Gay To Do: Outfest, David Sedaris, & more
Your top gay calendar picks for the week of Oct. 9-15.
Thursday, Oct. 9
Kinky Boots at Dilworth Park
With the opening of Dilworth Park has come a slew of events to engage the Philadelphia community. Tonight, catch the film Kinky Boots being screened on the plaza at 7:00 p.m. Kinky Boots tells the story of a conservative shoe factory owner developing an unlikely partnership with drag queen Lola. Pull up a chair (Your own) and revel in some kinkiness in the shadow of City Hall. Free.
Friday, Oct. 10
Speaking OUT: Queer Youth in Focus Book Release Party
Members from some of the most important LGBT organizations in Philadelphia will come together at the William Way Community Center (1315 Spruce St.) to celebrate the release of Rachelle Lee Smith's photographic essay book, Speaking OUT: Queer Youth in Focus! The book will be available for purchase with performances from the Attic Youth Center, a photographic art gallery, and book signing. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Free.
Aiden James Concert
After you socialize over wine and Piaf at The Porch, saunter over to see Philadelphia musician Aiden James take the stage at World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) for a one night only concert. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., a portion of the night's proceeds will benefit PAWS. For tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Philly Trans* March
This Saturday at 3:00 p.m., members of the Philadelphia trans* community will come together and march towards equality during the 4th annual Philly Trans* March. Everyone is welcomed to join this celebration and "protest against hate, social injustice and inequality faced by trans*, gender variant, gender queer and gender non-conforming communities." Programming that includes a keynote speaker, award ceremony and rally begin at 3:00 PM in Love Park (1599 John F. Kennedy Blvd.) The march leaves at 4:00 p.m. Free.
Sunday, Oct. 12
Outfest
Outfest, the year's most celebrated and anticipated LGBT event in Philadelphia returns for its 24th year this Sunday. Created as a celebration to commemorate National Coming Out Day, Outfest is a daylong block party held in the heart of the Gayborhood.
When asked about what is new and exciting this year, Philly Pride Presents Executive Director Franny Price said, "There will be more vendors this year, over 150. Also, a sports street on 13th Street where a lot of teams will be tabling. The 13th Street Flea Market has moved to Spruce. Plus, the Miss Philly Gay Pride 2015 pageant winner will be crowned on the main stage." The main stage (13th and Locust Streets) will be the epicenter of action with performances from drag queens, burlesque divas and LGBT musicians like Eric Jaffe and J. Carson.
There are many other fabulous happenings taking place during OutFest that aren't on the main stage. Bazaar on Quince is an annual leather, rubber, gear, and fetish block party on the 200 block of Quince Street outside Bike Stop (206 S. Quince St.). Tabu Sports Bar and Lounge (200 S. 12th St.) has an outside dance party from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and are hosting the after party for GayBowl at 10 p.m. A block party powered by Stimulus will be raging all day for the ladies on Chancellor at 13th Street. Stimulus will be offering two after party options for the low price of $10. Pulse will be at Voyeur Nightclub from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Back 2 Basics will be upstairs at Tabu from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 13
No Regrets: A Piaf Affair
The Bearded Ladies and Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus are teaming up for a special choral performance of No Regrets: A Piaf Affair at The Porch at 30th Street Station (30th and Market Streets). A reception with wine and bites begins at 5:00 p.m. with the show scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. Free. (This event was previously scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10)
Tuesday, Oct. 14
An Evening with David Sedaris
Need we say more? The celebrated author and humorist David Sedaris comes to the Merriam Theatre on October 14 at 7:30 p.m. Attendees can expect "an evening of readings and recollections featuring all-new, unpublished works". Come with questions because there will be a Q&A as well. For tickets.
Wednesday, Oct. 15
"MILLER, SHE WROTE" by The Dumpsta Players
The Dumpsta Players, Philadelphia's alternative gender fuck theatre troupe will be returning to Bob and Barbara's (1509 South Street) for their monthly production. Doors at 10:00 p.m. with show at 11:00 p.m. $1.99 cover at the door.