After an exciting month of celebrating Pride in the Seattle area, it might feel like the party is over. But thanks to the Rainbow Center in Tacoma, it doesn't have to be. If you are willing to make the short trek south, new opportunities to celebrate await.

Tacoma Pride is happening this weekend, on Saturday, July 10. Although June is Pride Month, Tacoma celebrates July as to not conflict with Seattle's events and to keep the party going a bit longer.

Last year, as with most major events, Tacoma Pride Festival plans and activities were restricted. Although this year's events aren't quite the same as pre-COVID years, there will be opportunities to celebrate and gather.

According to a press release from the Rainbow Center's executive director, Troy Christensen, "As restrictions are lifting, we anticipate larger gatherings than last year. Holding our celebrations in July rather than June now has the added benefit of another month of vaccinations."

While the Tacoma Pride parade on July 10 will be virtual for community safety, the Rainbow Center has come up with a different way for people to participate. The new, main event for 2021, "Points of Pride," is a way for businesses and organizations to show support to for the LGBTQ community. Dozens of agencies and businesses will be stopping points where Pride-goers will receive special deals, such as discounted products, 2021 Pride collectibles, or signature cocktails, both on July 10 and other summer dates (details at tacomapride.org). So far, more than a hundred "Points of Pride" partners are registered .

The Rainbow Center has a history of attracting large crowds for Pride. In order to keep people engaged and satisfied, Marsh Samuela, the center's celebrations manager, has had to be creative. Samuela said, "We want to make sure we uphold that reputation." To do that, Samuela has had to come up with a mix of virtual and in-person activities to keep people safe and celebratory in the age of COVID.

Although "Points of Pride" is this year's signature event, there are many others before, on, and after July 10. Some are for the whole family, such as a parking lot party at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, the Tacoma Pride Awards ceremony, the 5k Run Stride with Pride, a Grand Cinema–sponsored film in Wright Park, and LGBTQ Family Days at Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. There are also adult-only events, including at Wooden City, Browne Family Vineyards, Alma Mater and a block party at The Mix.

To learn more about "Points of Pride" or other Pride events in Tacoma, go to tacomapride.org.