As Pride month comes to a close, what better way to celebrate the LGBTQ community than to attend events that highlight (and financially support) local queer artists in the Twin Cities?
Here’s A&E’s guide to a handful of events happening this week.
Tuesday: Queer Voices literature night
Since its start in 1993, the Queer Voices reading series has featured and celebrated Minnesota-based LGBTQ writers and poets and remains the longest-running curated queer reading series in the United States. This event will feature readings from a group of the 44 queer poetry, fiction and nonfiction writers included in the volume.
Where: Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall
When: 7-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Wednesday: SciPride at the Bell Museum
The Bell Museum is celebrating SciPride this Wednesday to recognize the contributions of LGBTQ scientists. Through a handful of Lightning Talks hosted by University students, postdoctoral researchers and research staff, museum-goers can learn about topics ranging from gene-edited tomatoes to climate-smart foraging.
Where: Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. Paul
When: 5-8:30 p.m.
Cost: free for UMN students and Bell members, $9 for ages 3-21, $12 for 21+; additional fees apply for planetarium show
Thursday: Newbie drag night at honey mpls
Ever wanted to try drag performance but maybe haven’t because you’re not really sure how it works? This is the event for you. Hosted by Stacy Layne Matthews, a drag queen who appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2011, the event is designed to be a welcoming and loving environment for drag performers who have never done a paid gig.
Where: honey mpls, 205 E. Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
When: 9-10 p.m.
Cost: $15 for show ticket and meet and greet with Stacy Layne Matthews after show
Age: 18+
Friday: Bryant Lake Bowl Pride Block Party
The Bryant Lake Bowl Pride Block Party is a free event featuring a handful of punk rock bands and burlesque performers. The event is zero-waste and a percentage of the proceeds generated will be donated to OutFront Minnesota, a statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization.
Where: Bryant-Lake Bowl and Theater, 810 West Lake St., Minneapolis
When: 6-10:30 p.m., rain or shine
Cost: Free
Saturday: Queertopia art performance and exhibition
Queertopia, an annual queer art performance and exhibition, is curated by LGBTQ artists of all races and identities with the intent of highlighting and celebrating queer artists in the Twin Cities. This year’s exhibition addresses a conversation about crisis and response with care and adaptability in a time of emergency. Queertopia is sponsored by the 20% Theatre Company, which promotes the work of female and transgender performance artists and writers in Minnesota.
Where: In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, 1500 East Lake St., Minneapolis
When: doors open at 7 p.m., show is 7:30-9:30 pm
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Sunday: Gaga vs. Madonna Drag Brunch at Union Rooftop
What would Pride weekend be without a drag brunch … for dinner? Because what’s better than sitting in a covered glass patio overlooking the city while drag queens sing and dance around you to Lady Gaga and Madonna? Not much. Better grab your tickets soon, because this is the only time slot that isn’t sold out already!
Where: Union Rooftop, 731 Hennepin, Minneapolis
When: 4-6 p.m.
Cost: about $14 per person, not including entree
