Gay To Do: Guide to Pride

Pride Day is officially Sunday, June 14, but there are lots of ways to show your gay pride leading up to the big day. From red carpet socials to block parties to drag brunches, we have you covered with this roundup of the best events happening. So wave your rainbow flag high and show some pride this week.

Wednesday, June 10
QOTA
Start your pride off right on Passyunk Avenue for a special installment of Queer on the Avenue. The monthly networking event will take over three businesses for triple the queer fun on East Passyunk Avenue. At P'unk Burger (1823 East Passyunk Ave.), attendees will be able to sample Pulled Portabella BBQ and tuna sliders and get in on some happy hour specials. At Home and Occasionette (1825 East Passyunk Ave.), delicious cupcakes and signature cocktails will be served. Attendees will also be able to receive 15% off any purchase during the event. Sounds South Philly fabulous to us.

For more information, visit here.

Red Carpet Social
Edge Media and Lexus are hosting a special Red Carpet Social at the Hotel Monaco (433 Chestnut St.). The evening will benefit the William Way LGBT Community Center and is honoring the 50th anniversary of the LGBT civil rights movement in Philadelphia. Hosted by Bravo TV's Scott Nevins, the fab fun begins at 6:00pm.

Free. To RSVP, visit here.

Friday, June 12
Pride Kick-Off Party
Official pride festivities begin with a block party on 12th Street in the heart of the Gayborhood. The block shuts down from Walnut Street to Spruce Street beginning at 6:00pm for street dancing and revelry. You can also buy your wristband for Sunday's festival for a discounted price.

Free.

Marti and Bob: A Monthly Drag Invasion
NYC queens Marti Gould Cummings and Bob the Drag Queen return to Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar (200 S. 12th St.) for a special Pride installment of their monthly show. With special guest Chelsea Piers, the show is a not-to-be missed event.

Doors at 9:00pm. $10 cover.

Saturday, June 13
Dyke March
The Dyke March is an opportunity for self-identified dykes to gather, march and rally. The rally begins at 3:00pm at Kahn Park (11th and Pine Streets). The march originates from there at 4:00pm and winds its way through Center City. Afterwards, participants gather back at Kahn Park for free water ice and performances.

For more information, visit here.

William Way's Homecoming 2015
The William Way LGBT Community Center will host their annual Homecoming in the courtyard of the John C. Anderson Apartments (251 S. 13th St.). The garden party raises funds to support the community center and programming for the senior residents at the Anderson apartments.

The event will feature an Italian dinner catered by Giorgio on Pine, open wine and beer bar, live entertainment, silent auction, and the crowning of the 2015 Homecoming Court.

Tickets begin at $35. For tickets, visit here.

Stimulus Pride Party
The official after-party for both the Dyke March and William Way's Homecoming is the Stimulus Pride Party at Voyeur Nightclub (1221 St. James St.). With go-go dancers, drink specials, and a rainbow balloon drop, the party will be the spot to be this weekend.

$10 all night. For more information, visit here.

Sunday, June 14
Pride Parade and Festival
The parade begins 11:30am at 13th and Locust Streets and proceeds though Center City down Market Street. Nellie Fitzpatrick, the city's newly appointed Director of LGBT Affairs, and Dr. Rachel Levine, the state's acting physician general will both be grand marshals for the parade.

At noon, the gates for the festival open down at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing (101 S. Columbus Blvd.) where the parade ends. Fran Drescher will headline the celebrations there, with performances by Glee's Alex Newell, Larisa Bunch, and more. Attendees will also be able to peruse the approximately 200 vendors present at the festival.

$15 cover for the festival. For more information, visit here.

Pride Brunch
Josh Schonewolf and The Haus of Ham are presenting a special brunch at The Victoria Freehouse (10 S. Front St.) in Old City. Not far from Penn's Landing, brunch will be served all day with endless mimosas. The show, starring Pissi Myles, Mistor Fahrenheit, Eric Jaffe, and Lili St. Queer, begins at 3:00pm.

No cover.