50+ Ways to Celebrate Pride Month in Philly

June 1st marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time to commemorate the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn and celebrate the Pride movement and LGBTQ+ community. (Plus, did you know that Philadelphia’s first Gay Pride Day took place in 1972?) While Pride dates back over 50 years, in a present that’s seen a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills and an increase in hate crimes and threats, it’s perhaps more needed than ever. So, from drag shows to block parties, here’s how Philly is planning a month of events for the LGBTQ+ community and allies of all ages to celebrate.

First Things First

City of Philadelphia Flag Raising

The Office of LGBT Affairs will host its annual flag raising at City Hall to kick off Pride month and feature speakers from the community. This year’s theme is “Unity in Diversity.” May 31st, noon, City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.

Pride Around the City

Galaei and Visit Philadelphia will kick off Pride Weekend with a tour of the new 400-foot-long Pride flag around the city. The tour will start at the Art Museum at 9 a.m., show up at noon for the City’s ceremony (above), hit up the Manayunk Bridge around 5:30 p.m., and end in the Gayborhood around 8 p.m. May 31st, various locations.

Philly Dyke March

After a few years off, the Philly Dyke March — which organizers note is more of “a protest, a movement,” with no permit — returns. The rally gathers at 11 a.m. at Kahn Park, then takes to the streets at noon. June 1st, 11 a.m., Kahn Park, 11th and Pine streets.

“Be You” Pride March and Festival

The daylong celebration starts at 6th and Walnut streets with speeches and a morning ceremony. Then the march will begin at 10:30 a.m., ending in the Gayborhood. While floats and vehicles will not be permitted, look for the giant 400-foot-long record-breaking Pride flag! The march ends in the Gayborhood, with the Pride Festival running from noon to 7 p.m. Expect food trucks, vendors, activities and performances from Walnut to Pine streets, and Quince to Juniper streets. For 2024’s celebration, Galaei has selected “Be You” as the theme. June 2nd; march at 10:30 a.m. at 6th and Walnut streets, festival from noon to 7 p.m. in the Gayborhood.

Suburban Pride Celebrations

• Delco hosts its own Pride parade, in Media on June 1st from noon to 2 p.m. The parade is followed by Pride on State from 2:30 to 9 p.m. with events across Media: drag, crafts, dancing, performances, meet-ups, kid-friendly activities and much more.
• Narberth presents Pride at the Park, a youth-led celebration, on June 15th (see below for more details).
• Bucks and Montgomery counties have combined forces for Bucks-Mont Pride on June 30th at Abington Art Center. The fourth-annual event includes live music, food, community resources, family-friendly activities and more.
• Chester County’s PrideFest will fill Phoenixville’s Bridge Street with music, art, vendors, and activities for all ages on June 8th from noon to 5 p.m.
• Meanwhile, Doylestown gets ambitious with a weeklong Pride Festival from June 15th through 23rd, with all sorts of pop-up events, film screenings, parties and, of course, a drag brunch.

More Block Parties

Evil Genius Pride Block Party

Evil Genius kicks off Pride with an all-ages block party at their Fishtown lab. There will be live music, face-painting, food trucks, LGBTQ+-owned vendors and more. Plus, they’ll be serving their #LoveisLove strawberry blonde ale which benefits the Trevor Project. June 1st, noon-6 p.m., Evil Genius, 1727 North Front Street.

Queerapalooza

Giovanni’s Room on 12th Street is the oldest LGBTQ+ and feminist bookstore in the country. (The shop turned 50 last year!) For the second year, they’re celebrating Pride by shutting down the block for an all-day music festival. Queerapalooza will feature local queer musicians, DJs and drag performers, as well as craft, art and vintage vendors. “Dancing in the streets is strongly encouraged.” June 8th, noon-6 p.m., 12th and Pine streets.

John Jarboe: The Rose Garden

This one deserves a category unto itself because, well, there is simply nothing like it.

You may know John Jarboe as the founder of the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, but her immersive multimedia exhibit at Fabric Workshop and Museum shows she is so much more.  A visual artist, a chanteuse … a cannibal?!?

When Jarboe came out as trans, she also learned a bit about her origin story: She had originally been a twin but she “ate” her womb-mate, according to her aunt. “That’s why you are the way you are!” So Jarboe created a performance space to explore her twin that never was, her gender identity and her family. Start your journey by choosing a mother-themed teacup. You’ll need that to activate the different video installations throughout the space. Along with original music and film, The Rose Garden takes us through fraught scenes of domesticity and childhood; through birth and death, rejection and acceptance, catharsis and self-love. There is punk rock. There is a lovingly faithful yet painfully subverted Sound of Music homage. There are many rabbits.

It all culminates in “The Green Room,” what Jarboe hopes will become a hangout space for the trans and queer community. It’s cozy, it has a dress-up corner supplied by Philly AIDS Thrift, where you can “Take a Gender, Leave a Gender.” Jarboe also hopes to have performances and discussions here. And it can be accessed via a separate elevator; you don’t need a timed exhibit ticket to come relax here. And did we mention it’s free? Through September 29th, Fabric Workshop and Museum, 1214 Arch Street.

Soirées

Science After Hours: Summer Ball

The Franklin Institute’s popular adults-only event returns for the summer with a Pride-themed party and access to the museum and its roof deck. Dance in the Planetarium, watch drag performances curated by Eric Jaffe, learn about ballroom with director and choreographer Kemar Jewel, line-dance with Giddy Up Philly, play drag bingo, and more. Food and drink are available at cash bars. Tickets available online. May 31st, 7:30 p.m.-midnight, Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.

Galaei Presents: Pride Promenade

Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts an 21-plus “prom” with DJ music, drinks, dancing, and live performances by Snatcherella — including drag queens Eric Jaffe, Icon Ebony Fierce and more. When you buy tickets, you have the option of making an extra donation to fund Galaei’s Youth Queer Homecoming Dance this fall. June 1st, 8 p.m.-midnight, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Pride Weekend at W Philadelphia

W Philadelphia is celebrating Pride all weekend long with performances, parties, and more taking over the WET Deck and Bar. It kicks off on May 31st with a lineup curated by Darius Carter, including Planet B, Lauren Flax, and Justin Cudmore. Performances will take place all weekend long, with cabana packages and pool day passes available for the public to purchase online. May 31st-June 2nd, W Philadelphia, 1439 Chestnut Street.

Pride Boat Party

Sway Philly hosts their massive Pride party on the Delaware River, aboard the Moshulu. Dance the night away on four decks with DJ music, pop-up performances, bars, views and more. Tickets available online. June 1st, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., 401 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard. 

BOS presents: Opulence

BOS Philly is planning what they are calling the largest Pride party in Philly — I don’t know how official these rankings are, but it sounds like a lot of fun anyway. They’ll take over the Fillmore with DJs Alex Acosta and Brett Oosterhaus, drag queen Envy Peru (she won Drag Race Holland!), a dedicated vendor space, and lots of dancing. June 1st, 9 p.m.-4 a.m., the Fillmore, 29 East Allen Street.

Divine Tea Dance

Porkroll and Underground Concepts host an indoor/outdoor dance party outside the Divine Lorraine. DJs DEL and The NightOwl will be spinning disco and dance classics. June 9th, 3-7 p.m., the Annex at the Divine Lorraine, 699 North Broad Street.

Pride QOTA (Queers on the Avenue)

The quarterly LGBTQ+ happy hour and mixer returns after a hiatus. The night includes live entertainment and music, mixing and mingling, plus bites and sips from Ocho Rios, Pistolas Del Sur and Human Robot. June 23rd, 5-9 p.m., Society Hill Dance Academy, 1919 East Passyunk Avenue.

Sofitel en Rose

The Sofitel hosts a Pride closing party at nearby pocket park, John F. Collins. Dance to the beats of DJ Shelly, mingle with Brittany Lynn and her Drag Mafia, and purchase food and signature pink cocktails from Sofitel’s Liberté Lounge. June 27th, 5-7 p.m., John F. Collins Park, 1707 Chestnut Street.

Olympia After Hours: Pride Edition

Climb aboard Independence Seaport Museum’s World War I-era cruiser for a speakeasy-themed evening of live music, games, themed drinks (named after Philly drag artists!) and more. June 28th, 6-9 p.m., board at Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 South Columbus Boulevard.

Fun & Games

Pride Skate

The roller-rink at Dilworth is already decorated in rainbow streamers for the season, so you just need to dress up to match. The event includes drag performance by Dominique Lee, DJ music, glitter face painting, bracelet making and menu specials. June 1st, 6-8 p.m., Dilworth Park, 1 South 15th Street.

Queer Quizzo

The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts a free evening of trivia to test your knowledge of LGBTQ+ history, people and more. Come early because seating is limited. June 3rd, 6 p.m., Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street.

Philly Pride Run

The William Way Community Center, Lez Run Running Club (love the name!), and Out Philadelphia Athletic League are joining forces to bring the Philly Pride Run back for the eighth year. The run includes a 5K (chip-timed with prizes for the top three women, non-binary and men divisions) and a 1K untimed fun run with prizes for the top three most festive participants. Pre-register online. June 8th, 8 a.m., Navy Yard (Broad Street and Intrepid Avenue).

Drag

Sofitel’s Drag Tea with Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia

If you’ve been wanting to find a drag show to bring your mom to, this is probably the one — think mimosas, macarons and Madonna. Brittany Lynn headlines this posh tea with her Drag Mafia. So, get your fascinator ready (and bring some dollars for tips!). Five dollars from each ticket purchase will be donated to the Mazzoni Center. June 8th and 22nd, 2-4 p.m., Sofitel, 120 South 17th Street. 

Drag Brunches at Evil Genius

Evil Genius hosts themed Sunday drag brunches, from Taylor Swift to country to Schitt’s Creek. June 2nd, 9th, 23rd, and 30th; 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 North Front Street.

Performances at Franky Bradley’s

Mark Bee’s kitschy restaurant and bar has performances and events all Pride Month long, including:

• Xiomara’s Pepper Playhouse, June 5th, 9-11 p.m.
• Wet Betty’s Wet Dream featuring Snatcherella perfromers, June 13th, 9 p.m.
• Haus of Lickher presents Bob’s Burgers (Yes, that Bob’s Burgers. I’m just as intrigued as you are.), June 15th, 7 p.m.
  1320 Chancellor Street.

GayBINGO

For over 20 years, GayBINGO has raised money for AIDS Fund with a monthly themed bingo game hosted by the “Bingo Verifying Divas.” This month, the theme is “The Real Housewives of GayBINGO: Ultimate Girls Trip.” They’ll also be collecting new school supplies for children affected by HIV. Tickets available online. June 8th, 7 p.m., Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 North Broad Street.

Golden Gurlz Murder Mystery Brunch

It’s Brittany Lynn again, but this time she’s an iconic Miami retiree! And there’s been a murder!?! Solve a mystery with the “fab four,” play Golden Girls trivia, eat brunch, win prizes, and more at Thirsty Dice. Tickets on Tock. Live in the ‘burbs? They’ll be doing it at Thirsty Dice’s Main Line sister restaurant, Twenty One Pips, on June 9th. June 16th, 11:30 a.m., Thirsty Dice, 1642 Fairmount Avenue.

Queen for a Day

Want to pick up some makeup secrets? Brittany Lynn will share her tips while she performs a makeover! June 17th, 5:30 p.m., Queen Memorial Library, 1201 South 23rd Street.

Bark Social’s Drag Brunch

Manayunk’s “social club for dogs,” Bark Social, is hosting a dog-friendly drag show! That’s right: Your dogs are welcome (as long as they’re registered with Bark Social and have up-to-date vaccinations) to enjoy drag alongside you! June 22nd, noon, Bark Social, 3720 Main Street.

Big Wig Drag Brunches at Punch Line

Every Saturday afternoon, Big Wig hosts a themed drag brunch, from Taylor Swift to Glee. See the themes and buy tickets online. June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th at noon, Punch Line Philly, 33 East Laurel Street.

Boyfriend Material: Drag King Brunch

Mister Right hosts this all-kings brunch with performers like Hannibal Lickher, Deej Nutz, and Hugh Hammer. June 23rd, Triple Bottom Brewing, 915 Spring Garden Street.

More Drag Events with Brittany Lynn

In addition to the Sofitel’s Drag Tea, you can catch Miss Brittany Lynn and her friends for brunch and more around town. On June 15th, she hosts a Legends Only drag brunch at Tabu featuring Lisa Lisa from Bob & Barbara’s and more stars. She’s also hosting an ’80s-themed drag brunch on June 29th at the Marriott on City Avenue, and a regular, present-day drag brunch at Two Locals Brewing on June 30th. Prefer nighttime? Head to Bok Bar on June 27th at 7 p.m. for some sunset rooftop drag.

More Performances

Hilma

Wilma Theater stages the world premiere of this contemporary opera about early-20th-century queer abstract artist Hilma af Klint. The show opens on June 4th, with a special Pride Night performance on June 5th. Or, come to the June 9th matinee for a post-show panel discussion. Inspired by the play, the Wilma is holding an art show and silent auction featuring local female-, non-binary-, and queer-identifying artists from June 7th through 18th. June 4th-23rd, The Wilma Theater, 265 South Broad Street.

The Queer Show

This Pride-themed improv comedy night features LGBTQ+ performers from ComedySportz Philadelphia, and it’s BYOB! A portion of tickets sales goes to the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s Our Night Out. May 31st, 7 p.m., 2030 Sansom Street.

Slutty Poems Night

The bi-monthly sex-positive poetry-reading and open-mic night has a Pride theme this month. “Bring your hoe shit,” or just slip something into the anonymous confessions box. The event is free, but they’re accepting donations for Homies Helping Homies. June 11th, 6 p.m., Tattooed Mom, 530 South Street.

The Big, Gay Variety Show

Brittany Lynn hosts a free variety show filled with drag, live singing, burlesque and more at the Manayunk PHS Pop-Up Garden. Performers include Billy Cavallo, Victoria Cortez and DJ da BooBoo. June 13th, 7 p.m., PHS Pop-Up Garden at Manayunk, 106 Jamestown Avenue.

Queer Comedy at Fat Lady Brewing

A night of queer-inspired comedy hosted by comedians Gray West and Jim Gillespie, featuring Philly-area comedians. Tickets available online. June 15th, 8-11 p.m., Fat Lady Brewing, 4323 Main Street.

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Pride Concert

Sapphira Cristál of Drag Race fame hosts the Philadelphia Orchestra’s free annual Pride concert. Also on the bill: the ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir, the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, and the Philadelphia Voices of Pride. Tickets must be reserved online. Bonus: Don’t miss the free pre-show in the Kimmel’s Plaza beforehand — no tickets needed for that part — at 4 p.m, including drag queen story time! June 25th, 7 p.m., Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.

Kid-Friendly Events

Drag Queen Story Times

If you want to take your kid to any Philly Pride events, Drag Queen Story Time should be first on your list. Little ones will be uplifted by messages of love, individuality, and tolerance as they are regaled with stories and songs. Brittany Lynn even wrote her own children’s books, so don’t miss out on them, either!

And this year, Brittany Lynn is going for the gold. Or … the record. On June 1st at 9 a.m., she (along with the Philadelphia Gay News and Visit Philly) is attempting to set a Guinness World Record for hosting the largest drag story time reading. It’ll be held at the National Constitution Center and you can register to join and help make history here.

Here’s where to find Draq Queen Story Time all Pride Month long:

• June 1st, 9 a.m. at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street.
• June 6th, 10 a.m. at Walnut Street West Library, 201 South 40th Street.
• June 10th, 11 a.m. at Independence Library, 18 South 7th Street
• June 14th, 3:30 p.m. at Lovett Library, 6945 Germantown Avenue
• June 20th, 11 a.m. at Andorra Library, 705 East Cathedral Road

Family Pride Day at the Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute celebrates Pride with science demonstrations and shows. Drag queens Eric Jaffe and Allyria Everlasting will add a twist to the museum’s live science shows. Line-dance with Giddy Up Philly and walk the catwalk for a photo op. Plus, family-focused LGBTQ+ organizations will be there for families to learn about programs and resources in Philly. All activities are included with museum admission. June 1st, noon-4 p.m., Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.

Pride Month Kickoff at Fashion District Philadelphia

Bring the fam to celebrate in style. Show off your best Pride attire, enter your little one in the voguing and catwalk contest (for a chance to win $500 in gift cards!), and parade through the District with the Sixers Stixers drumline. June 1st, noon-4 p.m., the Cube at Fashion District Philadelphia, 901 Market Street.

Family Festival: Shine Your Light

Get free First Sunday admission to the Art Museum, and celebrate Pride with a morning of story times and art activities. June 2nd, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The Bearded Ladies Beardmobile: Check it Out!

The Bearded Ladies take their show on the road with a family-friendly show about “libraries as places of freedom for all families with special love to families who are queer, questioning, and learning who they are.” The show is hosted by “former librarian and current rock star” Sam Rise and features hip-hop collective ILL DOOTS. The performance is recommended for kids ages five to 10. June 4th, 4 p.m., Wynnefield Library, 5325 Overbrook Avenue.

Ants on a Log Pride Month Concert

Kiddie musicians with a social-justice focus, Ants on a Log will perform a free Pride concert in the Northeast. June 5th, 3:30 p.m., Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Avenue.

See more Free Library Pride events here.

Pride at the Please Touch Museum

PTM’s Pride event includes story times, a collaborative mural, musical performances, face painting, crafts and more. All activities are free with museum admission. June 8th, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.

Pride Day at Philadelphia Zoo

Celebrate Pride with a day out at the zoo. Habitats are decorated for the event, and local LGBTQ+ organizations will be there to talk about their work. Also, you can learn from a zookeeper about the wide spectrum of the animal kingdom’s own natural representation of LGBTQ+ relationships. And be sure to catch Ants on a Log’s kids’ concert on the Impala Stage at 10 a.m. All activities are included with admission. June 9th, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue.

Pride at the Park

A welcoming, educational, youth-led celebration for Narberth, Lower Merion Township, and surrounding areas. The event includes featuring LGBTQIA+ (and allied) artists, performers, organizations, and businesses. June 15th, noon-5 p.m., Narberth Park, Narberth.

Shopping

Pride Month Maker’s Market at Hyatt Centric

The Hyatt Centric is showcasing queer-owned and operated small businesses and artists. Locally made offerings include jewelry, personal care items, art and much more. The market is open to the public and free to attend. Also that day: drag bingo brunch!  June 22nd, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Hyatt Centric Center City, 1620 Chancellor Street.

The One Where Goth Shop Takes Over Pride

Bearded Noise hosts a pop-up market featuring “handmade oddities and gothy items” made by local LGBTQ+ small businesses. The event also includes a raffle raising money to help out a trans artist known as Unfortunate Cadaver (more info here). June 23rd, noon-4 p.m., Tattooed Mom, 530 South Street.

Pride Market at Philly Cheese School

Details are scant on this one so far, but PCS is planning its first-ever Pride Market, featuring local queer and trans businesses. Look out for more details on their Instagram as it gets closer. June 29th, noon-4 p.m., Philly Cheese School, 701 South 9th Street.

Food and Drink Specials

Cocktails for a Cause by FCM Hospitality

FCM Hospitality is running a month-long fundraiser across 11 venues — Liberty Point, Lucy’s, the Dolphin, Morgan’s Pier, Craft Hall, Parks on Tap, Rosy’s Taco Bar, Harper’s Garden, Lola’s Garden, Noche, Concourse Dance Bar and Juno. Each restaurant will have a drink of a different color (corresponding to the colors of Philly’s own inclusive Pride flag), and proceeds from each $12 drink will benefit the Attic Youth Center and the  William Way LGBT Community Center. June 1st-31st, various locations. 

Pride Month Flight at Jet Wine Bar

Grab an outdoor table in Jet’s mural-covered wine garden and enjoy a $35 flight of six candy-colored wines in every color of the rainbow. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to William Way. June 1st-29th, Jet Wine Bar, 1525 South Street.

Pride Specials at Kiddo

All month long, Kiddo will feature a “rainbow snack plate” on its happy-hour menu, with $4 from each benefitting Attic Youth Center:

The plate will be comprised of goat fritter with pilacca (red), pickled carrots(orange), devilled eggs (yellow), gem lettuce with Tartufo Shepard (green), pickled blueberries with oat streusel (blue), and marinated beets (purple).

And on June 2nd, they’ll be doing all-day happy hour, with a special Pride cocktail called the Juicebox (apple brandy, combier, passionfruit, lime and Downeast cider). June 1st-30th, Kiddo, 1138 Pine Street.

Pride Menu at Cake Life Bake Shop

The Beyoncé-favorite, trans-owned Fishtown bakery has rainbow sugar cookies, Fiesta Cupcakes, rainbow Funfetti cake and more colorful treats. And it’s all available for pickup or delivery. 1306 Frankford Avenue.

Evil Genius #LoveIsLove Beer

To celebrate Pride, Evil Genius is re-releasing its limited-edition #LoveIsLove strawberry blonde ale, with a portion from all sales donated to The Trevor Project. You can find the 12-ounce cans at the Evil Genius Lab in Fishtown, as well as distributed throughout city bars. Bonus: Come to their #LoveIsLove release party on June 1st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a first taste. 1727 North Front Street.

Dinner (and More) at Oloroso

The Spanish tapas restaurant will offer a one-night-only, $75 multi-course tasting menu on Wednesday, June 12th benefiting William Way. And all month long, they’ll also donate a portion of proceeds from sale of a special Jolly Green cocktail (made with gin, Midori, lime, yuzu and egg white) to William Way. June 12th, 4-9 p.m., Oloroso, 1121 Walnut Street.

Pride Specials at Wilder

On Tuesday, June 18th, Wilder will be serving Pride specials benefitting William Way: a “Paris is Burning” cocktails and rainbow pasta. June 18th, Wilder, 2009 Sansom Street.

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