From concerts to art fairs to drag shows, there’s plenty going on this month to celebrate Pride

Ross Raihala, Pioneer Press
·6 min read
7

June is Pride Month, the concept of which was born after the patrons — including drag queens and trans people — fought back against police raids at New York’s Stonewall Inn in late June 1969.

What began as a riot has since grown into a celebration around the globe. The Twin Cities Pride Festival is, of course, the biggest and best-known event of the month in the metro, but there’s plenty more going on, including arts and crafts fairs, concerts and drag shows. Here’s a look at what’s on tap.

St. Paul Pride

The new St. Paul Pride festival is a family-oriented celebration of St. Paul’s LGBTQ entertainers, food scene and artists. Performers include Nunnabove, JD Steele and the MacPhail Youth Choir, Kelese, the Culture, Enzy Rose, Tahjer, Mikko Blaze and Cameron Wright. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 10; Rice Park, St. Paul; free; stppride.org.

One Voice Mixed Chorus: ONEarth

Minnesota’s only LGBTQ chorus, One Voice Mixed Chorus features 125 singing members ranging in age from 15 to 81. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for this outdoor concert on the Mississippi River. 7 p.m. June 10 and 3 p.m. June 11; Raspberry Island, St. Paul; choose your own price; onevoicemn.org.

Family Day: Peace, Love, Revolution

Minneapolis Institute of Art celebrates Pride with a museum-wide day featuring a still-life workshop led by local queer artist Lindsey Cherek Waller, featuring floral arrangements by Ergo Floral; Drag Story Hour with Old Man Zimmer and Sid Sity; and a selection of short films celebrating the LGBTQ community, curated by the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival Society. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 11; Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.; free; artsmia.org.

Rainbows, Dreams and Prom Scenes Pride Camp

Spring Dance and Theatre Academy presents a week-long summer camp for kids. Older students will stage a production of “The Prom,” and there are also events and activities for younger students and preschoolers. Noon-3 p.m. (ages 7-18, $160) and noon-2 p.m. (ages 3-6, $145) June 12-16; Spring Dance and Theatre Academy, 2303 Kennedy St. N.E. #100, Mpls.; springinspires.com.

Pansy Division

Founded in 1991 by guitarist/vocalist Jon Ginoli, Pansy Division may be the first rock band featuring entirely out members. They certainly were the biggest success to come out of queercore, a punk rock offshoot focused on music by and for the LGBTQ community. In addition to releasing seven albums, the group has toured with the likes of Green Day and Rancid. Lumari and Bev Rage and the Drinks open. 7:30 p.m. June 15; 7th Street Entry, 29 Seventh St. N., Mpls.; $18-$15; first-avenue.com.

And IIIIIIII …

The Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus’ Pride concert pays tribute to the late Whitney Houston. “Higher Love,” I’m Your Baby Tonight,” “The Greatest Love of All” and “I Will Always Love You” are among the songs the TCGMC will perform with principal accompanist, Timothy De Prey, and guest musicians. 7:30 p.m. June 16-17; Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 Fourth St. S., Mpls.; $60-$17.50; tcgmc.org.

Hidden MN Pride Art and Crafts Fair

Now in its second year, the Pride Art and Crafts Fair features more than 20 vendors selling everything from chainmail and resin flowers to crocheted vests and teacup earrings. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 17 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 18; Hidden MN, 1975 Oakcrest Ave. Suite 1, Roseville; free; hiddenmn.com.

Pride Family Fun Day

The free Family Fun Day, held annually in conjunction with Father’s Day, features hot dogs, chips, beverages and games for kids. There’s also a free youth baseball clinic, register at playballmn.com. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 18; Como Park East Pavilions, St. Paul; free.

MN Freedom Concert and Jazz Bands

Now wrapping up its 40th season, the Minnesota Freedom Band is comprised of LGBTQ volunteers, with 45 to 50 musicians in the Concert Band and 20 in the Jazz Band. A blanket or lawn chair is recommended for this outdoor concert. 7:30 p.m. June 19; Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway, Mpls.; free; mnfreedomband.org.

Twin Cities Pride Festival

The 51st annual Twin Cities Pride Festival features BIPOC and LGBTQ vendors, food courts, a beer garden and music stages across three days. 6-9:30 p.m. June 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 25; Loring Park, Mpls.; free; tcpride.org.

Sober Pride Minnesota

For the third year, Sober Pride Minnesota offers a substance-free Pride alternative. The event includes a presentation from Minnesota Recovery Connection, guided meditation and pizza. 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 23; Hennepin United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave., Mpls.; donation suggested; facebook.com/soberprideminnesota. Sober Pride Minnesota is also hosting a Pride Dance Party from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. June 24; Minneapolis Alano Club, 2218 First Ave., Mpls.; $5.

Family Pride Celebration and Drag Show

Sponsored by First Avenue, 89.3 The Current and Flip Phone Events, this all-ages dance party features a series of drag performers, including Dick Von Dyke, Carino, Myster’eo Cassadine, Ken Doll, Rustina Phoenix Nuttz and Daiquiri DeFile. 10:30 a.m. June 24; First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., Mpls.; $20; first-avenue.com.

Flip Phone XXL Pride Edition

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Luxx Noir London and Jade Jolie top a bill filled with Twin Cities drag performers, including Frozaen Pissas, Sasha Cassadine, Onya Deek, Julia Starr and Luna Muse. 9 p.m. June 24; First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., Mpls.; $30-$15; first-avenue.com.

Twin Cities LGBTQ Pride March

The annual Pride March runs down Hennepin Avenue and features dozens of colorful participants. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 25; downtown Minneapolis; free; tcpride.org.

Pride in the Sky

Flip Phone is hosting a pair of parties on downtown Minneapolis rooftops for those who want to watch the Pride parade from above. 9 a.m. June 25; Union Rooftop, 731 Hennepin Ave., and Crave American Kitchen and Sushi, 825 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; $20; flipphoneevents.com.

WSP Pride

Now in its fourth year, WSP Pride opens with a Friday night Skate Party (6-8:30 p.m. July 7; Harmon Park Hockey Rink, West St. Paul) followed by the main event (11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 8; West St. Paul Sports Complex, 388 E. Wentworth Ave.); free; wsppride.com.

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