Pride 2023 events are listed in bold

Wednesday, May 31

Kenny Savercool – Hold on to Your Friends Closing Party: Closing party for Kenny Savercool’s concert photography exhibition. 7 p.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: themetrogallery.net or call: 443-425-5139.

Thursday, June 1

Garden Hours: Drinks in the Garden Bar and music from JaySwann and DJ Bri Mafia. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Current Space, 421 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: currentspace.com or email: info@currentspace.com.

Opal: Pride Kickoff: Celebrate the launch of Opal, a platform centered mostly around House music. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The Royal Blue, 1733 Maryland Avenue. For more information, go to: royalbluebar.com or call: 443-869-6111.

Friday, June 2

The Rocky Horror Show Iron Crow Theatre’s annual fundraiser returns just in time for Pride. Every ticket holder gets an audience participation script and prop bag complete with cascading toilet paper, water guns, and an array of other gadgets and goodies. ($30-$55) June 2-16 at Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 West Preston Street. For more information, go to: ironcrowtheatre.org/rockyhorror or call: 443-637-CROW.

Highlandtown First Friday Art Walk: Self-guided art walk featuring drink and food specials. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at various locations. For more information, go to: ihearthighlandtown.com.

First Friday: The Jonathan Gilmore Project – Funktopia Nation: Celebrate Black Music Month by getting your P-Funk on with The Jonathan Gilmore Project as they present “Funktopia Nation.” ($20-$25) 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Reginald F. Lewis Museum. 830 East Pratt Street. For more information, go to: lewismuseum.org or call: 443-263-1800.   

Let’s Science Happy Hour: Kick off the weekend with science, cocktails, and the best rooftop view of the Inner Harbor. ($26.95) 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Maryland Science Center, 601 Light Street. For more information, go to: mdsci.org or call: 410-685-2370.

Saturday, June 3 

Charles Street Promenade: A pedestrian takeover of the Historic Charles Street thoroughfare. Enjoy shopping, strolling, and dining as Charles Street closes down to vehicular traffic from Saratoga Street to North Avenue. All day, at various locations. For more information, go to: charlesstreetpromenade.com.

Henson Homecoming—The Jim Henson Exhibition Opening Festival: Celebrate the legacy of Jim Henson with a museum-wide puppetry arts festival. Live puppet shows, local artists, puppet-making, and more. ($17-$19) 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Maryland Center for History and Culture, 610 Park Avenue. For more information, go to: mdhistory.org or call: 410-685-3750.

Celebrate Pride! LGBTQ Heritage in Charles Village: An LGBTQ heritage walking tour of Charles Village. Guides Richard Oloizia, Louis Hughes, and Kate Drabinski will take you on a walk past local landmarks. ($10-$15) 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Normal’s Books & Records, 425 East 31st Street. For more information, go to: baltimoreheritage.org or call: 410-332-9992.

BxB Festival | June: The Evolution of Baltimore Club Music: Celebrate 50 years of hip-hop in Baltimore with Baltimore Club Music. Acts will include Tim Trees, Rob Lee, Paula Campbell, Rye Rye, Unruly Records, and more. Noon to 8 p.m. at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, Light Street and Pratt Street. For more information, go to: waterfrontpartnership.org.

Baltimore Trans Pride: The goal of Trans Pride is to increase the strength of the trans and gender-diverse community and our allies—both within and beyond Baltimore City—through increased visibility, connection, love, and the celebration of our lives. Noon to 9 p.m. at ​​2117 North Charles Street. For more information, email: transpride@baltimoresafehaven.org.

GRL PWR Presents: Butch Garden: A queer-friendly happy hour dance party that is welcome to all. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 East 30th Street. For more information, go to: peabodyheightsbrewery.com or call: 410-467-7837.

B-More Trans Pride After Party: Drag & Dance Party for Baltimore Safe Haven: Celebrate Trans Pride and help raise money for Baltimore Safe Haven. Drag performances, bands, DJs, and more. ($12-$16) 8 p.m. at The Crown, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: thecrownbaltimore.com or call: 410-625-4848.

Sunday, June 4

Dyke Brunch A collaborative event between Dyke Nite and Wilde Thyme hosted in the backyard at Our Time Kitchen. ($15-$85) noon to 3 p.m. in the Our Time Kitchen Backyard, 117 West 24th Street. For more information, email: wildethymebaltimore@gmail.com.

Zen West Pride Brunch: One-of-a-kind drag performances hosted by Venus Fastrada and Vagenesis. ($35) 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Zen West, 5916 York Road. For more information, go to: zenwest-baltimore.com or call: 410-323-3368.

Juke Joint: Learn about cannabis and the new laws taking effect on July 1. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Sound Garden – Baltimore, 1616 Thames Street. For more information, go to: sgrecordshop.com or call: 410-563-9011.

June G.R.O.W Beyond Creative Barriers: Join fellow writers, artists, students, thinkers, organizers, and leaders for a monthly productivity session. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at good neighbor, 3827 Falls Road. For more information, go to: goodneighborshop.com.

Wednesday, June 7

LGBTQ+ History, Activism, and Culture through a Black Lens:  An overview of the history, activism, and culture of the LGBTQ+ community, with emphasis on highlighting the experiences and contributions of its Black members. 7 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Library, Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to: prattlibrary.org or call: 410-396‑5430.

Thursday, June 8

Jazzy Summer Nights: Tank & The Bangas, DJs, food trucks, retail vendors, and more. ($36.03) 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 101 West Cromwell Street. For more information, go to: thefinngroup.net/jazzy-summer-nights.

QUEER CRUSH!: Upstairs at Ottobar. 9 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: theottobar.com or call: 410-662-0069.

Balance: Come ready to dance to the smooth and soulful sounds of DJs Kade Young and Kevin Naidura. 9 p.m to 1:30 a.m. at The Royal Blue, 1733 Maryland Avenue. For more information, go to: royalbluebar.com or call: 443-869-6111.

Saturday, June 10

Baltimore Jazz Festival 2023: Kick the summer off with jazz, vendors, food, and more. Performances from Roy Ayers, Larnell Lewis, and Tweet. June 10-11 at Wyman Park, 3100 North Charles Street. For more information, email: info@baltimorejazzfestival.com

Black Music Fest: Celebrate Black music through dance. June 10-11 at Motor House, 120 West North Avenue. For more information, go to: motorhousebaltimore.com.

Pride at Peabody!: Drag performances from Chanel Belladonna, Hazel, and Baphomette. Hosted by Dustyn Dawn. ($15) 11 a.m. at Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 East 30th Street. For more information, go to: absolutely-dragulous.com

2023 Official Pride Bar Crawl: Celebrate Baltimore Pride with a colorful bar crawl through the city’s top LGBTQ+-friendly bars and nightclubs. ($15-$40) 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Power Plant Live!, 34 Market Place. For more information, go to: barcrawllive.com

WYPR & WTMD’s 20th Anniversary Bash feat. Susan Stamberg, Ayesha Rascoe, Dan Deacon, and more: 88.1 WYPR and 89.7 WTMD are thrilled to present an evening of speakers and live music. ($30.39-$134.11) 6 p.m. at B&O Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt Street. For more information, go to: borail.org.

Pride Sip & Paint: Sip on your favorite cocktails while you let your creativity flow at this celebration of love, diversity, and equality. ($25 – $55) 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at LB Bistro & Bakery, 20 West Baltimore Street. For more information, go to: creativechaosstudio.com.

SAD & BOUJEE DANCE PARTY: The Official Twerk and Tears Dance Party. Ages 18 and up. ($12.50 to $15) 9 p.m. at Ottobar

Sunday, June 11

Donnell’s Day: A community gathering to honor Donnell Rochester. Legal services, health information, and more. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ames Memorial United Methodist Church, 617 Baker Street. 

Thursday, June 15

Juneteenth: Honoring Food, Traditions, and Histories: Local chefs and restaurateurs David and Tonya Thomas discuss the culinary history of African American cuisine and food traditions associated with Juneteenth. Registration required. 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Walters Art Museum, 600 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: thewalters.org or call: 410-547-9000.

Sweet Spot Pride: Aquaria, Arra, Baby, DDm, King Molasses, Mel 4Ever, Miss Toto, Sweet Spot, and more. Proudly benefiting FreeState Justice – a legal advocacy organization that seeks to improve the lives of low-income LGBTQ+ Marylanders. ($25-$75) 8 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place. For more information, go to: sweetspotbmore.com.

Friday, June 16

A Tupac Birthday Celebration: With Ray Winder, Bobby Woody, and Kay L.A. Hosted by John Doe with Sounds by DJ-Sun. ($10 – $13) 6 p.m. at Current Space Garden Bar, 421 Tyson Street. For more information, go to: currentspace.com.

Twilight On The Terrace:  An annual fundraising gala event for The Pride Center of Maryland, featuring fine food, an open bar, and great music. ($150-$175) 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen, 10 Art Museum Drive. For more information, go to: baltimorepride.org.

Saturday, June 17

AFRAM: One of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast. National entertainment, local eats, and much more. June 17-18 at Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Drive. For more information, go to: aframbaltimore.com.

Union Collective Pride: A day of fun activities and performances for LGBTQ+ and ally youths, families, and adults to celebrate Pride month. Noon to 10 p.m. at Union Collective, 1700 West 41st Street. For more information, go to: unmatchedathlete.org/unioncollectivepride.

PRIDE of Mt Vernon 2023: A community-focused event to gather and socialize and to appreciate the neighborhood. 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the 900 block of North Charles Street. For more information, email: bmoremusic@gmail.com. 

Sunday, June 18

No Tea No Shade: Pride Brunch: Join hosts Kayden Amore Chloe and Liyah Adams for  another Sunday of shows, tea, and some slight shade. Noon to 3 p.m. at Dream Mega Lounge, 10 South Calvert Street. For more information, go to: sadbrunch.com

Baltimore Pride Community BBQ:  A celebration of  Pride, Father’s Day, and Juneteenth. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Pride Center of Maryland, 2418 Saint Paul Street. For more information, go to: bdeebaltimorelove.org or call: 410-622-9519.

Monday, June 19

Baltimore Pride: The theme “One Heart, One Love, One Pride” honors the contributions made to society by sexual and gender minorities. Hosted by the Pride Center of Maryland. June 19-25 at various locations. For more information, go to: baltimorepride.org.

An Opulent Juneteenth: Special guest performance by Pinksiifu. DJ Sets By ThugPop & Dj Auntie Spice. A panel discussion moderated by Sharayna Christmas. Food, drinks, a tattoo bar, and more. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at good neighbor, 3827 Falls Road. For more information, go to: goodneighborshop.com

Wednesday, June 21

Pride In Da Harbor: Several days of events throughout the city, including Wett Wednesday, Hippo reunion, and more. June 21-25 at various locations. For more information, go to: prideindaharbor.com.

Suga Cane: BLK ASS Karaoke + Pride Happy  Hour: A sticky + sweet, good ass time. Brought to you by Alternative Union x BLK ASS FLEA MKT. ($15) 4 p.m to 10 p.m at Guilford Hall Brewery, 1611 Guilford Avenue. For more information, go to: blkassfleamkt.com.

Thursday, June 22

Brandee Younger: A leading voice of the harp, Brandee Younger made history at the 2022 Grammy Awards as the first Black female solo artist nominated in the Best Instrumental Composition category for her song “Beautiful Is Black.” ($22-$25) 7:30 p.m. at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue. For more information, go to: creativealliance.org or call: 410-276-1651.

Friday, June 23

Ridin’ the Rail: Baltimore Pride at the B&O: Hop aboard the Pride Train with one-of-a-kind drag performances, followed by an epic Baltimore Pride Party filled with music, food, and drinks. ($25-$85) 6:30 p.m. at B&O Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt Street. For more information, email: pridetrain2023@gmail.com. 

HAUS PRIDE: Hosted by Washington Heights, with special guests Detox and Laila McQueen. Performances by Stealya Manz-Blue and Cake Pop, with music provided by Vodkatrina. Ticket includes premium open bar, meet and greet, and drag show. ($50-$75) 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Topside, 101 West Monument Street.

GRL PWR Pride at Darkroom: Featuring Amy Reid and Pangelica. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., location to be announced. For more information, go to: ra.co/events/1672184.

Saturday, June 24

Satur-SLAY Pride Comedy Show: A he/she/they-LARIOUS night of comedy for pride season. ($10 – $15) 8 p.m. to 10 p.m, at Zissimos Bar, 1023 West 36th Street. For more information, go to: zissimosbar.com or call: 410-467-4707.

Beyonce vs. Rihanna Summer Dance Party: It’s the return of the Beyonce vs. Rihanna Summer dance party battle. ($15) 10 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: theottobar.com or email: management@theottobar.com  

VERSION: A Dance Party for Queer People: Sounds by Trillnatured, hosted by Kotic Couture, and documented by Sydney Allen. ($10) 10 p.m., The Crown, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: thecrownbaltimore.com or call: 410-625-4848.

Sunday, June 25

Drag Brunch with Brooklyn Heights: Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore and Brooklyn Heights proudly present Drag Brunch for Pride. ($35) 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Cafe – Baltimore, 601 East Pratt Street. For more information, go to: hardrockcafe.com.

PRIDE 2023 Dance Stage – Sunday PRIDE in the Park: Move your body and dance like no one’s watching. Music from King Tutt, Chris Brooks, Jerry Haley, and Byron B-Note Brown. Noon to 6 p.m. at Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Drive.

Wednesday, June 28

Jungle Brothers: With Saleem & The Music Lovers, DJ Mills, and DJ S5. ($22) 7 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place. For more information, go to: baltimoresoundstage.com or call 410-244-0057.

Friday, June 30

Final Fridays: Artist in Residence Renaissance Ball: Come and celebrate the history of Voguing, Ballroom, and Kiki culture at the Enoch Pratt Free Library! Festivities will include a Ballroom catwalk with performance categories and prizes, performances from Baltimore, and the DMV’s best and finest. The theme of this event is Club Renaissance, in acknowledgment and honor of the ongoing history and importance of Queer Black art’s cultural significance.  Dress to impress and wear your best Renaissance looks! 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Free Library, Central Library, 400 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to: prattlibrary.org or call: 410-396‑5430.

Art After Hours: Enjoy interactive activities, live entertainment, specialty cocktails, appetizers by H3irloom Food Group, and music inspired by The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. For more information, go to: artbma.org.

Lisa Snowden is Editor-in-Chief and cofounder of Baltimore Beat. Previously, she was an editor at Baltimore City Paper, Baltimore Sun, and The Real News Network. Her work has also appeared in Essence,...

Teri Henderson is the Arts and Culture Editor of Baltimore Beat. She is the author of the 2021 book Black Collagists. Previously, she was a staff writer for BmoreArt, gallery coordinator for Connect +...