20+ awesome LGBTQ Memphis happenings for this mid-late April event guide
Bi the Way is our biweekly event list where we share all the best local LGBTQ+ and queer-inclusive happenings in Memphis and the Midsouth in the next two weeks.
Now, here are 25 amazing events—from Cooper-Young’s annual Porchfest, to super queer theater, dance parties, art shows, and more!
Ongoing
Drag Race Watch Party at DRUS Bar | Fridays, 7PM | 21+ | Free | Join iconic host India Taco as you cheer on your fave drag performers every Friday, til’ RuPaul crowns season 16’s winner!
“Memphis 2024” Art Show | Dixon Gallery and Gardens | April 21 – June 30 | All ages | Free | “Memphis 2024” celebrates Memphis’ cultural history and solidifies the city’s role as an art destination by showcasing the original works of 18 local artists, including prominent LGBT artist, Brantley Ellzey. The exhibition features an array of genres and media, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, fiber art, photography, metalwork and more.
Monday Happy Hour Karaoke | DRUS Bar | 3-10pm | 21+ | No Cover | Pick your favorite tune and get ready to belt this Monday (or next!). Oh, and don’t forget to take advantage of DRUS drink specials.
Movie Night at OUTMemphis | Out Memphis, YEC | 5pm | 18-24 | Free | OUTMemphis’ Youth Empowerment Center hosts fun, weekly movie nights every Friday. Commune with fellow young queers and watch an entertaining film!
Out in the Woods: FOG Fairy Tales | Evergreen Theatre | April 12 – April 20, various times | Starting at $30 | Legendary drag performance company, Friends of George’s, presents a comedic drag variety show that turns traditional fairy tales on their head, in a hilarious, high-heeled spectacle.
Papa Bear Trivia | The Pumping Station | Wednesdays, 7-9:50pm | 21+ | No Cover | Head to The Pumping Station every Wednesday for a “roaring good time!” Bring your most obscure facts for a chance to win awesome prizes, then hit up the patio for a fun night of entertainment.
Shantay You Play Drag Queen Bingo | Moxy | 7pm – 9pm | 21+ | Free | Every Thursday, join phenomenal rotating drag hosts Imogene Azengraber, Moth Moth Moth, Krystal Karma, and Brenda Newport for a fabulous night of bingo at the Moxy. Come for the singing, dancing and fun, and you might even win a prize!
Wicked the Musical | Orpheum Theatre | April 3 – April 21, various times | Ages 5 and up | Tickets starting at $43 | The hit Broadway musical takes a fresh look at the events in Oz—see why so many have fallen in love with Wicked, as it plays at the Orpheum for the 5th time!
17 awesome LGBTQ Memphis events happening for one time only, April 15 – April 30
Monday, April 15
Free Pool | The Pumping Station | 21+| No Cover | Show off your pool skills this Monday, and mingle with local LGBT+ folks in between.
Memphis Polyamory Meetup | DRUS Bar | 7pm | 21+ | No cover, please RSVP | Enjoy pizza, burgers, karaoke and open-minded connections. Whether you’re new to polyamory or a seasoned pro, this meetup is the perfect place to meet like-minded people in the local community.
Thursday, April 18
Sapphic Happy Hour | Mary’s BOTE | 21+ | No Cover + drink specials | Join Sapphic Memphis at the fabulous new tiki bar, Mary’s Bar of Tropical Escapism (Mary’s BOTE!). Escape to a world of beachy vibes, tropical attire, and fruity drinks (but hold the rain)!
Trans Health and Wellness Workshop | WeCare TN Office | 4-7pm | Free | In honor of National Transgender HIV Testing Day, WeCareTN and Planned Parenthood host a day of sexual empowerment and discussions around healthy relationships, safer sex practices, HIV prevention, Prep/Pep, and Free HIV testing!
Friday, April 19
ecstatic. dance party | Canvas | 21+| 9pm-12am | Free with RSVP; $5PM after 10PM | Get into it! DJ Siphne Aaye, host of The NuSoul Mix on WYXR, is bringing the fun for lovers of soul, house, hip-hop, and dance music.
Saturday, April 20
Chronic Cabaret | Lamplighter Lounge | 21+ | Doors 9pm, show 10pm | $15 | Come unwind after Porchfest with a delectable cast of burlesque and drag entertainers at this 4/20-themed variety show. Stay tuned for a raffle and auction prizes provided by a few sponsors, plus sexy items from Coco and Lola’s!
Cooper-Young Porchfest 2024 | Cooper Young, various locations | All ages | 12-6pm | Free | Cooper-Young Porchfest is back for its fourth year! Enjoy an afternoon of music, community, and fun with live music performances from some of your local faves on the eclectic porches of our historic neighborhood.
Defying Gravity: Wicked Dance Party | DRUS Bar | 21+ | 9pm | Are you ready for “Defying Gravity” on the dance floor? Get ready for the most mystical beats from DJ Space Age that will make you feel like you’re floating in Oz!
Collage Dance Collective: Elevate | Cannon Center for the Performing Arts | April 20 – 21, various times | Tickets starting at $28.50 | The Collage Dance Collective brings us the centerpiece of their elevated spring program with the Memphis premiere of Wayne McGregor’s Chroma, a one-at contemporary ballet which explores the drama of the human body and its ability to communicate extremes of thought and emotion.
Earth Day Festival | Shelby Farms Park | 10am-3pm | Free | Head to Shelby Farms to celebrate all this beautiful land has to offer with an Earth Day Fun Run, informative learning stations and booth chats, fun trails, goat yoga (!), plenty of music and food trucks, and so much more.
Sunday, April 21
Paddle Boarding | Shelby Farms Park | RSVP for more | Queer Memphis Hikes hosts an exciting day of paddle boarding at Shelby Farms!
Monday, April 22 (Earth Day!)
Thursday, April 25
Dining Out for Life | Various Memphis restaurants | All welcome | Support local nonprofit Friends for All and the fight to end HIV by heading to one of the participating restaurants in the annual Dining Out for Life fundraiser today.
Saturday, April 27
Ye Olde Big Top Tease | DRUS Bar | 9PM | 21+ | Starting at $12 | Grab an ale and get ready for this monthly medieval-style, circus variety show featuring drag, burlesque, live singing, fire shows, circus acts and many other forms of debauchery!
OUTMemphis Day OUTdoors | OUTMemphis | ages 12-25 | RSVP required | LGBTQ+ youth ages 12-25 are welcome to a unique field day experience where they can feel affirmed and free. Have fun with a bouncy house, grilling, field day games, great vibes, and a chance to make new friends!
Pioneer Springs Trail | Meeman-Shelby Forest | RSVP for more | Join other outdoorsy queers on a 5 mile hike around Meeman-Shelby Forest park.
Sunday, April 28
Farm tour | Ounce of Hope | RSVP for more | This is not your average “farm tour.” Queer Memphis Hikes hosts a tour of local indoor aquaponic (fish + plants) and cannabis farm, Ounce of Hope.
Tuesday, April 30
Line Dancing with Q | DRUS Bar | Tuesdays, 6-9PM | 21+ | No Cover | Tuesdays are for line dancing, and with Beyonce’s’ new country album out now—we’re more than ready for a hoedown! Join the one and only Q or for helpful instructions, and a down right good time.
Want your event included, too? Tell us about it, and we’ll track it for next time!Follow us at @focusmidsouth for more.
