Pride Month 2023: Your guide to 40+ events in Alabama

Pride Month 2023: Your guide to 40+ events in Alabama

June is Pride Month, and organizations in Alabama are celebrating. Here are more than 40 ways to show your pride, recognize the LGBTQ+ community and spread a message of equality and acceptance in our state.

COMMUNITY CLOSET BLOCK PARTY

When: June 2 at 1 p.m. Organized AIDS Alabama and Central Alabama Pride.

Where: AIDS Alabama, 3529 Seventh Ave. South, Birmingham.

Central Alabama Pride says: “Join AIDS Alabama and Central Alabama Pride for the Community Closet Block Party on June 2, 1-5 p.m. at our main office parking lot. In case of rain, head over to the Hub. The event is open to the community where they can browse and take home any donated clothing they need, completely free! We will also have popcorn, drinks, and music for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled event.”

PRIDE OPEN STAGE

When: June 2 at 9 p.m. Doors open 8 p.m. Hosted by Pride on the Plains.

Where: Crown of Comedy, 1655 S. College St., Auburn.

Pride on the Plains says: “Bring two numbers on a flash drive and sign up early. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the Open Stage show starts at 9 p.m. $5 cover at the door for those not performing. (Must be) 15+ with parent chaperone for this event as well.”

PRIDE FRIYAY

When: June 2 at 11 p.m.

Where: Al’s on Seventh, 2627 Seventh Ave. South, Birmingham. LGBTQ+ bar has drag shows, karaoke and more.

Al’s on Seventh says: Pride Month kickoff features “performances from the Dreamcast and beats by DJ Naka.”

CENTRAL ALABAMA PRIDE REUNION

When: June 2 at 11:30 p.m. Organized by The Quest Club and Central Alabama Pride.

Where: The Quest Club, 416 24th St. South, Birmingham.

Central Alabama Pride says: “This is about to be a reunion like no other. We are honored to present this years Central Alabama Pride titleholders reunion show. All of your current court and your precious courts will come together and give you one amazing show and remind you why they won their prestigious titles. We have your Miss Central Alabama Pride 2018, Addison T. Vontrell, hosting along with a very special guest from Pensacola, Florida, and your current reigning Miss Icon Monica Heart. Come celebrate Pride with us and relive some of the best titleholders throughout our state.”

ROCKET CITY PRIDE PARADE/VINCENT RUTHERFORD EQUALITY MARCH

When: June 3 at 10 a.m. Hosted by Rocket City Pride.

Where: 127 Washington St. Northeast, Huntsville. Participants will line up across from downtown post office.

Rocket City Pride says: “All ages are welcome, all are welcome to join us on the route or you can organize a float.”

PRIDE IN STEM

When: June 3, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St. North, Birmingham.

Good to know: History Makers programs include Sophie Wilson: Maze Coders, Nergis Mavalava: Filtered Light, Bob Lutz: Investigating Clouds, Alan Turing: Radical Robots, Chloe E. Scott: Mending Bones. Full schedule here.

PRIDE PICNIC

When: June 3 at 11 a.m. Organized by Central Alabama Pride.

Where: Covenant Community Church, 2817 Sixth Ave. South, Birmingham.

Central Alabama Pride says: “Join Covenant as we celebrate 42 years of loving our community. Our Pride event picnic will be Saturday, June 3, 11-2, rain or shine. Food, music, fun. Free and everyone is welcome.”

PRIDE PATIO COCKTAIL PARTY

When: June 3 at 12 p.m. Organized by Babes Who Brunch Birmingham.

Where: Juniper, 3811 Clairmont Ave. South, Birmingham.

Admission: $15-$300, sold out. Benefit for Magic City Acceptance Center.

Babes Who Brunch says: “Featuring fantastic drag, Juniper’s tasty cocktails, Lady Bird Tacos and irresistible beats as we celebrate the spirit of Pride.”

COLOR FAIRHOPE WITH PRIDE FESTIVAL

When: June 3, 1-5 p.m. Organized by Prism United and Prism United Fairhope.

Where: South Beach Park, off S. Mobile Street, Fairhope.

FUNKY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

When: June 3, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Cahaba Brewing Co., 4500 Fifth Ave. South, Building C, Birmingham.

What to expect: Food trucks, craft beer, arts vendors, pop-up shops, DJ music and more.

Food truck lineup: CoCo Crabs, Battle Axe’s Feast, A-Train Station, Pasteles La MoreliAna, Tasteful Touch Catering, Urban Pops, The Current at Cahaba and more.

Admission: Free, donations welcome; benefit for AIDS Alabama.

Plus: Big Gay History Bus tours will be offered that day, starting and ending at Cahaba Brewing. Four tours are planned, starting at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., hosted by obSINity and Flap Jack. Tours will be about two hours long and feature 24 historical locations selected by the Invisible Histories Project. Admission is free, but registration is required. Donations of $15-$25 per person suggested by organizers. More info here.

ENCHANTED FOREST: INCLUSIVE PROM FOR TEENS

When: June 3 at 4 p.m. Hosted by Rocket City Pride.

Where: Campus No. 805, 2620 Clinton Ave. West, Huntsville.

Admission: $40, includes photo booth and light hors d’oeuvres.

Rocket City Pride says: “Rocket City Pride and Weird Kids are hosting an inclusive prom. Be your unique self, show off your unique style, and dance with whoever makes you happy.”

Also: Inclusive prom for adults, 8 p.m. June 3 at same venue. $60, $100 couples.

Vanessa Vanjie Mateo performs at RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World Tour at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on September 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

PRIDE PARTY WITH VANESSA VANJIE MATEO

When: June 3 at 10 p.m. Doors open 9 p.m. Hosted by Pride on the Plains.

Where: Crown of Comedy, 1655 S. College St., Auburn.

Tickets: $15 advance at Crown of Comedy website, $20 at door.

Crown of Comedy says: “We are thrilled to announce that Vanessa Vanjie Mateo from RuPaul’s Drag Race will be joining our local Mizfits for a night of fun and fabulousness on Saturday, June 3, at 10 p.m.”

CIERRA’S BIRTHDAY BASH

When: June 3 at 11 p.m.

Where: Al’s on Seventh, 2627 Seventh Ave. South, Birmingham. LGBTQ+ bar has drag shows, karaoke and more.

Al’s on Seventh says: “Nashville’s obSINity returns to the #showplacewithspace. Also get ready to turn all the way for Cierra Symone Campbell’s birthday! Featuring performances from the Dreamcast and beats by DJ Naka. Showtime 11 p.m.”

DRAG BRUNCH

When: June 4, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Where: The Kelly Birmingham, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 2027 First Ave. North, Birmingham.

Tickets: $30-$50.

The Kelly says: “Round up your besties, The Kelly is bringing all of the Pride-filled fun and entertainment to brunch this Sunday, June 4. Join us as we elevate our usual brunch experience with a bountiful buffet and drag show featuring Birmingham’s own Sharon Cocx and Dominique Divine. Dance the day away with the live DJ playing all of your jams, sip on familiar brunchy beverage favorites or dive right in on the bottomless mimosa special exclusive to this event.”

PRIDEFEST ‘23

When: June 4, Noon until 6 p.m. Hosted by Pride on the Plains.

Where: Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn.

Headliners: Mistress Isabelle Brooks, Queen Essence Hall, Thai Chanel Jones, Thwat Weiland, Nik at Nite.

Pride on the Plains says: “We will have a park filled with food trucks and vendors, and an amazing lineup of entertainment on stage all day. Come celebrate Pride with your Auburn Family. The festival is free to the public, and all ages are welcome.”

SCREENING OF “QUEENS IN BIRMINGHAM”

When: June 4 at 6 p.m., red carpet at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Al’s on Seventh, 2627 Seventh Ave. South, Birmingham. LGBTQ+ bar has drag shows, karaoke and more.

Al’s on Seventh says: “Join the cast and crew of ‘Queens of Birmingham’ Sunday, June 4, at 6 p.m. in the showroom at Al’s for a special ‘Director’s Cut Preview’ screening of ‘Queens of Birmingham,’ a documentary about Al’s on 7th and our fabulous Dreamcast. Our red carpet event will begin at 5:30 with photos by THS Productions.”

SUNSET FESTIVAL & PRIDE CELEBRATION

When: June 5 at 12 p.m. With DJ Miggy Smallz.

Where: Crestwood Tavern, 5500 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham.

Birmingham AIDS Outreach says: “Join Crestwood Tavern on June 25 for their Pride Month Sunset Festival supporting Birmingham AIDS Outreach. Purchase a CWT T-shirt and tie-dye it to celebrate pride while you listen to great music with great friends and great food and drinks all while supporting BAO.”

BAO PRIDE BINGO

When: June 5 at 6 p.m.

Where: Birmingham AIDS Outreach, 205 32nd St. South, Birmingham.

ROCKET CITY PRIDE DRAG BINGO

When: June 5 at 7 p.m. Presented by Rocket City Pride, with Kinsey Malone.

Where: Shenanigans Comedy Theatre, 2650 Leeman Ferry Road, Suite A, Huntsville.

PRIDE SKATE NIGHT

When: June 6 at 7 p.m. Organized by Central Alabama Pride.

Where: Skates 280, 7043 Meadowlark Drive, Birmingham.

Central Alabama Pride says: “Come out and Skate with Pride. Skating is free with donations accepted at the door.”

Rainbow Pride flag

Rainbow flags are a popular symbol at Pride parades in June. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine, File)

PRIDE NIGHT SKATE NIGHT

When: June 6 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Rocket City Pride.

Where: Roller Time, 707 Arcadia Circle Northwest, Huntsville.

Tickets: $20 at door.

Rocket City Pride says: “Lace up those skates and join Rocket City Pride in partnership with Rocket City Roller Derby for a fun night of skating, music, connection, and fun.”

PRIDE NIGHT AT MELT

When: June 7 at 6 p.m. Hosted by Rocket City Pride.

Where: Melt, 201 Jefferson St. North, Suite I, Huntsville.

Rocket City Pride says: “Join Rocket City Pride for a fun night of food and festivities. Special thanks to Melt for hosting and graciously donating a part of the evening’s sales to RCP.”

“PASTURE” WITH DIRECTOR ASA MENDELSOHN

When: June 7 at 7 p.m.

Where: Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema, 1821 Second Ave. North, Birmingham.

Good to know: Film screening and panel discussion. Presented by Vinegar, an artist-run, women-led contemporary art gallery in Birmingham, event supported with a grant from the Alabama Humanities Alliance.

Admission: Free.

Movie synopsis: “In Mendelsohn’s film, ‘Pasture’ (2022, 36 minutes, digital video, English and Spanish), a grassroots movement successfully resists private military development near the US-Mexico border in Southern California, where a trans New Yorker arrives in pursuit of an unlikely coalition. ‘Pasture’ combines history, diary, and performance to intimately inquire into big questions about power, place, and what it takes to change.”

PRIDE IDOL

When: June 7 at 9 p.m. Organized by Central Alabama Pride and Saturn.

Where: Saturn, 200 41st St. South, Birmingham.

Admission: Free, donations accepted at door.

Central Alabama Pride says: “Come out to showcase your talent. We know there are so many talented individuals in this community and we want you to come out show it to the masses. There’s a $300 cash prize and spot on Pride Fest main stage. Doors at 7 p.m., event registration at 7:30 p.m., show at 9 p.m.”

PRIDE ASSASSINS 2

When: June 7 at 10 p.m.

Where: Al’s on Seventh, 2627 Seventh Ave. South, Birmingham. LGBTQ+ bar has drag shows, karaoke and more.

Al’s on Seventh says: “It’s almost time to ‘get over here & show off your pride.’ Pride Assassins returns this summer. And the crowned winner will take home $250 cash. Hosted by Imberli and sponsored by Absolut. Don’t miss this epic event at the #showplacewithspace … where we celebrate #PRIDE365.”

PRIDE NIGHT AT MAIN EVENT

When: June 8 at 5 p.m. Presented by Rocket City Pride, with Kinsey Malone.

Where: Main Event, 6884 Governors West, Huntsville. Arcade games, bowling, laser tag, food and drinks.

PRIDE INTERFAITH SERVICE

When: June 8 at 6 p.m. Organized by Central Alabama Pride.

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 2100 Fourth Ave. North, Birmingham.

Central Alabama Pride says: “Join our annual Pride interfaith service featuring leaders of various faiths all together for a night of worship.”

PRIDE COSMIC BOWLING

When: June 8 at 9 p.m. Organized by Central Alabama Pride.

Where: Bowlero, 2908 Riverview Road, Birmingham.

Central Alabama Pride says: “Join us for a fun night of Pride Cosmic bowling at Bowlero on 280. Unlimited bowling and shoe rental for $20 from 9 p.m. until midnight.”

LODA ARTWALK CELEBRATES PRIDE

When: June 9, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Downtown Mobile, 110 Dauphin St., Mobile. h

LODA Artwalk says: LoDa ArtWalk celebrates Pride Month on Friday, June 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event will highlight creatives within our community, including visual artists, musical performers, local restaurants, art galleries, small businesses and more.”

QUEERSPACE

When: June 9 at 7 p.m. Presented by Rocket City Pride and DJ Lisha.

Where: Orion Amphitheater, 701 Amphitheater Drive Northwest, Huntsville.

Admission: Free.

Rocket City Pride says: “QueerSpace welcomes North Alabama’s Queer community for a celebration of dance, drag, music and so much more.”

NEON PRIDE PROM

When: June 9, 7-10 p.m.

Where: Magic City Acceptance Center, 3130 Third Ave. South, Birmingham. Advance registration required via Acceptance Center Facebook page.

Magic City Acceptance Center says: “An evening of music, dancing and expression. There is no dress code so wear whatever you like. Dress for the occasion, or come as you are as an individual, with a date, or with all your friends. This event is free to attend.”

PRIDE TAKEOFF

When: June 9-10 at 11 p.m.

Where: Al’s on Seventh, 2627 Seventh Ave. South, Birmingham. LGBTQ+ bar has drag shows, karaoke and more.

Al’s on Seventh says: “Join the Dreamcast and the #AlsFam at the #showplacewithspace for a big weekend of celebration. Beats by DJ Naka. Showtime 11 p.m. 21+ only.”

PRIDE DRAG BRUNCH WITH NAYSHA LOPEZ

When: June 10 at 11 a.m. Organized by Central Alabama Pride.

Where: Monday Night Brewing, 14 12th St. South, Birmingham.

Central Alabama Pride says: “Join us for Central Alabama Pride’s pre-Parade Drag Brunch featuring Naysha Lopez from RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 8. Also featuring Kharris, Kam Kam, Idle King, Kavoris Dupree Starr, Daroneshia D’Nae Starr, Womona J. Wiles, Addison Vontrell, Victoria Taylor. Admission $20, with meet and greet $30.”

PRIDE PARADE VIEWING PARTY

When: June 10, doors open at 5 p.m.

Where: Al’s on Seventh, 2627 Seventh Ave. South, Birmingham. LGBTQ+ bar has drag shows, karaoke and more.

Al’s on Seventh says: “Join us in Lakeview for a Pride Takeoff street party celebration at the #showplacewithspace with the Pride Parade viewing party. DJ Naka will be supplying the beats starting at 7 p.m. Life’s a Pitch Softball Team will be werkin’ the patio, serving beer and Absolut pouches. And did someone say food trucks? Noni’s Food Truck and Frios Gourmet Pops will be there.”

Pride Parade Birmingham

Birmingham’s Pride Parade is back in 2022 and set for June 11 in the Lakeview neighborhood. (AL.com file photo/Joe Songer)al.com

PRIDE PARADE

When: June 10 at 8 p.m. Organized by Central Alabama Pride.

Where: Seventh Avenue South from 32nd Street South to 22nd Street South, Birmingham.

Central Alabama Pride says: “The 2023 Pride Parade will continue along the traditional route. This year’s parade will feature several organizations, businesses, community partners and tons of fun. The parade will begin at 8 p.m. The parade is being judged this year, so expect some great creativity. This event is family friendly for all ages.”

LOUD & PROUD

When: June 10 at 10:30 p.m. Organized by Central Alabama Pride and Saturn.

Where: Saturn, 200 41st St. South, Birmingham.

Tickets: $20, $35 with meet and greet.

Central Alabama Pride says: “The official Pride parade after-party featuring Jessica Wild (RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 8) and Stacy Layne Matthews (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3). With Genesis, Queen Essence Hall, Kharris, Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington.”

PRIDE FEST

When: June 11, 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Where: Linn Park, 710 20th St. North, Birmingham.

What to expect: Drag performers, vendors, food trucks, kids activities, other entertainers. Organized by Central Alabama Pride. Entertainment lineup includes Willie Gomez, the Dragon Sisters, Axel Andrews, Jessica Wild, Jasmine Masters, Kandy Muse, Stacy Layne Matthews and more.

Admission: Free general admission. $100-$150 VIP, available via Action Network.

PRIDEFEST AFTER-PARTY

When: June 11 at 9 p.m. Organized by Central Alabama Pride.

Where: The Quest Club, 416 24th St. South, Birmingham.

STELLA’S WHITE PARTY

When: June 14 at 8 p.m. Presented by Rocket City Pride.

Where: Stella’s Elixir Lounge, 127 Holmes Ave Northwest, Suite 202, Huntsville.

Admission: $5 donation to Rocket City Pride encouraged.

Rocket City Pride says: “DJ Adonnis Stone kicks off the party at 8 p.m. Dress code is all white.”

THE ROYAL CUPCAKE

When: June 15 at 7 p.m. Presented by Rocket City Pride. With Tsunami Rayne, Carlton Luv, Jacquelynn Gillian and David DeSchitt.

Where: Regale Cupcakery, 4925 University Drive, No. 114, Huntsville. With Tsunami Rayne, Carlton Luv, Jacquelynn Gillian and David DeSchitt.

Admission: $15.

Rocket City Pride says: “Come watch the Rocket City Pride’s Royal Court struts their stuff in the sweetest possible way. Join us at Regale Cupcakery on June 15 at 7 p.m. for the first show of our new Royal Court. Be sure that you indulge with a custom cupcake.”

Trinity the Tuck

Trinity the Tuck attends RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 Premiere screening and panel discussion on May 10, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for VH1/Paramount +)

MAGIC CITY REGIONAL ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR PAGEANT

When: June 17 at 8 p.m.

Where: Al’s on Seventh, 2627 Seventh Ave. South, Birmingham. LGBTQ+ bar has drag shows, karaoke and more.

Al’s on Seventh says: “Get ready for the Magic City Regional Entertainer of the Year Pageant, happening Saturday, June 17. Featuring performances & appearances from Shontelle Sparkles (National EOY, FI 2022), Trinity The Tuck (National EOY, FI, 2014 & RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9, All Stars 4 & 7), Cora Bleu (Miss Magic City EOY, 2022) and lots more. This will definitely be a pageant for the books, with $3000 in cash prizes for the crowned winner. Pageant starts at 8 p.m.”

PRIDE TAKEOVER

When: June 23-24 at 11 p.m.

Where: Al’s on Seventh, 2627 Seventh Ave. South, Birmingham. LGBTQ+ bar has drag shows, karaoke and more.

Al’s on Seventh says: “With Jawakatema Davenport, Pharrah Kayla Dynamic and Cora Bleu.”

THE MOTH: STORYSLAM

When: June 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Red Mountain Theatre, Discovery Theatre, 1600 Third Ave. South, Birmingham.

What: Storytelling event hosted by The Moth, nonprofit organization that “celebrates the commonality and diversity of human experience through the art and craft of true, personal storytelling.”

Red Mountain Theatre says: “Listen to true stories or share your own at our open-mic storytelling competition. Tonight’s theme: Pride. Prepare a five-minute story about embracing your identity. Coming out and inspiring others to do the same. Found family, fluidity, looking beyond the binary. Naysayers, fighting the good fight for yourself and for others, marches, protests, parades, trying on labels, all the colors on the spectrum.”