WPLN’s Rachel Iacovone and Paper TridentCanva
Share:
Pride Month is just ramping up, but with more than 50 events in Middle Tennessee this year, there are more gatherings than days in June.
These celebrations come as tensions have continued to rise over being LGBTQ+ and proud in conservative-led states like Tennessee.
In modern times, Pride has become a happy time of rainbows and glitter and dancing and drinking, but the history that led to the celebration is dark. And in Tennessee, legislation is increasingly targeting members of the community. (In 2023, Tennessee had enacted more anti-LGBTQ laws than any other state, according to the Human Rights Campaign.)
You can catch glimpses of that in the descriptions of many Pride parties happening this month. You’ll see proceeds benefitting groups like Just Us at the Oasis Center, Inclusion Tennessee, the Tennessee Equality Project and more. A lot of these organizations’ goals are to continue the fight for LGBTQ rights.
More: Murfreesboro to pay $500,000 in settlement over its anti-LGBTQ ordinance
It’s not all been politically tense between Junes. The queer community and its allies have also rallied around news for LGBTQ Tennesseans this year — like the historic vote by the United Methodist Church to repeal its longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy and marriages within the denomination, or the expansion of beloved lesbian bar Lipstick Lounge with its upcoming women’s sports bar, Chapstick.
Below, WPLN News has compiled a “Pride Guide” for the dozens of events in the region.
Many of the events are outside, so be prepared for the heat this month and stay hydrated!
Did we miss a Pride event in the area? Email us.
Saturday, June 1
Pride Party Workout at Jackalope Brewing — 11 a.m.
This full-body workout, taught by Tone & Tap, is followed by a complimentary pint of your favorite Jackalope brew at the brewery’s Wedgewood-Houston location in Nashville. A portion of the ticket sales for this event, plus a portion of beer sales from Jackalope Brewing all June, will be donated to Just Us at the Oasis Center. The local non-profit is dedicated to helping LGBTQ youth achieve their full potential.
Franklin Pride — 12 p.m.
Franklin Pride‘s purpose is to “celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals their families, and allies in a safe setting where all participants experience equality and acceptance.” The schedule for the daylong event is packed with entertainment from music to food vendors. Both entry and parking are free.
Bath & Body Nashville Pride Pool Party feat. Naomi Smalls — 6 p.m.
This Pride Month kick-off is being held at the Virgin Hotels Nashville pool with special guest Naomi Smalls of RuPaul’s Drag Race as well as several other performers and DJs. There will also be a charity auction with proceeds donated to the Just Us at the Oasis Center and Inclusion Tennessee. Tickets start at $25.
Pride Month – NSH vs NE — 7:30 p.m.
Nashville SC faces New England Revolution on the first day of Pride Month, and the usual entertainment has gotten an LGBTQ spotlight with the halftime and national anthem performed by Morgxn. Plus, Julien Baker, of boygenius, will kick off the match with a guitar riff. Match tickets begin around $22.
Sunday, June 2
Bluegrass Pride 1st Sundays Pickin’ Party — 2 p.m.
Bluegrass Pride, which recruits, encourages and supports LGBTQ bluegrassers of all levels, is hosting its first jam of its monthly series at Canvas in East Nashville. After Pride, this event will continue every first Sunday of the month.
Screenings on the Steps: The Birdcage — 7 p.m.
The W Nashville is hosting a Pride Month edition of screenings on the Spanish steps. This time, with the Tennessee Pride Chamber, the outdoor movie viewings will celebrate LGBTQ voices and stories. It’s free to attend, but bar service will also be available for purchase — with a portion of proceeds going back to the Tennessee Pride Chamber. First up is ‘90s comedy-drama “The Birdcage.”
Thursday, June 6
Pride Night Market — 5 p.m.
This night market, hosted by EXIT Real Estate Experts, features 20+ vendors offering their handmade art, goods and food for sale in Old Hickory. Proceeds will benefit PFLAG, one of the largest national organizations supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ people.
Friday, June 7
Nashville Pride Turn About ’24 — 7 p.m.
Turn About returns at Play in Nashville. See your favorite staff and community members “all dragged up” with proceeds benefitting Nashville Pride. This is a non-ticketed event, but the cover is typically $15+ at Play.
Saturday, June 8
Upper Cumberland Pride Festival 2024 — 11 a.m.
This daytime Pride festival at Dogwood Park in Cookeville is the 12th annual for the Upper Cumberland Pride organization. All events are family-friendly. Entry is free.
Pulaski Pride 2024 — 1 p.m.
Pulaski’s 4th annual Pride event is family-friendly, including face painting, vendors, food, entertainment, activities, resources, and more. The organizers describe it as “nothing but positive vibes and love.”
Pride at PROOF: Rooftop Drag — 2 p.m.
This event at W Nashville‘s rooftop bar, PROOF, is part of its monthlong series of performances by LGBTQ DJs and performers every weekend. This kickoff features drag performances by queens Vidalia Anne Gentry and Justine Van de Blair with music from DJ Housequake.
Pride Paint & Sip — 5 p.m.
This artsy option in Clarksville, hosted by Blossom Robertson and Shangri-La Hot Yoga, will guide you through creating a painting while sipping on wine. Included in your $35+ ticket is the paint supplies, your painting to take with you, and one glass of wine.
Pride Month Indie Artist Spotlight at Frankie J’s — 7 p.m.
Germantown queer bar Frankie J’s is hosting an indie artist spotlight filled with music from emerging artists Daena, Kisos, and Abby Nissenbaum. While supporting these LGBTQ artists, there will be drink specials (and mocktails) available. The owners encourage rainbow and/or LGBTQ-themed attire.
Sunday, June 9
Girlies Just Wanna Have Fun Drag Brunch — 12 p.m.
This drag brunch at Commons Club in Virgin Hotels Nashville will be hosted by Vidalia Anne Gentry. It includes brunch food and bottomless mimosas as you watch performances by Nashville queens nodding to ‘80s star Cyndi Lauper. Reservations are recommended.
Affirming Hendersonville — 2 p.m.
This family-friendly free block party and market in Hendersonville aims to create a safe and loving space for all. The event is to connect the community with local businesses, vendors, service providers and organizations embracing diversity and equality. Plus, there are activities for kids and food trucks.
Sunday Mixer x Brewing Up Business — 3 p.m.
Tennessee Pride Chamber and Franklin Pride host monthly meetups, typically at Party Fowl’s Cool Springs location. Admission is free and includes complimentary appetizers, happy hour pricing and door prizes.
Screenings on the Steps: Bottoms — 7 p.m.
The W Nashville is hosting a Pride Month edition of screenings on the Spanish steps. This time, with the Tennessee Pride Chamber, the outdoor movie viewings will celebrate LGBTQ voices and stories. It’s free to attend, but bar service will also be available for purchase — with a portion of proceeds going back to the Tennessee Pride Chamber. Next up is the recent sapphic hit, “Bottoms.”
Nashville Pride Pageant: Let’s Get Animated! — 7 p.m.
This Nashville Pride pageant, hosted at Play, asks participants to come dressed as their favorite animated character from any movie, game, TV show or media. There is a fee of $80 to be part of the pageantry, but attending as an audience member will only cost you the door cover (typically $15).
Wednesday, June 12
Nashville Pride Spirituality Night — 7 p.m.
This multi-faith event returns with a community-wide service at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville. The annual spirituality night celebrates the LGBTQ community’s worth, value and sacredness as people of faith, while sharing traditions and rituals from respective groups.
Friday, June 14
Willow Pill at Play — 8 p.m.
RuPaul’s Drag Race season 14 winner Willow Pill is performing at Play in Nashville during the 9 and 11 p.m. shows. General admission is $20, or $30 to include a meet and greet between showtimes.
Saturday, June 15
Beyoncé Drag Brunch — 11 a.m.
The Electric Jane in Nashville is hosting a Beyoncé-themed drag brunch. Organizers say to be ready to dance to all your favorite songs, BeyHive! But they note costumes are optional. Tickets are $18 for entry.
Pushups + Prosecco x Diskin: PRIDE Yoga+Strength — 11 a.m.
Pushups + Prosecco is hosting an inclusive fitness event for Pride at Diskin Cider in Wedgewood-Houston. The yoga and strength class is donation-based, but net proceeds will go to Inclusion Tennessee. Your attendance gets you, in addition to the workout, 10% of Diskin’s flagship ciders.
Inclusion Tennessee presents Drag Brunch — 12 p.m.
This drag brunch is presented by Inclusion Tennessee. It will be at City Winery in downtown Nashville — with tickets beginning at general admission for $20.
Sunday, June 16
Screenings on the Steps: To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! — 7 p.m.
The W Nashville is hosting a Pride Month edition of screenings on the Spanish steps. This time, with the Tennessee Pride Chamber, the outdoor movie viewings will celebrate LGBTQ voices and stories. It’s free to attend, but bar service will also be available for purchase — with a portion of proceeds going back to the Tennessee Pride Chamber. Next up is ‘90s comedy-drama “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything!”
Thursday, June 20
Puppies & Pride Pet Fest — 5 p.m.
Your dreams of shopping with both your partner and your dog can be realized at this event in The Mall at Green Hills. Dogs are allowed inside for one night only while their humans are encouraged to dress their furry friends up for the Pride costume contest. There will also be music, photo booths, food and cocktails, plus puppy treats. The event will benefit the Nashville Humane Association.
Queer & Cumbia Pre-Pride Party — 5:30 p.m.
Dominican DJ Dame Luz plus Tony Baby and Coqueta will be bringing the sounds of cumbia to White Limozeen — yes, that bright pink rooftop you’ve likely seen all over Instagram. An RSVP guarantees you access, but not necessarily a pool chair. Along with the dancing, the patio bar will be offering drink specials to kick off Nashville’s Pride weekend.
Nashville Pride Kick-Off Party — 6 p.m.
Nashville Pride’s official kick-off event is taking place at the W Nashville. It will feature performances by Gottmik, Delta Granta, ObSINity, Venus Ann Serena and DJ Seizure. The $25 tickets support Nashville Pride and include access to the party, food, drinks and entertainment.
Nashville Pride Comedy Show — 7:30 p.m.
A whole lineup of LGBTQ comedians is coming to The Lab at Zanies in Nashville. It includes Perplexity, Sean Flanagan, Justine Van de Blair, Miriam Kirk, and headliner Ian Aber, all hosted by James Holiday. Tickets are $20 with a minimum of two menu items ordered per person.
Hip-Hop Karaoke: Pride Edition — 8 p.m.
The National Museum of African American Music in downtown Nashville kicks off its Pride weekend events with a special edition of its hip-hop karaoke. The $10 ticket includes access to local vendors and a cash bar, plus discounted parking on the premises.
Friday, June 21
The Message: The Revolutionary Power of Ballroom — 5 p.m.
The National Museum of African American Music and Music City ACC is hosting this chance to celebrate and honor ballroom culture and the contributions of the LGBTQ community to Black music and culture. Tickets, starting at $25, include access to the cash bar and local vendors, plus discounted parking in downtown Nashville.
2DP: A B2B QDP Pride Celebration — 9 p.m.
The monthly celebration of queerness that is Nashville’s Queer Dance Party gets so big during Pride that organizers have moved venues to Brooklyn Bowl and kept the party going on both Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets start at $21.
Jorgeous at Play — 9 p.m.
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Star Jorgeous returns to her old stomping grounds during Pride. The former PlayMate is performing at Play in Nashville during the 9 and 11 p.m. shows. General admission is $20, or $30 to include a meet and greet between showtimes.
Saturday, June 22
Tiny Pride — 9 a.m.
If the big event isn’t quite your speed, while Pride is going on downtown, Matryoshka Coffee in South Nashville is hosting a miniature version. This vendor fair-type event will be hosted on the coffeeshop’s lawn and feature live portraits and chain stitching.
Nashville Pride Parade — 10 a.m.
The Nashville Pride Parade takes place on Broadway between 8th Avenue and 2nd Avenue. Often, the audience lined up along the parade route brings signs and flags to wave. The parade is free to attend.
Nashville Pride Festival — 11 a.m.
Nashville‘s Pride festival will once again be hosted in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Saturday and Sunday for all-day music and entertainment plus vendors, food and drinks. Saturday night’s artists include Tinashe, Slayyyter, and Shea Couleé. Tickets start at $10 for general admission.
Pride Concert with Chelsea Cutler — 5 p.m.
This Pride concert will feature Chelsea Cutler at Harriett’s Rooftop in the 1 Hotel Nashville. During the show, the bar will be offering cocktails in support of Nashville Cares, which helps provide accessible health care to the LGBTQ community in Music City. Tickets start at $50.
LGBTQ Pride Sip & Paint — 7 p.m.
This artsy option in Clarksville includes a night of painting and sipping in celebration of LGBTQ pride. Tickets are $34. No painting experience is necessary.
2DP: A B2B QDP Pride Celebration — 9 p.m.
The special, two-night Pride edition of Nashville’s Queer Dance Party continues at Brooklyn Bowl. Tickets start at $21.
PRIDE Ride — 10 p.m.
This is the party bus you’ve perhaps been waiting for. Starting at Dick’s Last Resort after the official Nashville Pride events, this roofless party bus will parade you in your fest best around downtown. This BYOB, two-hour ride starts at $29 and includes a bartender, ice and novelty cups, plus mixers available for purchase. The company says every dollar made will be matched for The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth.
Sunday, June 23
Nashville Pride Festival — 11 a.m.
Nashville‘s Pride festival continues for day two in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, including all-day music and entertainment plus vendors, food and drinks. Sunday night’s artists include Billy Porter, Icona Pop and G Flip. Tickets start at $10 for general admission.
Screenings on the Steps: But I’m a Cheerleader — 7 p.m.
The W Nashville is hosting a Pride Month edition of screenings on the Spanish steps. This time, with The Tennessee Pride Chamber, the outdoor movie viewings will celebrate LGBTQ voices and stories. It’s free to attend, but bar service will also be available for purchase — with a portion of proceeds going back to the Tennessee Pride Chamber. Next up is cult classic “But I’m a Cheerleader.”
Wednesday, June 26
Jackalope Pride Run — 6 p.m.
Jackalope and Cumberland Transit are hosting this Pride run/walk starting at the brewery’s Wedgewood-Houston location. It aims raise awareness and collect donations for Just Us at Oasis Center. There will be raffles, including one from HOKA.
Friday, June 28
Magic Presents PRIDE! — 5 p.m.
Those who pay the $10 entry fee for this three-day tournament in Clarksville will get a promotional rainbow holographic foil art prints, and one pack of Magic the Gathering. For the Magic Presents: Pride event, treat all eligible commanders as though they had the partner ability.
Pride Flow — 6 p.m.
This 60-minute, warm vinyasa flow in Clarksville is a celebration of Pride for all levels. No yoga experience required. The ticket covers class and a drink at a social afterwards. Half of the proceeds will be donated to SAGE, an organization providing advocacy and services for LGBTQ elders.
Pride Silent Disco — 7:30 p.m.
This Pride-themed silent disco at Hi-Wire Brewing in Nashville will feature three separate DJs playing music through headphones with a switcher that wearers control. If one channel isn’t the vibe they were seeking, there’s two more to choose from. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day of, but there is limited space and headphones available.
Saturday, June 29
C-Pride Festival — 11 a.m.
C-Pride, aka Clarksville’s Pride, is an all day and night event presenting musical entertainment and live drag performances as well as art exhibits, local nonprofits, and businesses. Tickets are $10 a person, but children under 10 get in free.
Magic Presents PRIDE! — 12 p.m.
Those who pay the $10 entry fee for this three-day tournament in Clarksville will get a promotional rainbow holographic foil art prints, and one pack of Magic the Gathering. For the Magic Presents: Pride event, treat all eligible commanders as though they had the partner ability.
Pride Bar Crawl — 5 p.m.
This year’s Pride bar crawl in downtown Nashville gets you free entry into participating venues and a wristband, which gives you access to exclusive drink deals. With the current early bird pricing, it’s a free spot reservation, rather than a paid ticket.
Sunday, June 30
The Ashlands’ and Dur Demarion’s Pride event — 11 a.m.
Nashville’s foam fighting club invites you to a day of “camaraderie, combat, and community support.” The Pride-themed event aims to unite warriors from all backgrounds to raise funds and awareness for local LGBTQ foundations. It’s open to all — whether you’re a seasoned fighter or just looking to join in on the fun. The entry fee is $5 and includes a raffle ticket for prize drawings.
Magic Presents PRIDE! — 12 p.m.
Those who pay the $10 entry fee for this three-day tournament in Clarksville will get a promotional rainbow holographic foil art prints, and one pack of Magic the Gathering. For the Magic Presents: Pride event, treat all eligible commanders as though they had the partner ability.
Screenings on the Steps: Rent — 7 p.m.
The W Nashville is hosting a Pride Month edition of screenings on the Spanish steps. This time, with The Tennessee Pride Chamber, the outdoor movie viewings will celebrate LGBTQ voices and stories. It’s free to attend, but bar service will also be available for purchase — with a portion of proceeds going back to the Tennessee Pride Chamber. Next up is the beloved “Rent.”
