Friends & Co was happy to be a community partner at Lavender Magazine’s 2026 Summer of Pride Kickoff Party on Thursday, May 28, at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis — an electric and eclectic evening launching our Pride season with joy, connection, and celebration.
Hosted by Lavender Magazine and Orchestra Hall, the event welcomed hundreds of attendees from across the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ community and allied organizations.
Guests enjoyed complimentary cocktails and appetizers while connecting with local nonprofits, businesses, sports teams, and Pride organizations from throughout the region.
Supporters included: Bader, Borton Overseas, Chowgirls Catering, Crave Catering, Deco Catering, D’Amico Hospitality, DJ Shannon Blowtorch, Event Lab, Food Gallery, Minnesota Lynx, and University Baptist Church.
Lavender Magazine’s annual Pride Edition — the largest Pride issue in America — was also unveiled during the evening, highlighting Lavender’s longstanding commitment to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, stories, organizations, and community throughout Minnesota and beyond.
For Friends & Co, one of the highlights of the evening was seeing so many familiar faces in the crowd — longtime volunteers, donors, advocates, and friends who continue to support our mission. We were equally excited to meet new community members who signed up to volunteer and become involved in our mission that celebrates aging through community-led service that fosters meaningful connections for everyone. Like Lavendar Magazine, we enthusiastically welcome all comers to make a reality of our vision of a world where every older adult thrives in meaningful relationships and belongs to a caring, vibrant community.
Events like Lavender’s Summer of Pride Kickoff remind us just how powerful community can be when people come together in celebration, visibility, and care for one another.
Our sincere thanks to Lavender and Orchestra Hall for creating such a welcoming and joyful start to Pride season. We’re honored to have been part of it.
