Events

[PRIDE] On June 24, President Obama will host a reception at the White House in observation of Pride Month, the annual LGBTQ celebration. If you can’t make it to the White House, don’t worry, there are plenty of Pride Week events happening right here in Buffalo, with the theme this year being “Show & Tell” (“Storytelling. Celebrating. Advocating. Being seen and heard!” proclaims the Pride website.) 

On June 1, Mayor Brown oversaw a flag-raising ceremony in Niagara Square, officially kicking off Pride Week. Below you’ll find a complete list of official Pride Week events that will culminate in the Pride Parade and Pride Festival on Sunday, June 7.

 BIG GAY SING 
Wednesday, June 3 / 8pm
Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus leads a loud and proud sing-along to hit songs at Evergreen Commons (262 Georgia Street), hosted by Jimmy Janowski. 

 GAY 5K RUN 
Thursday, June 4 / 6:30pm 
This is exactly what it sounds like. All are welcome to compete in a 5K run which begins at 6:30pm at Soho Burger Bar. Registration happens 4:30-6:30pm, or you can register now.

 CHROMA 
Friday, June 5 / 6pm 
The party continues at Glow Gallery for the opening of Chroma, an annual art exhibition curated by LGBTQ artists from all over Western New York. The reception begins at 6pm and the exhibit will be on view through June 28.

 FLEX 
Friday, June 5 / 10pm 
DJs MikeQ, Pumpdabeat, and VJ the DJ fuel this hip hop and queer culture dance party at the Waiting Room, which begins at 10pm.

 DYKE MARCH 
Saturday, June 6 / 4pm 
The annual Dyke March will proceed down Grant Street beginning at 4pm. For more, see Celia White’s story in this week’s issue.

 MOMENTUM 
Saturday, June 6 / 7pm 
A nightclub at Canalside? There’s a first for everything. Momentum will transform Canalside into “Buffalo’s biggest queer nightclub.” Presented by Barefoot Wine, this one is for adults only—adults who are ready to dance, that is.

 PRIDE PARADE 
Sunday, June 7 / Noon 
The most popular event of Pride Week is the annual Pride Parade, which takes off at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Forest Avenue with a convoy of vibrant floats and performers led by dozens of local organizations. If you haven’t registered to be in the parade, it’s not too late, just visit buffalopridefestival.com. If you’re content as a spectator, crowds line Elmwood Avenue down to Allentown to watch and support.

 PRIDE FESTIVAL 
Sunday, June 7 / 1pm 
This is the main event, folks. The Buffalo and WNY Pride Festival has been running strong for 24 years, and this year it will once again be at Canalside. Country singer Steve Grand and Canadian pop singer Mia Martina headline the festival which also includes main stage acts DJ XOTEC, Tynomi Banks, and Wild Things, hosted by Ed Drantch. Expect family activities, food, beer, and gift vendors, a “Retro Dance Tent,” and more.

AMBUSH PRIDE PARTY

The third annual Ambush Pride Party takes place Friday, June 5, from 7pm-1am at Handlebar, 149 Swan Street. Ambush began its very popular guerilla movement to “surprise attack” straight bars a few years ago. Organizers expect over a thousand people at this inclusive event, which has an outdoor stage. Swaydar Entertainment brings headliner band Girl in a Coma (pictured) from San Antonio, Texas and opening band Bitch from LA. The event will be emceed by Mistress J Kiss from the the Stripteasers, and DJ Milk and DJ Yama will spin records throughout the night. —Celia White