Baltimore will be awash in a sea of rainbows this week as the city’s Pride Parade returns Saturday to celebrate LGBTQ+ Baltimoreans – including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and other sexual and gender minorities.
But in addition to the parade, there are tons of other Pride events that you won’t want to miss out on.
Tuesday
The SNF Parkway Theatre will kick off their Pride-themed film festival on Tuesday. From 7-10 p.m., they will show queer short films, including “tales of romance, reconciliation, and revenge” that highlight LGBTQ+ voices. The theater is located at 5 W. North Ave.
One of the only times it’s cool to be a square is while square dancing. The GLBT Dance Club is holding a night of Pride square dancing, sponsored by Chesapeake Squares, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday. The event will be held at 419 Cedarcroft Road.
Get your game on with a Pride game night at M.A.P. Technologies Gaming Lounge, located at 322 West Baltimore St. Tickets are $15 apiece and get you access to a night of music, video games, card games, board games, checkers, chess, and video game trivia.
Wednesday
Ten poets will compete for a chance to win $1,500 in cash prizes and the title of Baltimore Pride Slam Champion at the Baltimore Pride Slam. The poetry slam will be held at Busboys and Poets from 7-9 p.m.
SNF Parkway Theatre’s film festival continues. Baltimore Living Archives will be in conversation with two LGBTQ+ elders, Andre Powell and Louis Hughes Jr., who will share their knowledge of Baltimore’s LGBTQ+ history.
The Baltimore Orioles invite fans to their Pride Night baseball game against the Washington Nationals at 7:05 p.m. The Pride Night ticket package includes a game ticket and a wearable Orioles pride flag. Also, the VIP pregame party will include food, drinks, a game ticket, wearable Pride flag, and more. Purchase either the basic or VIP package on the Orioles’ website.
Thursday
In the “New Leaders, New Ideals, The New Way” panel, Baltimore leaders from the LGBTQ+ and same-gender-loving communities will discuss leadership skills and making a difference in their communities. The panel will be held at Impact Hub from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Afterwards, Impact Hub will host another panel from 6:45-7:45 p.m. This panel will feature LGBTQ+ community leaders talking about the impact of grassroots work on communities.
Take to the stage during a Pride open mic night at Motor House from 7-9 p.m. Hosted by Unique Robinson, the event will feature comedians, singers, rappers, dancers, poets and more, plus performances by RADI, Ephraim Nehemiah and Don.
For Baltimore LGBTQ+ youth, the Youth Pride Party at North Avenue Market is the place to be. The event from 4-9 p.m. will feature drag performances, dancing, music curated by DJ Amy Reid, contests, and giveaways – including a Nintendo Switch. The event is open to middle and high school age kids (ages 12-17).
SNF Parkway Theatre will show the Oscar-winning film “Moonlight” from 7-10 p.m. as part of its Pride film festival. Tickets are $13.
Friday
Gatsby will host a Father and Son Ball and the Pride Official Ball on Friday from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Compete for a $1,000 grand prize and enjoy being with fellow members of the community.
Volo is celebrating Pride with a craft brew happy hour from 6-8 p.m. in The Courtyard at Guilford Hall Brewing. When you arrive, get a wristband to order from the all-you-can-drink bar. Register here.
Participate in a Pride dance in the park from 6-8 p.m. at the Zen Garden at Druid Hill Park.
Listen to music at Broadway Market from 7-9 p.m.
Join the Baltimore Bike Party – with more than 500 cyclists expected – as the group holds a Pride-themed bike ride through Baltimore. The group will leave from St. Mary’s Park at 7 p.m. and ride through the city, culminating with an afterparty at Union Collective at 9 p.m. There will be a dance party with DJ Deezy.
After being on pause for the past two years, Twilight on the Terrace will return to Gertrude’s, John Shields and John Gilligan’s restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The event, starting at 7 p.m., will feature Gertrude’s craft cocktails and food, performances by local artists, and dancing under the stars. Get a ticket here.
Saturday
Put on your highest heels and get steppin’ because the High Heel Race is on! Line up will begin at noon on 25th Street, and race will start around 12:10-12:15. Racers will run a block on Charles Street, ending on 24th Street at the viewing podium.
Baltimore’s annual Pride parade will take over Charles Street from 1-3 p.m. Whether you’re marching with the procession or watching from the sidewalk, it’s a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
The 47th Baltimore Pride Block Party will run from 3-9 p.m. on Charles Street, with more than 100 vendors, DJs, food, entertainment and more. This year’s headliner performers include Trina, Keke Wyatt, DDM, and Davon Fleming.
Saturday evening, make your way to The Eagle for the official Pride after party from 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sunday
Pride in the Park will take over Druid Hill Park from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., with more than 100 vendors, music and drag performers, food, and more. The headliners include Mya, Averie Wilson and George Lovett.
Also in Druid Hill Park, Elder Pride from noon to 6 p.m. will celebrate LGBTQ+ elders, though the event welcomes people of all ages. Attendees will be able to add their names to a timeline of LGBTQ+ history and celebrate their “coming out” anniversary at a photo booth.
Join the Queens Cruise for a drag brunch on the water from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
