Pride What To Do 2019

Pride Season is finally here! The Twin Cities is playing host to an incredible gay array of fabulous parties, events, and festivals to celebrate the GLBT community. The following is a mere sampling of all the awesome rainbow happenings occurring during Pride Month.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Ginger’s Big Gay Cabaret
June 8
Amsterdam Bar and Hall, St. Paul
$30-50
www.flipphoneevents.com

Join beloved Ginger Minj for a Pride kickoff at Amsterdam Bar and Hall in St. Paul. With live singing, gay dance-offs, Ginger on roller skates (now I’m 100 percent in) and so much more. You’ll be pleased to know there’s also a meet and greet available.

Before You Know It
June 8
Excelsior Dock Cinema, Excelsior
$15
myfilmnorth.org

Check out the regional premiere of writer/director/star Hannah Pearl Utt’s 2019 Sundance hit Before You Know It, a lesbian-themed dramedy co-starring Judith Light, Alec Baldwin, and Mandy Patinkin. As part of FilmNorth’s special “Art on the Lake” screening and regional premiere of the film, Utt will be in attendance for the screening.

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

Golden Valley Pride
June 9
Brookview Park, Golden Valley
Free
www.goldenvalleypride.com

It’s one of Minnesota’s most popular Pride events for a reason. Stop by Golden Valley Pride for food trucks, live music, beer and wine gardens, activities for people of all ages, and much more. This year’s music lineup includes Roxxy Hall Band, Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, and several others.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

J-Pride’s Annual Pride Happy Hour
June 11
Urban Growler Brewing, St. Paul
facebook.com/JPrideMN

Any excuse to go to Urban Growler Brewing is a good one, but J-Pride’s Annual Pride Happy Hour is icing on the cake. Committed to uniting the GLBT community, queer Jewish people, their allies, and the surrounding communities, J-Pride is ready to celebrate Jewish GLBT Pride like never before.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

Divas & Drag
June 13
LUSH, Minneapolis
www.arbeitoperatheatre.com

I can’t think of a better way to kickstart Pride than Divas & Drag. This year’s show features Damien D’Luxe, Queen Utica, and Crystal Belle, and it will be hosted by Nadine DuBois. Presented by LUSH and Arbeit Opera Theatre, Divas & Drag is a great way to celebrate Pride and support local businesses.

Zenon Dance Company’s Final Season
June 13-16
Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts, Minneapolis
$34; $50 for Gala Evening
zenondance.org

The beloved Zenon Dance Company will perform its 36th and final season at The Cowles Center, celebrating over three decades of being the Twin Cities’ premier modern and jazz dance company. On June 15, a special Gala Performance will pay tribute to the company’s history. Experience beautiful, awe-inspiring work from choreographers that include Wynn Fricke, Colleen Thomas, Danny Buraczeski, and Luciana Achugar.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Flip Phone Drag Superstar 2019 with Tiffany Pollard (New York)
June 14
Muse Event Center, Minneapolis
www.flipphoneevents.com

The time has come: we are about to find out who the ultimate Drag Superstar 2019 is. Judged by Tiffany Pollard, Phi Phi O’Hara, Mercedes Iman Diamond, and Tygra Slarii, each contestant will have four minutes to flaunt what they’ve got. A meet and greet with Tiffany Pollard will also be available.

Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus presents Stiletto Squares: The Divas Edition
June 14-15
Ted Mann Concert Hall, Minneapolis
www.tcgmc.org

One of the Twin Cities’ most beloved performing groups, the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus will be tying a bow on the perfect Pride kickoff with Stiletto Squares: The Divas Edition. Performing at Ted Mann Concert Hall at the University of Minnesota, TCGMC will have over-the-top entertainment and audience participation, so strap on your stilettos.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Flip Phone Pride Pool Party
June 15
Sabes JCC, Minneapolis
www.flipphoneevents.com

One of Pride’s most popular events is back, so you better be ready to get wet. Join Flip Phone at the Pride Pool Party for live music by DJ Izzie P, drinks, and all things Pride. Last year’s event sold out, so you better snatch your tickets (and drink tickets… lots of them) immediately.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Twin Cities Pride Family Fun Day
June 16
Como Park East Pavilions, St. Paul
Free
www.tcpride.org

Bring your loved ones, friends, and kiddos (or doggos) for the Twin Cities Pride Family Fun Day. Enjoy free hot dogs, corn on the cob, chips, and beverages with anyone who you’re proud to have in your Pride family.

MONDAY, JUNE 17

Minnesota Freedom Band Concert
June 17
Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis
www.mnfreedomband.org

Join the Minnesota Freedom Band for a concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Enjoy sweet views of one of Minneapolis’ finest lakes and even sweet tunes from this GLBT concert, jazz, and marching band.

Gay For Good Pride Party
June 17
Surly Brewing, Minneapolis
$20
gayforgood.org/twincities

An evening of fun and celebration of Pride, with the local chapter of Gay For Good thanking their partners and volunteers, including the presentation of the Donna Dorion Volunteer Excellence Award. Enjoy delicious appetizers, music from DJ Shiek, a silent auction, and more!

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

Lavender’s Pride Score Thursday
June 20
LUSH, Minneapolis
Free
lavendermagazine.com

Okay, not to brag, but this event is pretty awesome. Join us for Pride Score Thursday at LUSH to celebrate Pride, sports, drinks, prizes… honestly, I can’t think of a reason NOT to celebrate.

Pride Weekend at eagleBOLTbar
eagleBOLTbar
Minneapolis
June 20–23
www.eagleboltbar.com

Check out eagleBOLTbar’s newly remodeled and expanded outdoor patio for Pride Weekend. Located right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, you can easily stop by every Pride Weekend event in town, though, you might never want to leave the beautiful patio. Enjoy great Pride events such as Aton’s Smoker, Scorch Fireball, and more.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

Pride Weekend at LUSH
LUSH
Minneapolis
June 21-23
Prices vary
www.lushmpls.com

It’s always Pride at LUSH, but that isn’t going to stop us from celebrating Pride Weekend at the beloved GLBT community space. Come for drinks, dancing, and to surround yourself with the greatest community anyone could ask for.

Pride Weekend at the 19 Bar
19 Bar
Minneapolis
June 21–23
www.facebook.com/The19Bar

Another great spot to celebrate Pride Weekend: the 19 Bar in Minneapolis. A legendary establishment in Minneapolis’ GLBT community, 19 Bar is ready to party—this weekend and every weekend.

Pride Weekend at the Gay 90’s
Gay 90’s
Minneapolis
June 21–23
www.gay90s.com

If you don’t go to Gay 90’s during Pride Weekend, did you even celebrate Pride Weekend? Stop by Gay 90’s for endless dancing, drinks, and so. much. PRIDE.

Pride Weekend at The Black Hart
The Black Hart of St. Paul
St. Paul
June 21–22
www.blackhartstp.com

Feel the heat with a weekend of amazing Pride celebrations at St. Paul’s The Black Hart, with a spectacular drag revue on June 21 courtesy of Xavier’s Dragged Out Pride, and a June 22 performance by Twin Cities performance outfit Red Hot Rascals.

Pride Block Party at The Saloon
The Saloon
Minneapolis
June 21–23
$25-30; $75 for 3-day pass
www.saloonmn.com

Dance up a serious sweat with The Saloon for Pride Weekend! Bump and grind all weekend long at one of the biggest block parties of the summer, with featured entertainment including DJ Naughty Boy, Keri Hilson, Tinashe, and Boogie Wonderland!

12th Annual Fruit Bowl
June 21
Memory Lanes, Minneapolis
$5-7.50
www.justushealth.org/FruitBowl

Join JustUs Health for a family-friendly, multi-generational, substance-free alternative event for Pride weekend, featuring Slaymantha Fox as your MC for the evening. Activities include free bowling, volleyball, karaoke, kids activities, a taco bar and fabulous door prizes. This is a ticketed event ($7.50 for adults or $5 for kids), however, no one will be turned away for lack of ability to purchase a ticket.

Pop Up! Pride Edition
First Avenue, Minneapolis
June 21
$15
first-avenue.com

Everyone loves a good dance party! Join DJ Shannon Blowtorch, DJ AriAtari, Dykes Do Drag, Lex Allen, NewBlackCity, and BRKFST Dance Company for the best dance party you’ve ever attended.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Pride Weekend at Café and Bar Lurcat
Café and Bar Lurcat
Minneapolis
June 22–23
lurcatminneapolis.com

While you’re enjoying all the love and rainbows in Loring Park this weekend, be sure to stop by Café and Bar Lurcat right next door for a two-day celebration of all things Pride! This year’s theme is Totally 80’s, boasting great food, amazing drinks, killer karaoke, and all the dancing you can handle! Featured DJs include Shiek, Lenka Paris, and Sxooba.

Twin Cities Pride Festival
June 22–23
Loring Park, Minneapolis
Free
www.tcpride.org

Join in the biggest Pride celebration of all! From parades to music to food to exercise to art, there’s truly something for everyone at the Twin Cities Pride Festival.

Pride in Concert featuring TLC
June 22
Loring Stage, Loring Park, Minneapolis
$20-99
tcpride.org/pride-in-concert

Don’t go chasing waterfalls, but definitely keep chasing GLBT rights. TLC will be joining this year’s Pride at Loring Stage in Loring Park. A true blast from the past while looking ahead towards a better future.

GRRRL SCOUT: Pride Summer Camp
June 22
Two locations: The Cabooze and Whiskey Junction
www.grrrlscout.com/events

It’s a queer extravaganza unlike any other. Join GRRRL SCOUT for their Pride Summer Camp on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota. Attendees will receive a wristband to allow access into The Cabooze and Whiskey Junction. Outdoor games, bars, dancing, and more!

Sandra Bernhard
June 22
Parkway Theater
Minneapolis
$59-75
www.theparkwaytheater.com

Join Sandra Bernhard at Parkway Theater for her show “Quicksand.” With cabaret music and comedic zingers, Bernhard’s show will keep you on the edge of your seat, er, sand.

Flip Phone XXL Pride
First Avenue, Minneapolis
June 22
$18-55
first-avenue.com

Join Flip Phone for XXL Pride with Manila Luzon at First Avenue. An international drag queen, Manila Luzon combines humorous themes and elegant fashion–from cartoon characters to dresses inspired by her favorite foods, she is truly one of a kind.

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

2019 Rainbow Run 5K
June 23
Minneapolis
$35
www.tcpride.org

Run like the rainbow at the 2019 Rainbow Run 5K as part of Twin Cities Pride. Wear the rainbow proudly, and run as fast as you can! Seriously, there will be a beer garden at the end of the run, so run fast.

2019 Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade
June 23
2nd Avenue, Minneapolis
Free
www.tcpride.org

There’s nothing like a Pride Parade. From the crowds of GLBT community members and allies to the plethora of rainbow flags to the feeling of unison and acceptance, nothing is quite like attending a Pride Parade. Join your Twin Cities Pride family at this year’s Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade, now with a different route due to construction.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

Stonewall Strong—Honoring 50 Years Of Rising Up
June 28
Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
www.stonewallstrong.us

Stonewall DFL invites you to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. This commemoration event will bring together community, business, and civic leaders to celebrate Minnesota GLBT history and its achievements while recognizing the never-ending resolve required to ensure a safe and equitable Minnesota. Various ticket levels available for purchase.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

One Voice Mixed Chorus: “Resistance and Resilience”
June 29-30
Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul
$30-50
www.onevoicemn.org

For a show that goes far beyond your standard entertainment, you’ll want to check out One Voice Mixed Chorus’ “Resistance and Resilience.” The two human rights movements, the African American movement and the GLBT movement, come together in song for a concert that is as powerful as it is beautiful.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

All Ages World Pride Drag Brunch
June 30
LUSH, Minneapolis
$15-22
www.lushmpls.com

Celebrate World Pride with the community and allies of all ages, all while throwing back some bottomless mimosas and buffet brunch. Pride is for everybody, regardless of age, and this brunch knows how to entertain all. Book in advance before it sells out!