Another work week has come and gone, which means it’s time for the Progressive’s Weekend! This week, we’re going all out for one of our favorite local events: Pride Fest 2019.
New Orleans’ Pride Fest began in February 1971 when the Gay Liberation Front of New Orleans held a “Gay In” picnic in City Park – the first event of its kind in Louisiana. Since then, New Orleans’ Pride has been named “One of the Fastest Growing Pride Festivals in the Nation” (2014), one of the “Top 9 Pride Festivals to Visit” (Travel & Leisure, 2015), and in 2017, brought in more than 82,000 participants.
In New Orleans, Pride Fest is a lot more than a parade (though ours is the largest LGBT parade on the Gulf Coast). Read on for a rundown of all of the events you can find happening this weekend for Pride Fest 2019.
Friday, June 7
Baby Cakes Pride Game – 7 pm to 10 pm
Kick off Pride right and watch the New Orleans Baby Cakes take on the Sacramento River Cats. There will be a fireworks display as well.
NOLA Fray #FrayLife Pool Party at The Drifter – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Join NOLA Fray for a pool party like no other, featuring the winner of the Elements DJ Battle, the Third Wheel Food Truck, and with your first two drinks included. Don’t miss it!
Dancing/Queen Concert by New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus – 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
This is one concert you won’t want to miss! Head over to the Uno Theater of Performing Arts to hear the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus perform the music of ABBA and Queen.
GrrlSpot/JNGL – beginning at 9 p.m.
The first girl party of the weekend is heading to the last lesbian bar in New Orleans – the 2nd floor of Santos Bar (formerly home to the Ruby Fruit Jungle). This party (as with all GrrlSpot events) is TRANS INCLUSIVE and will feature DJs, go-go dancers, and a giant balcony.
4th Annual Purple Takeover: a Prince Celebration – beginning at 10 p.m.
DJ Soul Sister Presents the 4th Annual Purple Takeover, sponsored by the Catahoula Hotel. Head on over to One Eyed Jacks for this celebration of all things Prince and Prince-related with music from The Time, Sheila E, Vani-pollonia 6, Madhouse, The Family, Jill Jones, NPG and more! Special guest DJ Lenka Paris will also spin some tunes.
Saturday, June 8
Celebrate PrideFest from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. outside the Phoenix on N. Rampart St from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be vendors, food, and entertainment.
PrideFest will be hosted by Tami Tarmac, former Miss Pride and will feature Big Freedia performing live on stage at the Robért Fresh Market.
GirlBar New Orleans – 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This is The Official Pride T-Dance for the Girls and will be held at the Bourbon Pub, featuring DJ Missy Hall.
Take Back Pride March – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m
The New Orleans Worker’s Group is holding a march to take back Pride at the Bienville Monument. Pride began as a protest – this continues that tradition. With three cases being heard before the Supreme Court to determine whether it is legal to discriminate against LGBT people for employment, housing, and healthcare, it’s time to renew that tradition and re-inject politics back into Pride.
2019 New Orleans Pride Parade
The New Orleans Pride Parade is the biggest LGBTQ parade on the Gulf Coast and will roll at 7:30 p.m. beginning at the Marigny, through the historic French Quarter, and finishing at the French Market. Family viewing is best from Jackson Square, while great balcony views can be had from Santos Bar, Good Friends Bar, Queens Head Pub, Oz New Orleans, and Bourbon Pub.
For those who are disabled, head to the Washington Square Park Safe Zone at St. Judes on Rampart Street. For street viewing, head to Mariott, Coyote Ugly, The Page, Rawhide, The Black Penny, and 801 Royal St.
This year’s parade will feature more than 60 groups and 24 Mardi Gras-style floats. This year’s Miss New Orleans Pride is Giselle Trivianni and Mr. New Orleans Pride is Blaine Bextor.
New Orleans Pride Ball feat. Detroit Swindle – 10:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
This year’s New Orleans Pride Ball is brought to you by Bearded Lady Productions and the Krewe of Armeinius. This is considered to be the official after-party of the Pride parade and will be held at the Joy Theater on Canal St.
Queer as F*CK Pride Dance Party – 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
NO LAW and Take ‘Em Down NOLA are presenting this lady, queer, nonbinary dance party at One Eyed Jacks on Toulouse St. There will be DJs, dance teams, and performances by drag queens, beaux queens, burlesque dancers, and more.
Sunday, June 9
Family Equality Day – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Come out and celebrate inclusion and diversity at the Longue Vue House & Gardens with this family-centric event. There will be performances, crafts, kid-friendly activities, and a resource tent.
While any weekend can be a progressive weekend, this weekend is one of the best! We hope that you’ll come out and enjoy all that New Orleans Pride Fest has to offer.
