Arlington Pride
Burbs and venues keep Pride alive throughout DFW
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
rich@dallasvoice.om
Pride is everywhere all at once this weekend — or at least these few places, this weekend and beyond. While Dallas Pride at Fair Park may be the centerpiece for queer celebration, Tarrant County, Dallas ’burbs and even some out-of-the-box venues get in on the rainbow festivities.
From Deep Ellum to Fort Worth, Pride obviously knows no boundaries in North Texas. Although every year, it seems like Pride is more important than ever, this time it’s not just about celebrating our communities but showing up to remind us of that old adage: We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it.
Friday, June 2: Ride Your Pride, Double Wide
If you want drag queens, live music and “queer shit,” head to Deep Ellum for DW’s Pride kick-off party. Live music includes queer Southern rock band Thelma and the Sleaze, synth-pop country artist Pelvis Wrestley from Austin and local artists Barbie Bank Rose and Kameron Ross.
The “Bitchin’ Drag Queens” lineup includes Barbie Davenport, Kendrix Kyle, Blue Valentine, Bronx Davenport, Salem Moon, Kolby Davenport, Nayda Montana and Emeka Bless.
Need more? Double Wide’s got it with a lineup of DJs that includes Natural Hiiigh, DeLuna, Ursa Minor, Kirbae and Apthout.
And yet, with all that, the event’s centerpiece may just be the big ol’ dick in the parking lot. Yep. No bull here — guests can test their gripping power and ride the Mechanical Dick (also, send us pics for our Scene page if you do). $30. 9 p.m. Double-Wide.com.
Carrollton-Pride
Saturday, June 3: Carrollton Pride 2023 Pride Festival
This north of Dallas ’burb celebrates its diverse community with music, food and even glitter. Held at Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church, the theme is Pride is Local, and this is an outdoor event. Organizers require that all participants must be diversity-centric and affirming organizations, which makes for a welcome and inclusive event. 11-3 p.m.
Saturday, June 3: Pride-a-Palooza, Sons of Hermann Hall
Drag queen (and former Dallas Voice cover model) Bleach along with DiscoTx will host a fab night of drag and more at this historic hall in Deep Ellum. The night includes appearances by BibleGirl, Blackberri, Bleach, Kylee O’Hara Fatale, Kathy O’Connor, Dia Monte, Shasta Montana and Jo Sappho. DJs, go-go dancers, photo opps and musical guests Barbie Bank Rose and Cure for Paranoia complete this night of Pride. 21 and older. 8 p.m. DiscoTX.com.
Saturday, June 10: Arlington Pride
The 2023 Frank Kent Cadillac Arlington Pride Celebration is presented by the HELP Center for LGBT Health and Wellness and will happen at the Levitt Pavilion. In its second year, Arlington Pride doubles down on its entertainment with headliner queens including Angeria Paris VanMichaels, Symone and Kennedy Davenport from RuPaul’s Drag Race and legendary queen Lady Bunny as the DJ in the VIP lounge.
The entertainment stage will also include DJ Al Farb and more performers. Street fair vendors, local artists and more all make up this Pride. Free tickets available on EventBrite.com. 5 p.m. ArlingtonPride.org.
June 16-19: Juneteenth Unity Weekend Festival and Pool Party
Dallas Southern Pride (DSP) presents this festival event that features live performances, a vendor fair, food truck court and VIP experiences throughout. The weekend kicks off with a Friday welcome reception at Thrive Night Club. The event is complimentary, but tickets are required.
After the reception, the club will shift into the Houston and New Orleans Invades Dallas party with H-town host Nishia Da Diva and Big Easy host Brandon Anthony.
The pool party will be held at Samuel Grand Aquatic Center with performances by SupahBadd and Ken The Man. Tiered VIP experiences include cabana reservations, premium tables, lounge chairs or VIP standing. Experiences can also feature (depending on selected tier) drink tickets, access for guests, reserved seating, food vouchers and more.
On Sunday, the Kirk Myers-Hill Signature Brunch will be held at the host hotel Crowne Plaza pool. That night, DSP’s festival comes to an end with The Climax party at Thrive. Weekend packages available. Tickets and schedule available at DallasSouthernPride.com.
June 24: Trinity Pride Fest, Fort Worth
Presented by Frank Kent Cadillac, this one-day festival will be held at Magnolia Green Park by Near Southside. The free event will feature vendors, a food truck court, live music by local queer musicians and Nonprofit Row hosting organizations that work directly with the queer community of Fort Worth. 6 p.m. TrinityPrideDFW.org.
