A month of fun for everyone with so many Pride & Juneteenth celebrations around the city!
June is a loud month – and it’s not just because the kids are out of school. With racial and social justice issues gaining more awareness and support, the first month of summer has become a real cacophony of community. Philly springs to life with dozens of festivals and special events celebrating LGBTQIA+ and African American art, history, business, and other contributions to our lives.
TRUE STORY: Pride Month began as a protest by a Black, transgender woman combating police brutality in Greenwich Village in 1969.
Marsha P. Johnson was an activist, self-identified drag queen, performer, and survivor (the “P” stood for “Pay It No Mind,” which was Martha’s standard response to questions about her gender). Learn more about this inspiring woman’s life at marshap.org, a human rights non-profit created in her name.
There’s no better time to enjoy Philadelphia’s vibrant neighborhoods, and engage with colorful patchworks of friends, families, and organizations. Whether you’re seeking culture, education, civic action or just a good party, you’ll likely find at least one opportunity here. All events free unless otherwise specified. Please click through the links for details and pre-registration info.
🎉🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🦄PRIDE & JUNETEENTH 2023✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾🎉
Friday GAYme and Vogue Nights
FRI June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 4 – 7pm
Free games and activities with other LGBTQ+ youth. Not into games? Head to the runway for a glam dance party. Free HIV testing includes $10 gift card. The Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th St
Phila Dance Theatre: Breaking Ground
FRI June 2, 7pm
Outdoor dance concert featuring new works from classical to contemporary genres, commissioned specifically for the individual talents of PDT’s dancers. Donations appreciated! Bring your own blanket or chair. All Welcome. 💃🦋 7500 Germantown Av, Mt Airy
Free Pride Concert with Phila Orchestra
SAT June 3, 7 – 10pm, $50+
A literal symphony of Pride, with the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, Philadelphia Voices for Pride, and the ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir. Range of music by LGBTQ+ composers and allies including Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and more. Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St
Candyland Pride Circuit Dance Party
SAT June 3 at 9pm until 2am SUN, $40+
BOS Philly and Circuit Mom Productions present an adventure in Candyland, where all your favorite childhood treats have been turned into fashion and fancy. Dance the night away with beats by DJ Abel, and our incredible community. Concourse Dance Bar, 1635 Market St
Philly Pride 365
SUN June 4, 12 – 7pm
Come out to the Gayborhood for an explosion of good vibes! Featuring music and performance in (and around) local bars and businesses. Food trucks, vendors, resources, swag. A day-long celebration, both festive and informative. Join the march – no registration needed! All welcome to walk with Philly LGBTQIA+ community in a celebration of our authentic selves. Meet 10:30am in front of the Constitution Center (5th & Arch). Festival centers around 12th & Locust.
Pride in the Park
FRI June 9, 12 – 2:30pm
A celebration of diversity and inclusion for 55+ and friends/family/allies. Vendors, resources, and more. Featuring Drag Queen performances by “The Real McCoys.” Guest speaker, Erik Larson (City Office of LGBT Affairs). Lots of other goodies and giveaways, come out and celebrate! Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave.
7th Annual Philly Pride Run
SAT June 10, 8 – 11am
5k and Fun Run benefitting the William Way LGBT Community Center. Prizes for top three Female, Non-Binary, and Male divisions. Fun Run/Walk awards prizes for three most festive participants. All welcome! Registration through June 3. The Navy Yard, 4500 S. Broad St
Pride at the Please Touch Museum
SAT June 10, 9am – 4:30pm, $22
Face painting, puppets, musical expression, collaborative art, and more LGBTQIA+ fun — even a Disco Dancy Party! Included in the price of museum admission. 4231 Ave of the Republic
The Power of Representation: Black Men in Media
SAT June 10, 9:00am – 3pm
A full day focused on Black men at WHYY and across the city, in all fields of media: journalism, television, art/comics, video/photography, radio & print. Learn to effectively craft stories for today’s platforms and audiences. Registration begins 8:30 with light breakfast and lunch with networking to follow. FREE. Presented by WHYY/NICE, 150 North 6th St
Jabali Farmers Market: Juneteenth Jubilee Edition
SAT June 10, 9:30am – 1pm
Soulful marketplace offers shopping & artful entertainment. Begins with “Social Sip” a half-hour of networking with community leaders, business owners & public servants. Avenues Café, 7201 Germantown Ave
Pride Day at the Philadelphia Zoo
SAT June 10, 10am – 3pm, $25
Enjoy a beautiful day in this incredible setting with friends and neighbors celebrating the awesome diversity of the LGBTQ+ community! Local organizations will be on-hand, offering information and support. Show off your Gay Pride with a rainbow-themed outfit for a chance to win Zoo tix! More fun & surprises, too. All ages. 3400 West Girard Ave
Sock Hop GayBINGO!
SAT June 10, 6pm – 9:30(ish), $38+
An over-the-top evening of unbridled fun with musical numbers, drag queen antics, fabulous prizes and much, much more. 18+. Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 North Broad St
Block Party at the Rail Park
SAT June 10, 12 – 5pm
Celebrate summer, love, freedom and joy for all at this annual party supporting this iconic public greenspace. Vendors, food trucks, family fun. Great views and live tunes emceed by Chill Moody. All welcome. 1300 Noble St
ODUNDE Festival
SUN June 11, 10am – 8pm
The largest African American street festival in the country! Celebrating the coming of another year for African people around the world. Authentic African marketplace features global vendors offering food and merch from Africa, the Caribbean and Brazil. ODUNDE is actually a week of intentional programming leading up to this festival that makes the perfect launch into Juneteenth! Learn more at Odundefestival.org 23rd and South Streets
Free Concert at the Kroc Center
SUN June 11, 3 – 4:30pm
PhilHarmonia presents the world premier of “Elegy for the Earth,” an environmentally-themed performance, followed by a medley of songs by Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, and others. Free & ample off-street parking. The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 4200 Wissahickon Ave
Drag Brunch with Bev and Queens
SUN June 11, 11am – 2pm, $20
Kick up your heels for an unforgettable brunch! Four of Philly’s most popular drag queens provide high-energy dancing, laugh out loud comedy, and all your favorite songs. Victory Brewing Company, 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Golden Girls Murder Mystery
SUN June 11, $35+
Your favorite ladies throw a party, only to discover one guest is a murderer – who could it be? Includes scavenger hunt and many opportunities to interact with the characters. Proceeds benefit the Welcome Project PA, which provides support for LGBTQIA+ and their families. Cash bar & snacks. Thank you for being a friend! Red Rum Theater, 601 Walnut Street
PRIDE: NO PREJUDICE — A BIPOC Pride Month Celebration
WEDS, Jun 14, 6 – 8PM
Join WHYY News and partners with the News & Information Community Exchange (N.I.C.E.) for a special event that brings together local queer BIPOC musicians to celebrate great talent in our community, and acknowledge our region’s deep and vibrant culture of artistic expression. Camden Fireworks, 1813 Broadway (Camden NJ)
Juneteenth Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution
FRI/SAT/SUN/MON, Jun 16 – 19, 101 S 3rd St, $13 – $21+
Three exciting, interactive events to celebrate and explore our country’s continuing struggle for equality for all:
Film Premiere & Q&A
Lenfest Myer Theatre
Friday June 16, 5 – 7pm (tix $20)
Join WHYY for a special screening of the new short film “Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia.” Includes wine & cheese reception plus a preview of the museum’s collection of historical artifacts and heirlooms from this remarkable local dynasty.
Special Exhibit: Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia
Onsite Sat/Sun/Mon, 11am – 5pm
Explore the life & legacy of James Forten, free Black Philadelphian, Revolutionary War privateer, and successful businessman.
Guided Galley & Neighborhood Walking Tours
Daily, various time (additional ticket required)
Museum educator provides 1 hour gallery highlights of Black voices and a special 1.5 hour tour of Old City’s iconic sites of early Black history. See amrevmuseum.org for times/availability.
Sista Strut at Xfinity Live!
SAT June 17: Rally at 8am, Walk at 10am
A 3k walk raising money and awareness for Breast Cancer’s impact on women of color. Info and community resources. Portion of proceeds benefit American Association for Cancer Research. Personalities from three local radio stations (WDAS, Power 99 & Rumba 106.1) will kick off the event and keep the good energy flowing. South Philly Sports Complex, 1100 Pattison Ave
TIOGA-NICETOWN City Athletics Juneteenth BBQ
SAT, Jun 17, 10AM – 5PM
Locally-owned gym & community non-profit hosts its third Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Food & fun for up to 400 neighbors — DJ, free food, water ice, funnel cake, African Drummers, moon bounce, face painting, axe throwing, horse rides and much more. Vendors welcome! Spaces $50 (first come, first served); proceeds help fund events & children’s athletics. 1901 W. Tioga St (19th & Tioga)
Juneteenth Celebration in Fairmount Park
SAT June 17, 11am – 5pm
Family-friendly event featuring music, culture, live performances and more, including a show by Acting Up Acting Out Drama School. Reservoir Drive
Black Soul Summer Juneteenth
SAT, Jun 17, 12– 9pm
DJ Nash & Interna$hional Bounce celebrate by uniting the African diaspora for a day of music, art, vendors and more. Free with rsvp via blacksoulsummer.com One Art Community Center, 1431-39 N. 52nd St
Drag Brunch at Franklins East Falls
SAT, Jun 17, 12– 2pm, $35
Buffet and bottomless Mimosas & Bloody Marys with featured performers Raquel Delorean, Lana Del They and Asia Monroe. Raffles, 50/50s, and more. Tix: shop.cblsl.org Franklin’s, 3259 Cresson Street
Pride Day at Parks on Tap in South Philly
SAT, June 17, 12 – 6pm
Lively day of outdoor music, cocktails, craft beer, and fun benefiting local LGBTQ+ non-profits. Dickenson Square Park, 1600 E. Moyamensing Ave
Juneteenth on Germantown Ave
SAT June 17, 12 – 7pm
Johnson House Historic Site hosts the 17th annual Juneteenth festival, celebrating the 158th Anniversary of the end of slavery. It’s a day-long street fest filled with music, culture, food, re-enactments and more. The fun happens outside of the Johnson House Historic Site as well as among many of the historic sites in the Historic Germantown collaborative. More info: johnsonhouse.org 6300 block of Germantown Ave
PrideTeenth in Mt Airy
SAT, June 17, 12 – 4pm
A Juneteenth festival centering Black LGBTQ+ families and allies. Free food, entertainment, prizes, resources tables and activities, plus vendors, raffles and more. Philadelphiafamilypride.org Lovett Park, 6945 Germantown Avenue
Juneteenth Celebration at the Hatfield House
SAT June 17, 1-5PM
A free Juneteeth celebration at the historic Hatfield House! Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket and enjoy live DJ music, kid-friendly activities and games, face-painting, and giveaways including free T-shirts, books, school supplies. Enjoy refreshments including pretzels and water ice. Plus a new photo exhibit from We Walk PHL, In Color Birding Club, and GirlTrek: “Black Faces in Green Spaces.” Hatfield House, 3201 West Girard Ave
Juneteenth Wine & Arts Fest
SAT June 17, 1-6PM
Family-friendly celebration featuring Black-owned wineries (and other businesses). Music, samples, art exhibitions, live performances and more highlighting local Black culture. Free entry, $15 wine tasting tix (21+) Cherry Street Pier, 121 North Columbus Blvd
Juneteenth Storytime with Harriet Tubman
SAT, June 17, 2 – 3pm
Dr. Daisy Century of the American Historical Theatre in an exciting and authentic portrayal of Tubman, aka the Moses of Her People. Christ Church, 20 North American Street
Pride Bar Crawl
SAT June 17, 4pm – midnight, $15+
Join Philly’s vibrant LGBTQ community on a jaunt full of fun and adult beverages at nine participating locations. Tix include at least one complimentary drink, free covers, drink/food specials, plus other goodies (and afterparty!). Proceeds benefit the William Way Community Center. Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar 254 S 12th St
Juneteenth Soul Celebration 2023
SAT, June 17, 8pm – midnight, $25
A night of soul music in honor of the holiday. Millers Banquet Hall, 263 S. 60th St.
Juneteenth Philly
SUN, June 18, 10am – 8pm
This year’s celebration includes a whole roster of fun, starting with the biggest Juneteenth parade in the nation, with 2,000+ participants and floats, drawing over 25,000 attendees along a culturally festive 1.5 mile route. More joy at historic Malcolm X Park where 250+ vendors sell food, art, clothing and more plus Children’s Village with carnival, games, face painting and more. For full schedule see juneteenthphilly.org.
Marketplace 10am – 8pm (51st & Pine St)
Parade 12 – 2pm (from 52nd St)
Children’s Village, 2 – 7pm
Music Fest 3 – 7pm (52nd & Larchwood)
Juneteenth Freedom Market
SUN June 18, 12 – 5pm
Vendors, live music, food and fun in Kensington. 1800 North American Street
Juneteenth at Bartram’s Garden
SUN Jun 18, 11am – 4pm
Commemorate Juneteenth at the oldest botanic garden in North America! Day features live DJ, storytelling, poetry, percussion, vendors, resources, foraging walk and more. Bring a blanket and spend a day of celebration and joy. 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard
Juneteenth Art Stroll
SUN June 18, 6 – 11pm
Free art stroll at Pentridge Station Pop-Up by TheRootsArtShow.com. 5116 Pentridge Street (West Philly)
Black Contractor’s Coalition: Juneteenth Festival & Parade
SUN June 18, 10am – 3pm
Free cookout at the Mason’s Lodge on North Broad following parade from 52nd & Parkside Streets to MLK Park.
Juneteenth at the Please Touch Museum
MON, Jun 19, 9AM – 4:30PM, $22
A celebration of liberation and innovation. Parade, step dancers, sing-along, arm-making and more joyful expressions of culture and community. Included in price of admission. 4231 Ave of the Republic
“Liberation Rising” Juneteenth Block Party
MON, June 19, 11am – 4pm
Wawa Welcome America celebrates freedom with a Juneteenth block party at the African American Museum. Live performances by local & international artists. Community marketplace featuring Black-owned vendors, food trucks, dancing, art-making and more. Includes FREE ADMISSION to the Museum! (Lots of other participating museums throughout the month, plan your calendar at july4thphilly.com.) 701 Arch St
Juneteenth Ceremony at Mount Pleasant
MON June 19, 1 – 4pm
Free admission to Mount Pleasant, a historic mansion in Fairmont Park, and join the Philadelphia Art Museum for a plaque dedication honoring the enslaved people of African descent who lived and worked here. The ceremony begins at 2pm. The Mansion will be open for self-guided exploration 1pm – 4pm (guided tours available, too). Mount Pleasant Mansion, 3800 Mount Pleasant Drive
Juneteenth Way at Lucien E. Blackwell Community Center
MON June 19, 1 – 4pm
A day of culture, family, fashion and fun. 761 N. 47th St
Dream Space: Juneteenth Edition
MON June 19, 3 – 8pm
Explore a new artistic paradigm where art, healing, and music sets ablaze our visions for a luminous tomorrow. Pay-what-you-can (suggested donation $10 – $20) The Sculpture Courtyard, 1717 Hancock St, North Philly
Juneteenth: Exploring Freedom’s Stories
WEDS June 21, 4 – 6pm
A film and community conversation about the origins of Juneteenth and other Black commemorations of emancipation. Hosted by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 1300 Locust Street
Juneteenth Fest at the Free Library
THURS, June 22, 5:30pm
Join a special celebration: Sounds of Freedom! An evening of rhythms, stories, poetry, dance, crafts and live music. Parkway Central branch, 1901 Vine Street
Fitness to Fly
THURS, June 22, 3 – 8pm
A day of family-friendly fun with food trucks and live performances, plus kid-friendly dance and exercise activities. Cheer sessions with the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders! Esperanza Arts Center, 4261 N. 5th St
Juneteenth al Fresco Dinner at Awbury Arboretum
THURS, June 22, 6 – 9pm, $60
Join Chef Gail Hinson in a joyful evening featuring cuisine inspired by cooks of the Reconstruction era. This event brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to reflect upon our shared history and foster a sense of unity and inclusion. Includes intentional (and delicious!) buffet plus complimentary cocktails in a stunning natural and historic setting at the Cope House pavilion. Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Road
Kidchella 2023 for Juneteenth at Smith Memorial Playground
FRI Jun 23, 4 – 7pm
Groove with Alex & the Kaleidoscope + Johnny Shortcake at this historic indoor/outdoor wonderland for young children & their families. Art stations, food trucks, giveaways and more. This year’s show is free for everyone, sponsored by Wawa Welcome America. 3500 Reservoir Drive
Phillies Pride Night
FRI June 23, 7 – 9pm, $23+
Come out to watch the Phils v the NY Mets, and celebrate the city’s rich LGBTQ+ culture. First 2,000 fans to buy tix get an exclusive Phillies Pride Night bucket hat. Citizens Bank Park
UpRooted: A Walking Tour of Enslavement & Abolition
SAT June 24, 10am – 1pm, $15 includes boxed lunch (Free without lunch)
This tour/hike will visit the sites of Mount Pleasant, Woodford, and Strawberry Mansion, three historic Fairmont Park sites connected by the Boxers Trail, a ridge line tracing the path of the Schuylkill River used by many enslaved people seeking freedom. Tour concludes with picnic lunch at Strawberry Mansion‘s beautiful back patio. Mount Pleasant Mansion, 3800 Mt. Pleasant Drive (Ample Free Parking)
Philly Hispanic Fiesta
SAT-SUN June 24 – 25, 2pm – 9pm
Two-day festival celebrating Hispanic culture with food, dancing, music and fireworks on the Delaware River waterfront. A true #LatinWeekendExperience! Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 121 N. Columbus Blvd
Manayunk Pride Ride
SUN June 25, 9:30 – 11:30am
Trek bike shop is saddling up to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community – come join in the fun! All welcome for a casual cruise led by our friends at Move with Love, who’ll keep the grooves and good vibes rolling. We’ll be handing out snacks, drinks, and other free goodies for you and your bike, too. The Landing Kitchen, 617 Righters Ferry Road
Wawa Hoagie Day
WED June 28 (starts 12pm)
Celebrate freedom with 7 tons of free hoagies served along Independence Mall. Fill up and get ready to party that weekend as Welcome America rocks the Parkway for the big holiday weekend (check out some highlights from last year below). Arch St between 5th & 6th (and participating locations)
Did we miss anything? If there’s an event you think should be listed here please let us know in the Comments below and we’ll update the post accordingly (ditto for corrections). Or email editor@nwlocalpaper.com
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