25+ awesome LGBTQ Memphis happenings for this late 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.
Get ready for a queer ole’ time with a big gay dance party, LGBT theater, cosplay contests, a special performance by our Pride issue featured artists, MengCheng 梦城团 Collective, and so much more!
Ongoing
‘Between Heaven and Earth, We Build Our Home’ | UrbanArt Commission | Opening reception, May 25. Display: Tuesday-Thursday, May 28th – June 20th | Between Heaven and Earth, We Build Our Home explores the themes of ancestry, immigration, and homemaking in an exhibition featuring AAPI artists from Memphis and the South. Check out a special performance on Saturday, May 25 by Focus’ May/June featured artists, the MengCheng 梦城团 Collective.
‘The Hot Wing King’ | Playhouse on the Square | Through June 2, various times | $25 | A searing new comedy by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, directed by Jeramie Simmons, The Hot Wing King follows a group of friends as they prepare for the ‘Hot Wang Festival’ in Memphis, TN.
Line Dancing with Q | DRUS Bar | 6-9PM | 21+ | No Cover | Tuesdays are for line dancing! Join the one and only Q or for helpful instructions, and a down right good time.
‘Memphis 2024’ Art Show | Dixon Gallery and Gardens | Through 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.
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, 20 new LGBTQ Memphis events to close out May 2024
Thursday, May 16
Almost Elton John | The Grove | Gates 5:30, show 6:30pm | SOLD OUT | Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for the Germantown Performing Arts Center series, Concerts in the Grove with iconic tribute band, Almost Elton John and the RocketMen.
Friday, May 17 (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia)
Ecstatic Dance Party | Canvas | 9pm | 21+ | No cover | DJ Siphne Aaye hosts a house, RnB and hip hop dance party all about joy at Memphis interactive arts lounge, Canvas.
La bohème | Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center | 7:30pm | Tickets starting at $42 | The most popular work in the history of Opera Memphis returns in a brand new production set in an era when WC Handy and William Grant Still rubbed elbows on Beale Street. It’s a classic Puccini opera on youth, love, and freedom.
Rainbow Rumble: Vampires vs. Werewolves | Black Lodge | doors 8pm | Starting at $15 | Co-hosted by Moth Moth Moth & Season 3 Winner Vivica Vanity, this monthly drag lip sync battle is back with a theme that pits vampires against werewolves in a clash of “fangtastic elegance and beastly charm.”
STAX: Soulsville, U.S.A Preview | Crosstown Theater | 7pm | $20, general admission | Join director Jamila Wignot in person for a preview of the first episode of the new HBO docuseries STAX: Soulsville U.S.A., followed by a panel discussion with Wignot and key participants.
Saturday, May 18
Be You Bravely | DRUS Bar | 2-5pm | All ages | Starting at $10 | This queer-friendly benefit concert features live music by Rose-A, Anna Rose Baker, River Williams, Nazthemoon, and HYMM! All proceeds go to the OUTMemphis Youth Empowerment Center!
Comic Con | Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library | 10am-3pm | All ages | Free | Fans of comics, movies, anime, manga, video games and pop culture in general—this is your day! Check out legendary comic creators Matt Wagner and Gene Ha as well as more than 50 local vendor, a chance to get free graphic novels, a fun cosplay contest, arts and crafts, and more!
La bohème | Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center | 7:30pm | Tickets starting at $42 | (See May 17, above)
Trans Closet Extravaganza | First Congo | Free, RSVP required | Blue Suede Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s “tapestry of transformation returns for Spring and Summer! Join them for a boutique experience celebrating diverse gender expressions where you can sign up for your very own professional tailoring and personal clothing consultations.
Sunday, May 19
AFABulous & Friends | Hi Tone Cafe | Doors 5, show 8 | $10 | AFABulous & Friends brings an evening of cosplay and costumes, plus a mini-con with vendors starting at 6pm. Stick around for the 7pm costume contest, followed by a cosplay variety show at 8PM—complete with a surprise guest co-host and TWO special intermission acts!
Drag Away the Stigma | Black Lodge | 11am-3pm | All ages | Free | Get ready! American Foundation for Suicide Prevention partnered with MidSouth Trans Nation for a family-friendly celebration of drag. The packed day brings brunch catered by Chef Eli’s Dos Hermanos Kitchen, a thoughtful panel discussion, resource tables, and drag performances by Lady Pluto, Will Ryder, Cheri Lie Maid, and more!
Tri-State Miss Black Universe Pageant:Grand/Mr/Miss | DRUS Bar | $15 | See which phenomenal performers will win Miss, Mr and the grand prize at this iconic pageant featuring presentation categories like White Sportswear, a talent portion, and more!
Friday, May 24
Queer Camping | Shelby Farms | RSVP required | Get ready to pitch a tent with other great LGBTQ folks at this Queer Memphis Hikes-hosted event.
Saturday, May 25
‘Between Heaven and Earth, We Build Our Home’ opening ceremony | UrbanArt Commission | 7pm | All ages | Free | Focus’ May/June featured artists, the MengCheng 梦城团 Collective, open this moving exhibition featuring AAPI artists from Memphis and the South with a special performance.
Sunday, May 26
Art Bazaar Flea Market | 495 N Hollywood | 11am-5pm | All ages | Free | Discover treasures by local artisans and stick around for live music, delicious food, and community!
Leggs & Toasts Celebrity Illusion Brunch | DRUS Bar | 12pm | 21+ | Starting at $25| Let’s brunch! Join drag performer Wednesday Moss as Taylor Swift for a Celebrity Illusion Brunch you won’t soon forget, with cameos from drag-Garth Brooks, Cher, Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, Etta James, and more!
Thursday, May 30
Drag N Drive | Malco Summer Drive-In | Gates open at 7pm | Starting at $35 per vehicle | Hosts Brenda Newport and Will Ryder kick off Memphis Pride Fest Weekend at the iconic Summer Drive-In with a screening of Mean Girls (2004) and a 40-minute video showcase with drag performances by Stanisha Bonet Dupree, Crystal Jo Casino, Cheri Lie Maid, Trey Alize, Lady Pluto, Zoloft, King Playtonic, Wednesday Moss, and special guest Hoop Rebel!
Megan Thee Stallion | FedEx Forum | 8pm | Tickets starting at $80 | Megan Thee Stallion, aka Tina Snow, is bringing Houston Hottie Realness to Memphis, with special guest GloRilla, as part of her Hot Girl Summer tour.
Friday, May 31
Loud and Proud: Big Gay Dance Party | Crosstown Theater | $15 for ages 18-20, starting at $25 for ages 21+ | Join volume 12 of this epic Mid-South Pride celebration hosted by Friends for All! Enjoy a night filled with music by DJ A.D, dancing, drinks, and a safe, inclusive space to celebrate your true self. Plus, take advantage of free HIV and STI testing and voting registration.
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