In and around Boston, there are plenty of events devoted to celebrating and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community in June, with a large number taking place the weekend of the June 8 Pride parade. In addition to the celebrations highlighted here, many towns and businesses in the Greater Boston area are hosting local Pride festivals, block parties, and bar crawls. To discover many more ways to join in the festivities, search “pride events” on eventbrite.com or your city’s website.
THORGY THOR AT THE BSO Drag performer and former “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Thorgy Thor joins the Boston Pops this Saturday to deliver a blend of music and comedy to start off Pride Month. Thor, the self-described “reigning queen of classical music,” has performed across the US and Canada with multiple symphony orchestras. She is portrayed by Shane Galligan, who holds a bachelor of music in viola and violin performance. Thor will also be joined by GBH’s Jared Bowen and drag entertainer Qya Cristál. June 1, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. bso.org
ROOFTOP HOUSE PARTY The Samuel Adams Downtown Boston Taproom is throwing a rooftop party featuring giveaways, beer slushies, and sets from DJ L’Duke and DJ Javes. This event is also tied to the release of a new Sam Adams brew, called “Love Conquers Ale.” Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest glow outfits. Best look of the night wins tickets to Red Sox Pride Night later this month. June 1, 7-11 p.m. Free. 60 State St., Boston. Event is 21+. eventbrite.com
HULL DRAG BRUNCH Enjoy a late morning and early afternoon of food and drinks from The Parrot and performances from drag queens Missy Steak and JP and drag king MT Hart. Brunch includes French toast, eggs, garden salad, and more options, as well as cocktails from the cash bar. Tickets are sold both online and at the door. June 2, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $45 for advance tickets, $55 starting June 1 and at the door. 1 Hull Shore Drive, Hull. hullpride.net
BOSTON DYKE MARCH The Boston Dyke March, launched in 1995, celebrates anti-capitalism and queer liberation and advertises itself as an alternative to the city’s official Pride celebration. Beginning at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common, the route stretches for 2 miles, with some accessible transport being offered during the parade. The march also features speakers and performers, including singer-songwriters Mercedes Escobar and chrysalis and ska band Doublestar. June 7, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Boston Common. Masks are required. bostondykemarch.com
PORTRAITS OF PRIDE BALL 2024 At Hynes Convention Center, the Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of Art, History, and Culture hosts the Portraits of Pride Ball, the organization’s annual gala celebrating the queer community. Festivities include DJ performances, speakers, and full bar service. This year’s main honorees include executive director of New England Foundation for the Arts Harold Steward, photographer John Huet, and Creative Hub Worcester cofounders Stacy Lord and Laura Marotta. June 7, 7-11 p.m. Tickets start at $125. 900 Boylston St. bostonlgbtqmuseum.org
PRIDE AT THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS The MFA rings in Pride Month with multiple special events throughout June. On Sunday, June 2, the museum welcomes the Boston chapter of Drag Story Hour for a storybook reading and meet and greet with drag queen Patty Bourrée. At the end of the week, the MFA’s First Fridays series returns for a Pride-themed evening featuring another drag story reading, tunes from DJ Dayglow, art activities, and more. Food and drink will be served at the 465 Bar and Restaurant. Drag Story Hour: June 2, 1-2 p.m. Included with general admission. First Fridays: June 7, 6-9 p.m. Tickets are free for members and $27 for nonmembers. For more information on specific events visit mfa.org/programs/special-event.
BOSTON PRIDE FOR THE PEOPLE FESTIVAL, BLOCK PARTY, AND PARADE For the second year, Boston’s revamped Pride parade, called Boston Pride for the People, is hosting a parade celebrating the LGBTQ+ people who have risked their safety to advocate on behalf of the community. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Copley Square, working its way through the South End and concluding at Boston Common at Charles Street, where a festival will be held beginning at noon. There, pop artist and Boston University alum JORDY will headline along with LGBTQ+ activist and singer-songwriter Mila Jam. Meanwhile, Pride for the People is also sponsoring a 21+ block party after the parade at City Hall Plaza from 2-8 p.m. June 8. Free. bostonprideforthepeople.org
PRIDE BAR FEST 2024 Head to Lansdowne Street for the third annual Pride Bar Fest, hosted by LGBTQ Nightlife Events. At the 21+ events, patrons can enjoy block party festivities, which include drag performances, live DJs, a queer vendor market, and more. Purchase of a ticket also grants access to 10 local participating venues, including Fenway Johnnies, House of Blues Restaurant and Bar, and Lucky Strike. June 9, noon-6 p.m. Lansdowne Street, Boston. Tickets start at $15. Event is 21+. eventbrite.com
PRIDE BRUNCH AT CITY WINERY Head to City Winery for brunch and a live performance from The Femmes, an all women and non-binary party and wedding band. Brunch is buffet-style and costs $35 per person, separate from ticket prices. (City Winery will not be offering their regular menu during the event.) June 9, doors at 11 a.m., show begins at noon. Tickets start at $22. 80 Beverly St., Boston. citywinery.com
RED SOX PRIDE NIGHT Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox host their annual Pride Night game on June 11 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. Fans who purchase through the Red Sox’ special ticket offer can receive a navy blue Pride baseball jersey. Before the game, fans can also head to the Sam Deck in left field for a Pride-themed party. June 11, first pitch at 7:10 p.m. Tickets start at $36. For more information, visit mlb.com/redsox.
RAINBOW RIOT: A PRIDE COMEDY SHOW Head to Jamaica Plain for a night of comedy and live music put on by LeCuyer Comedy at the record store Deep Thoughts JP. The show features exclusively LGBTQ+ comedians from Boston. June 15, 8-9:30 p.m. $17. 138b South St., Jamaica Plain. eventbrite.com
AAPI QUEER PROM For the first time, the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Boston hosts prom night for the queer AAPI community and its allies. Hosted at Stage Karaoke x Studios in Allston, the night of karaoke and dancing also features a royal court ceremony, raffle, friendship bracelet making, and food and specialty mocktails. June 23, 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $12.50 through May 31, then jump to $25. 138 Brighton Ave., Allston. Event is 21+. eventbrite.com
SPARKLE DISCO FITNESS PARTY Get your groove on at Vitamin Sea Brewery for an all-level workout featuring dance, yoga, and body-weight training. Following the event, mocktails and other drinks will be served. All proceeds from the event will go toward Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth. June 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tickets start at $30, T-shirts available with select ticket packages (must order by June 13). 30 Moore Road, Weymouth. eventbrite.com.
Henry Bova can be reached at henry.bova@globe.com.