As Pride Month unfolds, the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies are gearing up for a series of special events across North Texas throughout June, predominantly scheduled for Saturdays.
The first Saturday of June marks the beginning of the celebrations, with numerous activities planned. Kicking off the festivities is Pridenton, a community rally at Denton Courthouse Square (110 W Hickory St, Denton) from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. This free event supports Texas Equal Access (TEA), a nonprofit focused on reproductive rights. Attendees will enjoy live music from local indie-rock band Fishboy, known for their storytelling through song and comic art.
Simultaneously, Dallas Pride Fest takes place at three locations, offering a vibrant array of live music, DJ performances, and drag shows from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Festival of Rainbows encompasses the Main Street Festival at Main Street Garden Park (1902 Main St), the Community Festival at Pacific Plaza (401 N Harwood St), and the Teen & Family Pride event at Harwood Park (408 S Harwood St). Tickets are priced at $10, granting access to all three venues. The day culminates with the Sunset Parade from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the intersection of Main and St. Paul streets. For more details and ticket information, visit DallasPride.org. Additionally, visitors can meet adoptable pets from The Love Pit animal rescue at a booth in Main Street Garden Park during the festival.
Later in the evening, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., Club Changes (2637 E Lancaster Av, Fort Worth) hosts the Pride Is Power show, featuring guest MC Jerika Tailar. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged, with proceeds benefiting Rhonda Mac’s Wall of Food, which supports those in need through funds raised at drag shows.
In Arlington, a Pride Celebration at Tanstaafl Pub (409 N Bowen Rd) kicks off at 9 p.m. with performances by Poppy Lou, along with drink specials and music bingo. This event welcomes all, promising “no cover” and “no judgment.”
On June 13, the Dallas Arboretum (8525 Garland Rd, Dallas) hosts Pride in Bloom, a day filled with two unique experiences from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Daytime Pride features a vendor market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a live performance by pianist Sydney Barber from noon to 2 p.m. Twilight Pride, running from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., includes the Classic Chassis Car Show, live music from Sam Cormier, a DJ set by DJ Dezi, and a dance party. General admission tickets are available for $25.95 for non-members, while evening tickets are $20.95.
The Imperial Court de Fort Worth/Arlington is also hosting its annual Imperial Pride Pageant from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Club Reflection (604 S Jennings St, Fort Worth). This year’s event will be hosted by the previous winners, including Aunda Mikyles, Veronica Reyes, and Destiny St. James, with contestant check-in starting at 5 p.m.
On June 20, LGBTQ S.A.V.E.S. (Students, Allies, Volunteers, Educators Support), founded by educator Sharon Herrera in response to the tragic suicides of LGBTQIA+ youth, will host its annual Youth Pride Picnic. The event, designed for individuals 24 and younger, offers a free picnic lunch with family or chosen family, themed “Every Shade of Rainbow.” Registration via Eventbrite will provide attendees with location details.
Although Arlington will not host an official city-endorsed Pride event this year, Fool’s Kava House (200 N Mesquite St, Ste 119) is organizing its own Pride Fest from noon to 5 p.m. This celebration will feature local vendors, food, drinks, and music, culminating in a performance by Arlington singer-songwriter Zoe Pardee at 7 p.m. As a women- and queer-owned establishment, Fool’s Kava House aims to create an inclusive atmosphere for all.
Finally, on June 27, Trinity Pride Fest returns to the Near Southside from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at South Main Village, celebrating community, creativity, visibility, and pride. Attendees can look forward to engaging art, drag performances, entertainment, and music in a family-friendly environment. Admission is free with prior registration at TrinityPrideFW.org, with more information on vendors and performances to be shared as the event date approaches.
