15+ awesome LGBTQ Memphis happenings for this early May 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, find the perfect art show, drag performance, music fest, and more to make your day!
Ongoing
Healing Cypher | 1840 Pyramid Pl | Tuesdays through May 14 | Free | Join Relationship Unleashed for a special weekly series dedicated to personal development & growth for the Black LGBTQ community.
“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.
Papa Bear Trivia | The Pumping Station | Wednesdays, 7pm | 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.
Riverbeat Music Festival | Tom Lee Park | May 3-5, various times | All ages | starting at $99 | The Fugees, Odesza, and Jelly Roll headline the first-ever River Beat Music Fest in Memphis.
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!
Now, 10 new LGBTQ Memphis events to jumpstart May 2024
Wednesday, May 1
Sapphic Community Meeting | Overton Park | 6-7pm | Free | Bring your blankets and your ideas! Sapphic Memphis hosts an open community meeting in the Greenward at Overton Park where they’ll share recent changes and upcoming events, plus leave time for open discussion and your feedback.
Thursday, May 2
Cooper Young First Thursday | Cooper Young, various | 5-8pm | All ages | Free | Historic Cooper Young District hosts First Thursday Night Outs through December 5th. This week, Goner Records curates the event as restaurants, bars, retail and service businesses stay open late to offer up live music, discounts on food and drinks, sidewalk sales, trivia games, shuffleboard, and more!
Thursday, May 3
Memphis ‘Starlight Cabaret’ | DRUS Bar | 9pm | 21+ | RSVP strongly recommended | Featuring: Legendary queens, Demonica Santangilo and Kiera Mason, “Miss Snow Queen Superior” Trabecca Collions, “Miss Mid-South Pride” Wednesday Moss, the effervescent Cheri Lie Made, Aubrey “BOOM BOOM” Ombre, and special guest from Nashville, Mychelle LaCroix Dupree!
Saturday, May 4
May the 4th Be With You! | Black Lodge | 2:40pm-3am | starting at $10 | Head to Black Lodge for their Star Wars triple header during the day and later, costume up for an all-night STAR WARS CANTINA DANCE PARTY!
Memphis ‘Starlight Cabaret’, continued | DRUS Bar | 9pm | 21+ | RSVP strongly recommended | Featuring: “Miss Mid-South Pride” Wednesday Moss, “The Diamond Doll” Keleigh Klarke, the sultry siren Shiklina, the beauty Shanice Kelly, your emcee Brenda Newport, and special guest, from Nashville, Mychelle LaCroix Dupree!
Roller Derby’s Memphis in Mayhem | Agricenter | 12-7pm | $5 kids, $15 adults | Memphis Roller Derby is hosting its first ever “Memphis in Mayhem” Triple Header Roller Derby Tournament! The MRD home teams: Ghost River Ghouls and Memphis Minions will be facing off against Birmingham’s (Tragic City Rollers) home teams: Hot Mess Monsters and Sassquatches.
Sunday, May 5 (Cinco de Mayo!)
Drag Bingo with Imagene Azengraber | DRUS Bar | 3pm | 21+ | RSVP strongly recommended | Featuring Imagene’s “Bingo Beauties,” Fantasia Bordeaux, Brinka Honeydew, Pepper SueSage! Prizes sponsored by Fantasy Zone!
Thursday, May 9
MidSouth LGBT Monthly Mixer | Caption by Hyatt | 6-8pm | Free | Mingle with LGBTQIA+ and allied professionals of the Mid-South region while enjoying refreshments.
Friday, May 10
Songbirds: An Evening of Singing, Dancing, and Burlesque | Black Lodge | doors 7, show 8pm | starting at $20 | Join Papa Chubb and his fine-feathered friends, special guests Hoop Rebel and Mona Moonshine, for an evening of singing, dancing, and little burlesque!
Sunday, May 12 (Mother’s Day!)
Symphony in the Gardens | Dixon Gallery and Gardens | gates 4pm. show 5pm – 7pm | All ages | $5-22 | Celebrate Mother’s Day with Big Band music performed by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra on the Dixon South Lawn. Bring a picnic or purchase items from food trucks.
Tuesday, May 14
Line Dancing with Q | DRUS Bar | Tuesdays, 6-9PM | 21+ | No Cover | Tuesdays are for line dancing, and with Cowboy Carter 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.
