This month marks the 50th anniversary of Twin Cities Pride, a momentous occasion marked by a decades-long history filled with a continuous fight for change and its accompanying losses along the way. Expect this year’s celebration to be fueled not only by the landmark milestone, but by the loosening of pandemic restrictions, after COVID-19 stifled the last two Pride months.
Beyond watching the annual Pride march, join in on the celebration this year by attending one of dozens of community events held in the Twin Cities.
Here’s A&E’s roundup of events to hit in the second half of Pride month.
Paint & Build Night at Tower Games
Interested in hobby painting? Spend the night working on a project, perfecting your technique and hanging out with friends at Tower Games’ Paint & Build night. All funds from the evening will go toward supporting The Aliveness Project, a local organization dedicated to supporting those living with HIV.
Where: Tower Games, 3920 Nicollet Ave. #150, Minneapolis
When: June 15 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person
Celebrating Pride at Can Can Wonderland
From live performers, mosaic art and a drag queen story book hour, Can Can Wonderland’s Pride celebration has something going on for everyone. Take part in some daytime fun or wait for the revelry to break out at the adults-only afterparty.
Where: Can Can Wonderland, 755 Prior Ave. N. Suite #004, St. Paul
When: June 17, 11 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (all ages), 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. (21+) Cost: $10 per person
Pride on TV Trivia at Black Sheep Pizza
Think you know your LGBTQ+ television? Put that knowledge to the test at Trivia Mafia’s Pride on TV Trivia event with a team of no more than six people. Make sure your phone is charged for the night, as the event requires use of the Trivia Mafia app.
Where: Black Sheep Pizza, 600 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis
When: June 20, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Pride Beer Dabbler
Consider yourself a craft beer enthusiast? Don’t miss the chance to sip some local brews, listen to a DJ set or two and grab a bite from the on-site food trucks. Discounted tickets are available for the evening’s designated drivers.
Where: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Place
When: June 24, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $50-70 per person
Pride Block Party at The Saloon
Sunshine, good company and a whole lot of partying — this is the scene you’ll find at The Saloon’s Pride Block Party all weekend. Performers include Da Brat, DJ Kris Holiday and Poppy.
Where: The Saloon, 830 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
When: June 24-25, noon – 3 a.m., June 25, 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Cost: $35-60 per person, $90 for a weekend pass
Twin Cities Pride Festival
After a virtual celebration in 2020 and a scaled-back version of events in 2021, the Twin Cities Pride Festival is back in full swing this year. Spend your weekend wandering through Loring Park with its wide variety of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC vendors, foodstands and local performers.
Where: Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Minneapolis
When: June 25-26, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Pride in Concert with Carly Rae Jepsen
Fans of Grammy-nominated pop singer-songwriter and queer icon Carly Rae Jepsen can catch her headlining Twin Cities Pride’s annual Pride in Concert. Unlike previous years, this year’s all-ages show will be held at The Armory.
Where: The Armory, 500 S. Sixth St., Minneapolis
When: June 25, doors at 6:30 p.m, show at 8 p.m.
Cost: General admission tickets from $50
Pride Parade Party & Drag Show at Union Rooftop
Failed to snag a ticket to the Rainbows + Wigs drag brunch at Union Rooftop? Relax, take a deep breath and turn to the next-best-alternative: a rooftop dance party accompanied by cocktails and drag pop-ups. Join Sasha Cassadine, Priscilla es Yuicy and Domita Sanchez for a show starting at 10:30 a.m. DJ Izzie P will be on music for the event.
Where: Union Rooftop, 731 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
When: June 26, 9 a.m.
Cost: $20 per person
