Vermont Mad Pride March returns to Burlington for 10th year

Vermont Mad Pride will hold its 10th annual march and celebration in Burlington on July 11, 2026, with organizers framing the event as a public stand for psychiatric survivors and mad people. The day includes a march, rally, free food, community activities and accessibility supports at the First Unitarian Universalist Church.

Why it matters: - Vermont Mad Pride is designed to push back against stigma, coercion, criminalization and exclusion tied to mental health labels. - Organizers say the event centers disability justice, community care and the rights, dignity and liberation of mad people and psychiatric survivors. - The celebration aims to reclaim “mad” as identity, resistance and solidarity.

What happened: - Vermont Mad Pride 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Burlington. - The march and celebration will begin at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 152 Pearl St., Burlington, VT 05401. - The march starts at 12:00 PM at the church, heads down Church St., stops at City Hall Steps for a rally speech and then returns to the church. - Free food and community connection are planned from 1-3 PM.

The details: - Activities include connecting with Vermont-based organizations, creating collective art, peer-led yoga and intentional conversations with community members. - The event will take place outdoors in the shade and indoors. - Masks will be available for participants. - Some indoor activities will be mask-required to support community care and accessibility for mad, disabled and immunocompromised attendees. - ASL interpretation will be available for the march and activities as needed. - The church has a ramp and automated door opener on the east side. - An elevator is available after entering through that door and serves every level of the building except the Sanctuary balcony area. - All restrooms are accessible. - All-gender restrooms are on the lower level of the Meeting House. - Parking and accessibility details are available on the UU Church website. - More information is available at the event page. - General questions, access information and accessibility accommodation requests can be sent to info@madfreedomadvocates.org.

Between the lines: - The 10th annual march suggests a durable local organizing effort, not a one-time demonstration. - The mix of celebration, mutual aid and accessibility planning shows the event is built as both a protest and a community gathering. - The emphasis on visible participation signals a goal of public recognition, not just internal solidarity.

What’s next: - Community members can attend the march and celebration on July 11, 2026. - Organizers are directing attendees to the event page and email contact for updates and accessibility needs. - MadFreedom Advocates is also sharing event updates on Instagram and Facebook.