PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Last weekend’s LGBTQ Pride March and Festival was just the beginning of a fully packed Pride Month. Philadelphia community groups are pulling out all the stops to celebrate love — even a Prom Night for LGBTQ youth.
You want to dance through Pride Month? You can do that. But dancing is just the tip of the iceberg.
There are also drag brunches, drag dinners, drag storytimes, dance parties, cabarets, concerts, comedy shows, art-making experiences, queer book clubs, film screenings, festivals, game nights, athletic gatherings, events for queer youth — and gay bingos — scattered throughout the month of June and beyond. Check out Philly Gay Calendar for a comprehensive listing of LGBTQ events.
In the meantime, check out these colorful highlights.
Pride Month at the National Constitution Center
DATE/TIME: Daily through June 30
WHERE: National Constitution Center
DETAILS: Learn how members of America’s LGBTQ communities fought for inclusion by exercising their First Amendment rights and battling the courts throughout history.
PRICE: $11 - $15
Philly Pride Run
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 10, 8 - 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: The Navy Yard, 4747 S. Broad Street
DETAILS: Don’t panic, it’s only a 5K — through the scenic Navy Yard, hosted by Philly Pride Run and the William Way LGBT Community Center
PRICE: Free
Queerapalooza: 50 year Anniversary
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 10, noon to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Philly AIDS Thrift at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th Street
DETAILS: This outdoor block party at the historic LGBTQ bookstore Giovanni’s Room will feature local queer bands, musicians, DJs, and drag performers, as well as vendors selling artwork, crafts and vintage items.
PRICE: Free
Delaware County Pride Festival
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 10, 1 - 6 p.m.
WHERE: Upper Darby Township Municipal Building, 100 Garrett Road, Upper Darby
DETAILS: Activities for all ages, as well as vendors, live music performances, a DJ, dancing, face painting, nail painting, and more.
PRICE: Free (requires ticket)
Philly Gayborhood and LGBTQ History Walking Tour
DATE/TIME: Saturdays, June 10 and 17, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: 13th and Locust streets
DETAILS: LGBTQ travelers, locals and friends: Get your facts straight and your history gay on this specialty tour of Philadelphia’s iconic Gayborhood. Discover the controversies, paradoxes, and hidden histories of the only formalized Gayborhood in the country.
PRICE: $49
P.S. There’s also a bar crawl version of the tour that runs on the same days, 5 - 7:30 p.m., for $39. (Drinks are not included.) Features LGBTQ history, three LGBTQ-owned bars, drink specials, and cute tour guides.
Pride Celebration at the Please Touch Museum
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 10, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic
DETAILS: For the wee ones, ages 2 to 6, and their families — there’s storytime, a disco dance party and puppet-making. There will also be time for face painting, musical expression, a collaborative mural, and more.
PRICE: $22
Pride Day at Philadelphia Zoo
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: The Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue
DETAILS: If furry and feathered friends are more your speed, the Philadelphia Zoo gets into the spirit.
PRICE: $25
Chester County Pride Fest
DATE/TIME: June 10, noon - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Phoenixville (Bridge and Main streets)
DETAILS: Celebrate LGBTQ talent in your community with artists, performances, poetry, political partners, and high school advocacy groups.
PRICE: Free
Afternoon Drag Tea
DATE/TIME: Saturdays, June 10, 17 and 24, 2 - 4 p.m.
WHERE: Chez Colette Brasserie, Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, 120 S. 17th Street
DETAILS: Sofitel is famous for its classic afternoon tea service — but Philadelphia drag queen Brittany Lynn and her Drag Mafia are putting queer spin on a time-honored tradition.
PRICE: $75
Sip City Queer Prom of Your Dreams
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 10, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
WHERE: W Philadelphia, 1439 Chestnut St
DETAILS: Many queer kids didn't get to have a great prom in high school, so Sip City is throwing a Prom "redo." Get dressed up, dance the night away, and celebrate your true self! We are all royal on this special night.
PRICE: $77 - $145
GALAEI Presents: Queer Prom
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June, 10, 9 p.m. - 11:55 p.m.
WHERE: Philadelphia Museum of Art
DETAILS: Live your best prom fantasy, while supporting and affirming queer kids. The cost of your ticket helps fund GALAEI’s annual Queer Prom, an evening of all-inclusive prom festivities for area youth (ages 16-20). Queer prom is an ongoing tradition for over 25 years, and this year’s theme is: “Queer Fashion Through History.” Enjoy live music provided by DJ Delish, and performances by Icon Ebony Fierce and Luna The Jawnette.
PRICE: $10 - $50
PJ Pride Storytime
DATE/TIME: Monday, June 12, 5 - 6 p.m.
WHERE: Andorra Library, 705 E Cathedral Rd., Philadelphia
DETAILS: Children and families are invited to this early-evening event. Pop on your cutest pajamas and listen to Miss Molly tell stories of love, diversity and acceptance.
COST: Free
Drag Queen Storytime
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Andorra Library, 705 E Cathedral Rd., Philadelphia
DETAILS: Join Philly drag queen Brittany Lynn for more stories about love, diversity and acceptance.
COST: Free
Drag Queen Storytime with Navaya Shay
DATE/TIME: Thursday, June 15, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Parkway Central Library
DETAILS: Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to join the fabulous Navaya Shay and Miss Liz, who will take turns reading books and singing songs about self-expression and belonging.
COST: Free
Science After Hours: Summer Ball at The Franklin Institute
DATE/TIME: Friday, June 16, 7:30 - 11:30 p.m.
WHERE: Franklin Institute
DETAILS: The category is … “Self Reflect(ive)” — a Pride celebration with a focus on mental health and feeling good about yourself. Be bold with your looks: Wear your shiniest jumpsuit, your most dazzling sequined skirt, and be ready to walk our illuminated runway dressed to the nines (even though everyone knows we’re all 10s).
COST: $40
Philadelphia Freedom Band Concert
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. - noon
WHERE: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St.
DETAILS: All are invited to join the Philadelphia Freedom Marching Band in celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month and the culmination of Flag Fest with a Flag Raising Ceremony and Concert at the Betsy Ross House. Enjoy the music of Elton John, Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, Blink 182, Dua Lipa, and many more! You don’t want to miss our special guest flag-raiser!
COST: Free
Prideteenth
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 17, noon - 4 p.m.
WHERE: 6945 Germantown Ave.
DETAILS: Galaei & Philly Family Pride are hosting the second annual Pride Teenth festival celebration centering Black LGBTQ+ families. PrideTeenth- A Juneteenth Festival Centering Black LGBTQ+ Families
PRICE: Free
Pride Day at Parks on Tap
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 17, noon - 6 p.m.
WHERE: Dickenson Square Park, 1600 E Moyamensing Ave.
DETAILS: Come out for a day of music, cocktails and camaraderie benefiting LGBTQ nonprofits.
PRICE: Pay as you go
Woodbury Heights Pride Festival
DATE/TIME: June 17, 4 - 9 p.m.
WHERE: Woodbury Heights Starbucks, 1006 Mantua Pike, Woodbury Heights, N.J.
DETAILS: Free outdoor concert and celebration.
COST: Free
Family Pride Day at The Franklin Institute
DATE/TIME: June 17, noon - 4 p.m.
WHERE: Franklin Institute
DETAILS: It’s Pride with a side of science for the entire family. Join us for a special day of programming that highlights the contributions of some of the amazing Philadelphia organizations that help uplift, educate, and nourish our LGBTQ+ community, especially our young members and their families. Celebrate with one-of-a-kind experiences that blur the line between science and performance for some of the most whimsical shows and demonstrations you have ever seen.
PRICE: $21 - $25
PRIDE Solstice: the Philadelphia Freedom Band in Concert
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 21, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Shakespeare Park, 1901 Vine Street
DETAILS: Put on your dancing shoes and join the Philadelphia Freedom Marching Band on the longest day of the year, as they perform a selection of songs by Elton John, Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, Blink 182, Dua Lipa, and many more.
COST: Free
Philadelphia Phillies Pride Night
DATE/TIME: June 23, 7:05 - 9 p.m.
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park
DETAILS: The Philadelphia Phillies invites all members of the LGBTQ community, and their family and friends, to celebrate Pride at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies host the New York Mets. (Good luck, Mets. You’re gonna need it.)
COST: $23 - $58
Lower Merion and Narberth’s Pride
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 24, noon - 6 p.m.
WHERE: Narberth Park, 80 Windsor Ave, Narberth
DETAILS: This Montco pride celebration — created and organized by local students — features a day full of live music, local artists and vendors, and food.
COST: Free
Trek Philadelphia Manayunk Pride Ride
DATE/TIME: Sunday, June 25, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
tete The Landing Kitchen, 617 Righters Ferry Rd., Bala Cynwyd
DETAILS: Everyone is welcome to join us on this casual cruise. You bring your family, coworkers, neighbors and friends — we’ll bring tasty snacks, drinks and free goodies (for you and your bike), while supplies last.
COST: Free (requires ticket)
Bucks-Mont PRIDE Festival
DATE/TIME: Sunday, June 25, noon - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Abington Art Center, 515 Meetinghouse Rd, Jenkintown
DETAILS: Enjoy live music, food, community resources, family-friendly activities, and more at this free, indoor/outdoor event.
COST: Free
The Road to Equality, 1950-2023
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 28 at 12:45 - 1:45 p.m.
WHERE: Grand Hall Overlook, National Constitution Center; and live-streamed (register here)
DETAILS: This hour-long illustrated presentation examines what it was like to be queer in the ’50s and ’60s — a time in America when anyone who was different was demonized, medicated or arrested — and Philadelphia’s response: the Annual Reminders demonstrations that occurred every Fourth of July from 1965 to 1969 in front of Independence Hall. They were the first organized, regularly recurring protests for gay rights in the country, and they paved the way for the protests, marches, demonstrations that grew from the 1969 Stonewall riots.
PRICE: Free
Debunking the Myths of Stonewall: an Evening with Mark Segal
DATE/TIME: Thursday, June 29, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Parkway Central Library
DETAILS: The Stonewall rebellion is an event shrouded in myths, but there are some among us who were there — and who remember what happened — such as Mark Segal, publisher of The Philadelphia Gay News. His story speaks louder than the click-clack of a drag queen’s heels.
COST: Free (requires ticket)