O.G.I.E. and People & Belonging trainings.

A highlight of the day came when Ash Strange, Executive Director of the Governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, presented Dalen Hooks and Erie Pride 365 with an official proclamation declaring August 9 as Erie Pride 365 Day and honoring the event as part of Pride Month celebrations across Pennsylvania.

Booths included Erie Gay News, the Erie County Human Relations Commission, and several local LGBTQ+ and minority-owned businesses, strengthening community connections and visibility.

The event fused artistic expression, public health, and advocacy, leaving attendees not only joyful but also empowered. As organizer Dalen Hooks noted, Pride is about creating spaces where justice, health, and joy coexist-and the 2025 Block Party embodied exactly that.