Pride Month is underway. The commemorative month recognizes the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions and impact. We’ve compiled a list of inclusive events in Winston-Salem you don’t want to miss. Editor’s note: Some festivities have adult themes and age restrictions so be sure to check the full details before you go.
🌈 Festival and parade
Pride Winston-Salem will host the annual Festival, Parade, and Food Truck Rodeo downtown on Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Organizers expect ~45,000 people to attend this year’s event.
Everyone is welcome to attend the event — no ticket or RSVP is required. The parade begins on 4th Street at 11 a.m. Food trucks will be set up along Liberty Street. The main festival will be on Trade Street in the Downtown Arts District, where live music, entertainment, activities, and over 100 vendors will be selling goods and services.
🌈 Other Pride events
- “The Ritz” | Friday, June 14 + Saturday, June 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Ihrie Theatre, Jamie Lawson Auditorium, 650 W. 6th St. | $19-$21 | See the comedy about a middle-aged man who finds himself in a Manhattan bathhouse in the mid-1970s — rated R for adult situations.
- Speakeasy Drag Brunch | Sunday, June 16 | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Vintage Sofa Bar, Rosemary Room, 1001 Burke St. | $20 | Watch performances from Miss Pride Winston-Salem 2024 and other drag performers during one of two seatings — for 21+ years old.
- LGBTQ Book Club | Sunday, June 16 | 4-5 p.m. | Bookmarks, 634 W. 4th St., Ste. 110 | Free | Discuss Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s novel “Chain Gang All Stars”, which is set in the American prison system.
- SAGE Youth Club | Friday, June 21 | 5-7 p.m. | North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center, 930 Burke St. | Free, RSVP | Youth in middle and high school are invited to celebrate diversity and build friendships at this monthly meetup where dinner is provided.
- Mural Refresh | Friday, June 21 | 7-10 p.m. | 6th and Trade streets | Free | Grab a paintbrush and help add a fresh coat of paint to the Pride crosswalk mural during ART Crush.
- Pride Party | Saturday, June 22 | 10 p.m.-12 a.m. | Dram & Draught, 486 N. Patterson Ave., Ste. 120 | Free entry | Patrons 21 and older can enjoy specialty cocktails and jam to music from DJ McNice.
- Hel’s Pride Party | Saturday, June 22 | 3 p.m. | Hel’s, 545 N. Trade St. | Free entry | The party for everyone 21 and older will feature local drag performers, drink specials, and a dance party extravaganza with DJ Nativa.
- Weekend Wrap-Up Brunch | Sunday, June 23 | 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Katharine Brasserie and Bar, 401 N. Main St. | $20 + cost of purchase | Reminisce on memories made at this year’s parade and festival over a good meal during one of two seatings.
- “Party” | Thursday, June 27-Sunday, June 30 | Showtimes vary | Ihrie Theatre, Jamie Lawson Auditorium, 650 W. 6th St. | $19-$21 | Watch what happens when a group of gay men play a party game called “Facts and Fantasies” — rated R for nudity.
- “Paris is Burning” Screening | Friday, June 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Camel City Playhouse, 110 W. 7th St. | $10 | See the 1990 documentary that explored the underground subculture of ballroom dance and performance in New York City’s African American, Latino, gay, and transgender communities. An afterparty will follow at Hel’s.
- Pride Party and Drag Karaoke | Saturday, June 29 | 7:30-11:30 p.m. | Foothills Brewing Tasting Room, 3800 Kimwell Dr. | Come early to shop the vendor market from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. then sing your heart out during karaoke hosted by CC Labrie.
Know about an event we missed? Add it to our events calendar.
🌈 Other ways to get involved
If you’re looking for ways to support the LGBTQ+ community year-round, consider making a donation or volunteering with one of these local organizations.
- Pride Winston-Salem | The nonprofit works to provide programs, education, and resources.
- North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center | The center at 930 Burke St. provides a space to gather and resources like free health screenings and peer support.
- OUT at the Movies | The LGBTQ+ film nonprofit provides financial support for film production and will host the 2024 OUT at the Movies International Film Festival Oct. 3 through Oct. 6 in Winston-Salem.