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.
Now, jump off your very gay Pride Month with festivals, live music, amazing drag brunches, and 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, 18 new LGBTQ Memphis events to close out May 2024
Saturday, June 1 (First Day of Pride!)
Disobedience Sapphic Party | Black Lodge | 9pm-2am | 18+ | $20 | It’s time for Sapphic Memphis’ 2024 Pride Party…..DISCOBEDIENCE! Roll up in your grooviest disco fit, or show of your most enticing kink wear, for cocktails & mocktails, Sapphic Memphis merch, giveaways, amazing music by DJ Zetta, and burlesque from Frankie LaFemme, Onyx Davenport, Mona Ford, and Fifi Déluxx!
Memphis Pride Festival and Parade | Beale St. @ Fourth St | 11am-5pm | All ages | Starting at $1 | The Memphis Pride Festival and Parade are at the heart of MidSouth Pride Fest Weekend, with 2 stages with live entertainment including headliners, local musicians, drag artists, special guest speakers, VIP experiences, educational sessions, a kids’ area, and interactive activities, embodying a spirit of unity and diversity in the heart of Memphis.
Sunday, June 2
Bey Out: A Pride Kickoff Party | Black Lodge | 8PM | $10 | It’s a Pride Kickoff party for the Beyhive and You Are the Visual is the theme—so come ready to stunt. Immerse yourself in the ultimate Beyoncé experience with DJ Space Age, Carter Karaoke, a spectacular Queen Bey drag show, and a dance floor that won’t quit!
Grand Marshall Drag Brunch | Cossitt Library | 11am – 2pm | Starting at $30 | Hosts Daniel Thompson and Demarcus Jones bring us a laid-back yet lively soiree celebrating the Grand Marshals of the Memphis Pride Parade.
Friday, June 7
The 2nd Annual Liars’ Ball | TheatreWorks | Doors 7:30pm, show 8pm | 18+ | $12 advanced, $15 at the door | Join Bluff City Liars for one or both nights of improv comedy accompanied by live music from great local artists. The talented Louise Page will serenade you on Friday, while Saturday will see the raw electricity of Rosey!
Tiny Kitchen Concert Series | Dos Hermanos at Cossitt Library | 7pm | Free entry | Dos Hermanos brings its next installment of Tiny Kitchen Concert Series with spotlight artist Jordan Occasionally and featured artist KJ Willis, with incomparable host, WYXR’s Tonya Dyson.
Sunday, June 9
Sapphic Sunday: Loud and Proud | DRUS Bar | 6pm | 21+ | Sapphic Sunday brings a Pride: Loud and Proud-themed variety show catered to anyone who identifies with or supports those who identify with sapphic culture and energy. Memphis’s only show with its own theme song! A variety show open to all entertainers. Anybody and EVERY body is welcome!
Drag Brunch | Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern | Doors 12pm | $10 | India Taco, Juicy Massacre, and Séraphina perform at this Pride-worthy drag brunch.
Monday, June 10
Roller Derby Skate School begins | Pipkin Building | Sign up for details | $15 | Queer-inclusive Memphis Roller Derby jump off their 6-week bootcamp designed to teach prospective members how to skate and introduce them to roller derby skills and rules.
Thursday, June 13
A Night of Xcellence | National Civil Rights Museum | 6:30-9:30pm | $23 | TriState Black Pride’s Opening Ceremony is dedicated to celebrating culture and diversity of the Black LGBT community, particularly in the Mid-South. The theme? ‘The Time is Now” People, Purpose & Power!
Friday, June 14
Anime Rave | Black Lodge | 10pm | 18+ | $10 | Head to the Black Lodge for the 2nd Tokyo Takeover, an anime-themed rave with a $100 cash prize cosplay contest!
TriState Black Pride 8th Annual Educational Sessions | Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel | 9am-2pm | Free | Each Break Out Session is intentionally planned to provide information to address a dire need that the Black LGBTQ Community is facing, and today’s session includes a free luncheon.
Saturday, June 15
Kiki Ball and Cowboy Carter Day Party | MOSH (formerly Pink Palace) | 6-11pm | Starting at $28 | Join Tristate Black Pride (TSBP) for an upscale event in the heart of Memphis inside the luxurious MOSH Museum!
Draggin’ You to Brunch | MOSH (formerly Pink Palace) | 12-3pm | Starting at $28 | Saturday’s Brunch just got better! TSBP presents their 8th Annual drag brunch hosted by comedian Miss Sophia from Atlanta, GA, and Monica Lusk.
Morrighan’s Bluff LARP | W. J. Freeman Park | 12pm | Free | Every Saturday at noon Morrighan’s Bluff becomes the realm of Mythos Sanctorium, a Medieval/Fantasy LARP (Live Action Roleplaying game).
TriState Black Pride 8th Annual Educational Sessions | Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel | 9am-12pm | Free | (see Friday, June 14)
Sunday, June 16 (Juneteenth!)
TSBP 4th Annual Music Fest | Memphis Music Room | 4pm-11pm | Free | Come out and support local and national singers, poets, dancers, and rappers at this free Pride event!Juneteenth Festival | Orange Mound Tower | 3pm-11:30pm | All ages | $10 | TONE’s annual Juneteenth Festival is back with headliners Curren$y, Juicy J, HitKidd, and DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown aka Erykah Badu.
